Perry Como Famous Songs: A Look Back at His Biggest Hits
Perry Como, the “singing barber” from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, became one of the most successful and beloved vocalists of the 20th century. His smooth baritone voice and incredibly relaxed demeanor charmed audiences for decades across radio, records, film, and television. While his easygoing style might seem understated compared to some contemporaries, Como’s impact was immense, influencing even the likes of Frank Sinatra. Examining Perry Como Famous Songs reveals a fascinating mix of chart-topping novelty tunes, enduring ballads, and timeless holiday classics that cemented his place in music history. Though sometimes overshadowed by his more ephemeral hits, Como’s extensive catalog showcases a consistent artistry and warmth that continues to resonate with listeners discovering the Great American Songbook.
The Smooth Voice That Charmed Generations
Perry Como’s journey from a $35-a-week laborer’s son and apprentice barber to an international singing sensation is a classic American success story. After initial attempts, he found success with the Ted Weems Orchestra before embarking on a solo career in the early 1940s. His vocal style was distinct: effortlessly smooth, never forced, and deeply confident. It wasn’t the slick, self-aware style of someone like Dean Martin, but rather the understated polish of a master craftsman. Como possessed an innate ability to make singing look easy, akin to a dancer so practiced that every move appears fluid and natural. This relaxed approach defined his recordings and his incredibly successful television presence.
Vintage black and white publicity headshot of a smiling Perry Como, famous singer known for hits like 'Catch a Falling Star'
His appeal was undeniable. Frank Sinatra himself admitted feeling pressure from Como’s rising popularity when considering his own solo move from the Tommy Dorsey orchestra in 1942. Sinatra recognized Como as a “wonderful singer” whose success signaled a changing landscape for vocalists. This acknowledgment from such a towering figure underscores the significance of Como’s talent and the need to look closely at his musical legacy, particularly his most famous songs.
The Paradox of Popularity: Perry Como’s Most Famous Songs
Perry Como’s legacy faces a peculiar challenge: his greatest commercial successes often overshadow his deeper artistic contributions. The public frequently gravitated towards his lighter, sometimes faddish material, which, while immensely popular at the time, doesn’t always represent the full scope of his talent.
Novelty Hits That Topped the Charts
A significant portion of Perry Como Famous Songs falls into the category of novelty hits. Tracks like “Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom),” “Papa Loves Mambo,” “Hoop-De-Doo,” and “Kewpie Doll” were massive sellers and remain some of his most recognizable tunes. These songs captured the playful spirit of the era and showcased Como’s ability to deliver catchy, lighthearted material with his characteristic ease. While critics might dismiss them as slight, their immense popularity was undeniable, contributing significantly to Como’s household name status. It’s worth noting that recording novelty songs was common practice for popular vocalists of the time; even Sinatra had less successful attempts. Como simply had a knack for making these tunes stick. Other major hits that cemented his stardom include “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes” and the eternally optimistic “Catch a Falling Star,” which won Como the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Vocal Performance, Male in 1959.
Enduring Ballads and Signature Tunes
Beyond the up-tempo novelties, Como excelled with dramatic, heartfelt ballads. “Prisoner of Love,” “Temptation,” and “If” were major hits that showcased his smooth delivery and ability to convey emotion without resorting to vocal histrionics. These songs became signature pieces, defining the romantic crooner aspect of his persona. Decades later, he achieved an improbable comeback hit in 1971 with “It’s Impossible.” This lush ballad, demonstrating his voice remained remarkably intact, became one of his biggest international successes and introduced him to a new generation. Another significant hit, “Magic Moments,” written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, perfectly captured Como’s gentle charm and became one of his most enduring and beloved recordings worldwide.
Holiday Classics: A Festive Legacy
No discussion of Perry Como famous songs is complete without mentioning his contribution to holiday music. His rendition of “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” is an absolute staple of the Christmas season. Recorded in 1954, its warm, inviting tone perfectly encapsulates the feeling of returning to family during the festive period. Alongside this, Como recorded numerous popular Christmas albums filled with carols and seasonal favorites, becoming one of the quintessential voices of Christmas radio, even if artists like Andy Williams occasionally get more airplay in recent years. His holiday recordings remain a significant part of his enduring appeal.
Beyond the Hits: Uncovering Como’s Artistry
While the famous singles defined his popular image, Como’s artistry often shone brightest on his album tracks, particularly during the late 1950s and early 1960s. With the rise of rock and roll shifting the focus away from pop vocalists on singles charts, and his own hit TV show providing a steady platform, Como recorded a series of excellent albums for RCA Victor. Titles like So Smooth (1957), We Get Letters (1957), Saturday Night With Mr. C (1958), Como Swings (1959), and Young at Heart (1961) offered a more relaxed, sophisticated counterpoint to the high-energy Vegas sound popularized by Sinatra’s concept albums of the same era.
These albums allowed Como to explore the Great American Songbook with subtlety and grace. A prime example is his rendition of “Gypsy in My Soul” from Saturday Night with Mr. C. With light, airy orchestration, Como glides through the lyrics, his enunciation understated and lilting. The performance is effortlessly charming and captures the essence of his style. Similarly, his take on the lesser-known ballad “Toselli’s Serenade” (from 1966) demonstrates his unique interpretive skill. Where a powerhouse vocalist might belt the song’s themes of lost love and regret, Como offers a gentler, more melancholic reading that perfectly aligns with the lyrics’ sentiment, making it arguably more moving and enjoyable. His approach was never about overwhelming a song but inhabiting it comfortably. “Once you know a song too well, you start to fool around with it,” he once explained, preferring to learn the tune during the recording session itself.
The “Mr. Nice Guy” Behind the Music
Como’s public persona perfectly matched his musical style: warm, unpretentious, and genuinely likable. His long-lasting marriage to Roselle Belline (65 years until her death in 1998), his devotion to his family (they adopted three children), and his decision to forgo lucrative nightclub appearances for 26 years during his prime to focus on his television show and recordings painted a picture of a grounded family man. A 1957 Look magazine cover story explored whether he truly was “Mr. Nice Guy,” noting his lack of enemies and scandal-free life despite his immense fame and fortune.
His background as one of 13 children of Italian immigrants, working from a young age in a barber shop, instilled a sense of humility he never lost. He famously quipped, “I’m not relaxed, I’m just tired.” His easygoing manner translated perfectly to television. The Perry Como Show (in various iterations) was a mainstay of American living rooms through the 1950s and into the 1960s. His relaxed hosting style, often clad in his trademark cardigan sweaters, made viewers feel comfortable and welcome. He wasn’t an actor trying to project charisma; he was simply being himself. As he told Good Housekeeping, “I was always relaxed on camera when I sang, mainly because I’m not very high-strung or animated by nature… I just breathe and sometimes it doesn’t look as if I’m doing that.” This authentic presence was key to his enduring popularity and the warm reception of his famous songs.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy of Smooth Sounds
Perry Como’s career spanned remarkable changes in popular music, yet his core appeal remained consistent. While Perry Como famous songs include a memorable collection of novelty hits that captured the public’s imagination, his legacy also rests on beautifully rendered ballads, sophisticated album tracks, and heartwarming holiday classics. His understated style, often described as “relaxed” or “easy listening,” was built on a foundation of impeccable technique and genuine warmth. He was the consummate professional who made extraordinary talent look effortless.
Though his unpretentious approach might have led to him being somewhat overlooked in historical narratives dominated by more flamboyant performers, Como’s influence and success were undeniable. He sold millions of records, conquered television, and maintained a reputation as one of entertainment’s truly decent individuals. As RCA Records stated in a tribute ad upon his passing: “50 years of music and a life well lived. An example to all.” On the centenary of his birth and beyond, as new generations explore the Great American Songbook, Perry Como’s rich catalog of famous songs and hidden gems offers ample reward for listeners seeking timeless music delivered with unparalleled smoothness and sincerity.
