Who Is Perry Como? Age, Biography and Wiki
Perry Como was born on May 18, 1912, in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. Known for his smooth voice and charming demeanor, Como became one of the most beloved figures in American music and television. Over his six-decade-long career, he produced countless hits and won numerous awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy. As of 2025, if he were alive, he would be celebrating his 113th birthday!
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 18, 1912 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 May, 2001 |
| Died Place | Jupiter Inlet Colony, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Perry Como's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Perry Como stood at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). While his exact weight fluctuated over the years, he was known to maintain a healthy physique, which contributed to his on-screen charisma. Specific body measurements are not widely documented, but Como's style and presence were undoubtedly part of his appeal.
The crooning craze was at its height during this time, and the "bobby soxer" and "swooner" teenaged girls who were wild about Sinatra added Como to their list. A "swooners" club voted Perry "Crooner of the Year" in 1943. The line for a Perry Como Paramount performance was three deep and wound around the city block.
Como's popularity also extended to a more mature audience when he played the Versailles and returned to the Copacabana, where the management placed "SRO-Swooning Ruled Out" cards on their tables.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Perry Como married his childhood sweetheart, Roselle 'Russ' Como, in 1933. The couple enjoyed a loving marriage until Roselle's passing in 1998. Together, they raised three children: Ronnie, David, and Kelly. Perry's dedication to family and love for his wife significantly shaped his life choices and career.
He was the seventh of 13 children and the first American-born child of Pietro Como (1877–1945) and Lucia Travaglini (1883–1961), who both emigrated to the US in 1910 from the Abruzzese town of Palena, Italy. He did not begin speaking English until he entered school, since the Comos spoke Italian at home.
The family had a second-hand organ his father had bought for $3; as soon as Como was able to toddle, he would head to the instrument, pump the bellows, and play music he had heard.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2001, Perry Como's net worth was estimated to be around $40 million. This wealth was accrued through his successful music career, television shows, and various endorsements. In 2025, his legacy continues to generate interest and admiration, further solidifying his impact on the entertainment industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Perry Como started his career in the 1930s and quickly became a household name thanks to his soothing voice and relaxed performance style. He was one of the first TV stars, hosting "The Perry Como Show," which aired for several decades. Como also made significant contributions to the music industry, producing iconic holiday albums and classic songs like "Catch a Falling Star" and "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." Beyond his music and television ventures, Como was savvy with his investments, which included real estate and various business partnerships.
Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an American singer, actor, and television personality. During a career spanning more than half a century, he recorded exclusively for RCA Victor for 44 years, from 1943 until 1987.
Social Network
Though Perry Como did not have social media during his lifetime, his legacy is honored and shared across various platforms today. Fans and music enthusiasts can find tributes, classic performances, and discussions about his impactful contributions on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Como's first recording with the Weems band was a novelty tune called "You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes", recorded for the Decca Records label in May 1936.
During one of Como's early Decca recording sessions with the Weems orchestra, Weems was told to get rid of "that kid" (Como) because he sounded too much like Bing Crosby, who also recorded for Decca. Before Como could reply, Weems spoke up, saying Como was part of the session or it was over.
By the time Como had been with Weems about a year, he was mentioned in a 1937 Life magazine NBC Radio ad for Fibber McGee and Molly as "causing cardiac flutters with his crooning".
The weekly radio show, Beat the Band, which ran on NBC from 1940 to 1944, was a "stump the band"-type musical quiz show on which Weems and his orchestra were featured from 1940 to 1941.
Education
Perry Como attended high school in Canonsburg, where he developed his love for music. He had a modest education, focusing more on his passion for singing and performing rather than formal higher education. Como's natural talent and dedication proved instrumental in his successful career, demonstrating that passion can often outshine formal qualifications.
As we remember Perry Como's contributions to music and television, his legacy continues to inspire generations. Whether you’re revisiting his classic performances or exploring his impact on American culture, Perry Como's influence remains timeless.
Como's CBS contract was to expire on July 1, 1955. The year before, he had been asked to be the master of ceremonies and narrator of the NBC Radio 35th anniversary special. That April, Perry Como signed a 12-year "unbreakable" contract with NBC.
On his last CBS show, June 24, 1955, Como was in high spirits, bringing all those who worked off camera on the air for introductions. Como tried his hand at camera work, getting a picture on the air but one that was upside-down.
In appreciation for the 11-year association, his sponsor, Chesterfield, presented him with all the musical arrangements used during this time as a parting gift.
