Dateline: 05/12/01
One of the last "crooners" on the American pop music scene died
Saturday at his home in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida. Perry Como,
probably best known in recent years for his annual Christmas
specials on television, took his smooth, laid back vocal talents
from the barbershop to the recording studio and national television
over a career that spanned over 50 years. Fellow crooner Bing Crosby
once called him, "The man who invented casual."
According to published reports, Como died while sitting in a
chair in his bedroom. For the past two years he had been in ill
health, however he continued to host a weekly syndicated radio
program either by telephone or in person. Como's daughter, Terri
Thibadeau, said that her father was with his caregiver when he
simply just closed his eyes and died. He had suffered from
Alzheimer's for about two years, she said. Como was always known as
one of the most personable entertainers in show business. Comedian
Don Rickles once said of Como," Perry was a special kind of guy
whose charisma will never be matched."
Como left his barber shop in the mill towns of Pennsylvania in
the 1930's to pursue a career as a big band singer and reached the
height of popularity in the 1940's and 1950's with such hits as
'Till The End of Time (1945), Surrender (1946),
Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes (1952) and Catch a
Falling Star (1957). His personal theme song, Dream Along
with Me was one of the most recognized lyrics in show business
during those years. During his career he had 27 Gold Records and
sold over 100 million recordings.
In 1948, Como moved from records and radio to the new medium of
television with The Chesterfield Supper Club and in 1950 he
began a nine year run on both CBS and NBC with The Perry Como
Show. From 1959 until his retirement from network television in
1963, he hosted The Kraft Music Hall. In 1954, 1955, 1956,
1958 and 1959 he won Emmy Awards for best variety show on
television. He continued to do special appearances on television and
for many families the Perry Como Christmas Show was an event
not to be missed. During this time he also played Las Vegas and
toured the world, bringing his own unique style of ballad to
millions of live listeners. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan
presented him with a Kennedy Center Award in recognition of his
contributions to the arts in America. Looking back on his career,
Como is quoted as saying, "For the amount of talent I had--and I
couldn't dance, act, or tell a joke--I enjoyed a tremendous
career."
Como's wake service is scheduled for Thursday at St. Edward's
Catholic Church in Palm Beach, Florida. A funeral Mass will be held
the next morning, the day Como would have turned 89.
For more information on Alzheimer's Disease please visit About's Guide,
Beth Creason.
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