In Memory Of...
The world lost an elder statesman of music over the weekend. The music
industry lost a legend.
He was born in Canonsburg, PA on May 18, 1912. One of thirteen children whose
parents were Italian immigrants, Perry Como was the town barber
before leaving his job and town behind to tour with the big bands of
the era. He became one of the more popular entertainers of his time
through radio and jukebox play during the mid to late 40's. Into the
50's he had his own variety show for a while as well as million-selling
hits.
With the onset of rock 'n' roll Perry and other singers of his genre
were pushed off the main charts, but he continued on with his television
appearances...especially the Christmas specials which would come to be
known as one of his trademarks along with the cardigan sweaters he
always wore.
Hits like 'Catch a Falling Star', 'Papa Loves Mambo', 'It's Impossible',
'Dig You Later (A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba)' and 'Hot Diggity (Dog Ziggity Boom)'
endeared him to fans young and old. During the 70's his career was revitalized
briefly when he recorded Don McLean's 'And I Love You So'.
He was awarded the Kennedy Center award for outstanding achievement in the
performing arts in 1987 by President Reagan.
For me, I have to agree with Don McLean who said 'Perry Como was every bit
the equivalent of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett or any pop singer of the century.'
There was something special there. I remember watching the Christmas specials
with my mother, father and sisters and the smiles and joys that they brought.
It was a special time when every problem was forgotten and we enjoyed the moment
together.
I had the privilege of seeing Perry Como bring his Christmas special 'to a town
near you'. To see the man live on stage performing the songs and skits I had grown up
watching was reminiscent of sitting around the television when I was a child,
listening to my father singing along with Perry Como. Of all the things that
I miss the most in my life, Christmas without Perry Como is near the top of the
list. It's a shame that my daughters will never experience the wonder and
warmth of a Perry Como Christmas.
It was nice to have seen you in person, Perry. It is a memory that will
live in my heart and mind forever. We'll miss you...
Perry Como's wake service is Thursday evening at St. Edward's Catholic Church
in Palm Beach, FL. the funeral Mass will be held Friday morning, what would
have been Perry Como's 89th birthday.
- Richard Blaine
Quote of the Week
Perry Como was the epitome of class, style and decency - three
things we don't have a lot of in the music business anymore.
In his quiet but magical way, Perry Como was every bit the equivalent of
Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett or any pop singer of the century -
Don McLean (5/14/01)
* Richard Blaine's views and opinions do not necessarily
reflect the views and opinions of the staff at Twin-Music.