Como was terrified, but his friends urged him and pushed him onto the stage. [131] That April, Perry Como signed a 12-year "unbreakable" contract with NBC. Copy to clipboard. Admitting to the Orlando Sentinel that he was "embarrassed" to have the songs attached to his name, Como revealed, "No, I don't sing any of those songs in my show. We got David when he was four, and Terri when she was six months old. . [94][95], In 1984, Como traveled the US with his 50th Anniversary tour. He asked Como to bring his television show to the Naval base. As he recalled, one episode was doomed with technical problems, "[starting] out with six cameras and [winding] up with one." [241][242] One of the things he did to give a helping hand to his home town was to convince RCA to open a record-pressing plant there. The fatherly crooner, known for his mellow style and cardigan sweaters, died Saturday at the age of 88 at his home in Jupiter Inlet Colony, Fla. Como's daughter, Terri Thibadeau, said her. Weems had recordings of some of his previous radio programs; one evening Como and he listened to them, and Como was shocked to realize that no one could make out the words to the songs he was singing. [29][135][137] It was also here where he began wearing his trademark cardigan sweaters. Interview Guests for this episode consist of Perry Como (Self), Terri Thibadeau (Daughter), Gene Como (Brother), Mickey Glass (Manager), Nick Perito (Music Director/Arranger), Vic Damone (Singer/friend), Eddie Fisher (Singer/friend), Robert Batscha (Museum of Television & Radio), and Will Friedwald (Music Critic), with Harry Smith (Host and Photos of Como with the barbers were framed in the shop. In fact, even when he was starting off singing with the Ted Weems Orchestra in the mid-'30s, record labels brushed him aside, saying he sounded too much like Bing Crosby. ", "Laziness" wasn't the only feedback that plagued the crooner, however. [48] Como was devastated by her death. She waltzed into his heart and stayed. David and Terri were adopted because his wife Roselle was unable to have more children after giving birth to Ronnie. Como himself took part in none of this; his production company, Roncom, named for son Ronald Como, handled the transaction along with all other Como business matters. [2], "Mr. C.", as he was nicknamed, sold millions of records and pioneered a weekly musical variety television show. [211][212] Como's guests on the October 3, 1962, broadcast were Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player. [32], Como was not certain if he should accept the offer Freddy Carlone had made, so he returned to Canonsburg to talk the matter over with his father. As he was heading on stage, the platform he was on was supposed to split in two but the spotlight never went on the singer. "[1][23][56] Until the radio show and recording contract offers, he did not really view singing as his true career, believing the years with Carlone and Weems had been enjoyable, but now it was time to get back to work. [120][121] The show was the usual Friday night Chesterfield Supper Club with an important exceptionit was also being broadcast on television. "I moved to my left to compensate for it." Had three children: Ronnie, David and Terri. Como had suffered from Alzheimer's. He had named Ronald. Menu. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explains that for the remainder of the decade, both Como and his bride lived on the road, living in different apartments while he worked with Freddy Carlone. [156][157], An example of Como's popularity came in 1956, when Life conducted a poll of young women, asking them which man in public life most fit the concept of their ideal husband: it was Perry Como. [162], In 1959, Como signed a $25 million deal with Kraft Foods[163] and moved to Wednesday nights, hosting Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall weekly for the next four years. As he revealed, "By the end of the show, everything had gone wrong that could go wrong, people were running all over the place, and the audience was going crazy with laughter. In 1963, he gave up the regular TV show and began doing occasional specials. [203] His preference for casual clothing did not keep him from being named one of the Best Dressed Men beginning in 1946, and continuing long after Como stopped appearing on weekly television. [140][141] There was as much fun at rehearsals as on the show itself. Adopted daughter of Perry Como. About 80 miles from Cleveland, it was a popular stop on the itinerary for dance bands who worked up and down the Ohio Valley. Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (/komo/; May 18, 1912 May 12, 2001) was an American singer, actor, and television personality. Como, appearing aged and unwell, had the flu during the show, which took four hours to record. When Como finally appeared, the director had no idea who he was. Perry Como - It's Impossible, Father Daughter Dance - YouTube [66] On December 11, 1944, he moved from CBS to NBC for a new radio program, Chesterfield Supper Club. While one can describe his entire brand as laid-back, it doesn't mean the iconic crooner simply coasted through life. Perhaps the reason people rarely talk about his formidable attributes as a singer is that he makes so little fuss about them. Started career in '30s, performed through seven decades. Nevertheless, 1933 saw Como choosing to "sing for a living" and it also marked the first year of his life as a married man since he finally wed his longtime love. So, what happened? [243][244] Those who needed to raise funds for local projects like Boys' and Girls' Clubs found him always ready to do whatever was needed. [149][150][151] On September 15, 1956, the season premiere of The Perry Como Show was broadcast from NBC's new color television studio at the New York Ziegfeld Theatre, making it one of the first weekly color TV shows. All Rights Reserved. [12] He was the seventh of 13 children[13] and the first American-born child of Pietro Como (1877-1945) and Lucia Travaglini (1883-1961),[14][15][16] who both emigrated to the US in 1910 from the Abruzzese town of Palena, Italy. A week later, a service was held in Palm Beach with 700 mourners a modest amount for the iconic crooner. As revealed by Billboard, the pay raise was a fantastic boost, too, and the artist was suddenly making $50 a week. . "[232][233] The borough honored him three times over the course of his life. Read Next: M83 Baptizes New Record Fantasy in an Ocean of Sound: ConcertReview, Jock Zonfrillo, MasterChef Australia Judge, Dies at 46, Only Murders in the Building Season 3 Premiere Date Revealed by Steve Martin and Martin Short at Comedy Show (EXCLUSIVE), Matthew Lawrence: 'My Agency Fired Me' After I Refused to Take My Clothes Off for an Award-Winning Director, Netflixs Saudi Arabian Psychological Thriller The Matchmaker Tackles Controversial Subject of Temporary Marriages, Says, Super Mario Bros. Movie Officially Smashes $1 Billion Globally, The Late Late Show With James Corden Series Finale Scores 1.43 Million Viewers, Willie Nelsons 90th Birthday Is Smoking, With Snoop Dogg, George Strait and Neil Young Among the Party Favorites at the Hollywood Bowl, Bill Hader Is Open to Playing Stefon Again, One Year After Saying He Might Retire the Character Due to Being Seen as a Stereotype, The Morning Show Renewed for Season 4 on Apple TV+ Ahead of Season 3 Debut, That Old Jack Black Magic: As the Villain of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' the Actor Gives His Peachiest Performance in Years, COVER STORY | How a Sex Scandal, Big Egos and Putin Led to Jeff Shells Sudden, No Payout Exit From NBCU, Ryan Goslings Greta Gerwig Barbie Tee and Margot Robbies Pink Two Piece Embrace Barbiecore, The Brilliance of Harry Belafonte in 12 Songs, Bob Odenkirk Joins The Bear Season 2 (EXCLUSIVE), Is This 'Beau Is Afraid' Character a De-Aged Joaquin Phoenix? Clearly, the owner must have taken a liking to the preteen, and he eventually taught him how to cut hair for 50 cents a week. Perry Como and his wife Roselle and son Ronald stand below a plane before boarding a flight to Palm Beach, Florida for a week's vacation. Tragically, it looks like the Como clan were stuck in a bitter dispute during Perry's final years. He helped pioneer variety shows in the 1950s and performed on television specials over the last four decades. We spent two beautiful hours (Friday) with dad, me and my grandson, Holden, Thibadeau told the Palm Beach Post. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website "He doesn't have an enemy in the world personally or professionally," recalled singer Steve Lawrence to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. You get them together to the point where you can forget about how you do things and concentrate on what you are doing. Though Mrs. Belline spoke no English and Gleason no Italian, Roselle's mother was thrilled. [37] He returned to Canonsburg, his family, and his trade, weary of life on the road, and missing his wife and son. [208][209] "Perry Como Putters" were sold by MacGregor, each stamped with a Como facsimile autograph. Terri Como - IMDb [219] His funeral Mass took place at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Palm Beach, Florida. He found a lot more success on the small screen, hosting his own variety show. Cite this record . What some fail to realize, however, is that the Pennsylvania-born crooner is so much more than his gimmicky hits. Relation: Name: Birth: Father: Perry Como: May 18 1912: Brother: Ronnie Como: 1940: Sister: Terri Como: Spotted an error? Terri Como - Biographical Summaries of Notable People - MyHeritage Sure enough, right as his career blew up in the mid-'30s, he was also growing his nest with his wife, Roselle Belline and he admitted that touring brought along a "disruption of family life" (via The Washington Post). ", "Como Reconstruction To Comedy Isn't Easy", "People in the News-Hope Favors 'Silver Bells', "Touch of Celebrity Attracts Bidders to Auction of Perry Como Memorabilia", "Al Burk ad featuring Perry Como wearing one of the sports jackets in his line of clothing", "Como Far From Retired But He Fishes A Lot", "Como Handles Kid Fans Same as Own Children", "Crooner Seeks Sanctuary In Privacy Of Mountains", "Mourners remember 'nice guy' Perry Como at singer's funeral", "Gravesite Tour: The Dead celebrities of South Florida", "Como inducted into TV Hall of Fame tonight", "Canonsburg Youth Rated As Modern Edition Bing Crosby", "Video Tour of Canonsburg-various town tributes to Perry Como are seen", "Canonsburg Bride He "Saved" Will Be Perry Como's Guest", "Canonsburg mayor wants statue of Perry Como", "Perry Como Statue Sings Out for Tourists", "Welcome Back poster from Palena, Italy Perry Como celebration", "Photo of smaller version of Canonsburg Perry Como statue", "Town wall plaque, Palena, Italy, honoring Perry Como and his parents", "As big as he became, Como never forgot his roots", "Perry Como Defies Writer's Cramp to Keep Pledge to 658 Boys", "A new McDonald's to tribute Como and Vinton", "Photo of tree grate marked with Perry Como 'Catch A Falling Star' information", Perry Como Collection 19551994-University of Colorado at Boulder Archives, Complete List of Perry Como Shows19481955, Complete List of Perry Como Shows19551959, Complete List of Perry Como-Kraft Music Hall Shows19591963, The Best of Irving Berlin's Songs from Mr. President, Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba (My Bambino Go to Sleep), Dream Along with Me (I'm on My Way to a Star), I Dream of You (More Than You Dream I Do), It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Perry_Como&oldid=1151596070, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 April 2023, at 01:04. Palena, Italy, the birthplace of Como's parents, had a long-standing week-long festival in honor of the singer. Perry Como met his future wife, Roselle Belline, while he was running his own barbershop in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Thankfully, the singer had one silver lining. 700 PAY THEIR RESPECTS TO SINGER PERRY COMO - Sun Sentinel He was 88 years old (via Billboard). Only occasionally. Some highlights of the program, which was seen in the US on December 12, 1962, included Como's shaving a serviceman with a Castro-like beard and the enthusiastic participation when Perry asked for volunteers to come on stage to do the Twist with the lovely ladies who were part of the visiting dance troupe. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ The children of crooner Perry Como battled over their father's medical care before he died, court records show. Eddie Fisher, Como's friend, told the doc, "Any moment that anyone can spend with Perry has got to be a wonderful moment.". From his many siblings, Como was the first to be born in America. Como chartered a jet back to his home and doctors in Florida, where a second exam showed it had been seriously broken. "I'm not very high-strung or animated by nature," the crooner once told Good Housekeeping (via Kokomo). [154][155] At the height of this television competition, Como asked Gleason a favor: to visit his home when his mother-in-law, a big Gleason fan, was there. His major breakthrough came in 1945, with his first million-selling hit, "Till the End of Time." Perry Como, circa 1971 | Photo: Getty Images Advertisement Is "Mister Nice Guy" just a press agent's pitch? [22] In a rare 1957 interview, Como's mother, Lucia, described how her young son also took on other jobs to pay for more music lessons; Como learned to play many different instruments, but never had a voice lesson. However, "The Perry Como Show" didn't come without its own hiccups, as Mr. C explained to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel years later. [234] The first of these events took place September 14, 1946, when Third Street, where Perry worked in the barber shop of Steve Fragapane, was renamed "Perry Como Avenue". Per "Roadkill on the Three-chord Highway," Dave Kapp, the brother of the president of Decca records, once snapped to Weems, "Why are you letting him sing?" He competed with Frank Sinatra and Crosby to be the eras top crooner and was voted best vocalist in a magazine poll in 1953. Como simply said, "Goodnight, folks," and leaped, fully clothed, into the swimming pool. "We shared ice cream. [33][128] By 1952, it was evident that television would replace radio as the major entertainment medium. It turns out, the post-World War II-era singer's lighthearted and easygoing tunes were just as enjoyable as his personality. As he explained in his piece for Guideposts in 1953, the boy's entry into barbershop work began with the basics: sweeping hair and polishing mirrors. "[231], Canonsburg has always been very proud to be the birthplace of Perry Como; the local newspaper of the time, Canonsburg Daily Notes, seems to have been the first to write an article about him. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Pierino Roland Como was born May 18, in 1912 or 1913, in Canonsburg, Pa., the middle offspring of 13 children of Italian immigrants. An example to all. As Perry writes, by the time he was ready to cut hair, he passed his downtime at the shop by singing and playing the guitar. [184] Como, who sat in a side wing of the Long Island church where he attended Sunday Mass in an effort to avoid attracting attention, was both puzzled and upset on returning home that photos from the visit made the newspapers throughout the world. [47] The weekly radio show, Beat the Band, which ran on NBC from 19401944, was a "stump the band"-type musical quiz show on which Weems and his orchestra were the featured band from 19401941.[43]. GRANGER, IN - Ronald "Ron" Perry Como of Granger, IN, born on January 15, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Roselle Bellino Como and Perino Ronald "Perry" Como went to meet his maker. Mitchell Ayres, his musical director from 1948 to 1963 said, "Perry has a temper like everyone else. Terri Como. [92] The pair reprised this routine the next year in California as part of the entertainment for Queen Elizabeth's Royal visit. His idol, the late singer Bing Crosby, once called Como the man who invented casual.. Commenting on the relaxing effect his music has on people, Dean Martin once joked that he "used to go over to Perry's to borrow a cup of sleep". Cite this record . Como tried his hand at camera work, getting a picture on the air but one that was upside-down. When he was contacted by the agency some weeks later, saying they were ready to put the program on the air on NBC, Storer bluntly told them the man for their show was the man they had heard on the demo recording. Como had so much work after moving to the coffee house, he had to hire two barbers to help with it. But he got an offer to sing with Freddie Carlones band in Cleveland in the early 1930s. [210] His colleagues held an annual Perry Como Golf Tournament to honor him and his love for the game. [23][24] Como was a member of the Canonsburg Italian Band along with bandleader Stan Vinton, who was the father of singer Bobby Vinton, and often a customer at Como's barber shop. Terri Como Biography Trivia (1) Adopted daughter of Perry Como. While Perry remembers his father always living an active lifestyle, tragically enough, heart problems took over, and he had to leave his job at the mill. [179] During his visit to Dublin, Como visited a barber shop called "The Como" on Thomas Street. The Faye Emerson Show was initially broadcast in the same time slot on Tuesday and Thursday. In 1943, he began what turned into a 50-year contract with RCA-Victor Records with the recording of the song Goodbye Sue.. [120][135], Perry's announcer on the broadcasts, Frank Gallop, became a foil for Como's jokes. [86][87][88] Como was invited to visit Buckingham Palace the day after the show. [63], 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. Ron. [21] Pietro, a mill hand and an amateur baritone, had all his children attend music lessons even if he could barely afford them. A mere three years later, he worked his way up to a barber position, manning his own chair. Como gave him a shave and haircut at the Fox Studios barber shop to prove him wrong. "[3], Como received five Emmys from 1955 to 1959,[4] and a Christopher Award in 1956. Perry and Roselle Belline had been high school sweethearts. [54] One week later, he signed his first RCA Victor contract and three days after that cut his first record for the company, "Goodbye, Sue". [62] Sinatra would sometimes call Como and ask him to fill in for him at his Paramount Theater performances. His daughter Therese Thibadeau and son Ronald Como had some disagreement on Como's medical care, as reported by Sarasota Herald Tribune. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. During a charity event in the weeks that came, the singer dedicated his song "And I Love You So" to his best friend and life partner, per Tributes. [153] The weekly ratings winner would phone the loser for some mock gloating. He noted that while he did try to come home "late afternoon [on] most days," it was Belline who was in charge of the house. Once the cast was removed, a rehabilitation process for his knee took place, and after that, he was back on stage albeit not as spritely (for Como's standards) as before. "[20][57], Perry made his debut radio broadcast for CBS on March 12, 1943. [159][160] At one point, his television show was broadcast in at least 12 other countries. Never appearing in the tabloids negatively, it seems that Perry Como was beloved by all, even in his later years. He sat ready to work in his dressing room for two weeks without being called. Suggest an edit or add missing content. 19 Perry Como Wife Premium High Res Photos - Getty Images [39] Como initially did not take the offer to join Weems's orchestra. "The Como" closed in 2002, but it remains a household name in The Liberties. When we're driving, for instance, and somebody cuts him off, he really lets the offender have it. JUPITER INLET COLONY, Fla. Perry Como, the crooning baritone barber famous for his relaxed vocals, cardigan sweaters and television Christmas specials, died Saturday at his home. But, sure enough, Como had no choice, as it was those songs that made him the most money. her. [20] By the time Como had been with Ted 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". [5] He was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1990[223][224][225] and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987. children weren't . 5. 20 Facts about Perry Como - from the First Job He Had at 11 to His Perry Como Remembered. Perry Como: Story behind 'Catch a Falling Star' Singer's - AmoMama Why AI Has Some Viewers Asking Which Film Actors Are Real. I first met her almost 30 years ago. [53] The offers were also appealing because it meant staying put in New York with no more road tours. [67][68][69], The April 5, 1946, broadcasts of the Chesterfield Supper Club took place 20,000 feet in the air; these were the first known instances of a complete radio show being presented from an airplane. [142] Como's relaxed and fun-loving manner at rehearsals put many nervous guests at ease. In 1987, President Reagan presented Como with a Kennedy Center award for outstanding achievement in the performing arts. ", "Como Keeping Good Company on Those $24,000,000 Two-Year TV Wrapups: Desilu, Chevy, Sullivan", "Bennett, Brewer, Four Lads Star In Como Summer Show", "Kraft Music Hall: The Perry Como Show 19591963", "Perry Como Greatest Christmas Songs liner notes", "Doug Bell's Message Corner-Obituary: Perry Como", "Bob Montgomery To Be Guest On Durante Show on March 14", "Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem", "Host Perry Como Welcomes Mitzi Gaynor and Art Carney", "Perry Como's Pace Even More Deliberate Now", "Whatever Happened To Perry Como, America's Favorite? Perry's catches would usually turn out to be the Como family's dinners. Practicing on his father, he mastered the skills well enough to have his own shop at age 14. Como's daughter, Terri Thibadeau, of Jupiter, smiled as she recalled her father's common touch. Weems told Como no need existed for him to resort to vocal tricks; what was necessary was to sing from the heart. "I loved it. All that said, even by Como's standards of understated performances, eagle-eyed fans noticed something was wrong during a TV special in November 1972, where the performer was moving glacially. [23][33] Because Como believed his professional life and his personal life should be kept separate, he declined repeated interview requests from Edward R. Murrow's Person to Person. People wrote in asking how I could be so casual. Crooner Como dies - Variety When it came Como's turn to sing, he chose "More Than You Know", with his eyes on Roselle for the entire song. [48] Though Como was now making $250 a week and travel expenses for the family were no problem, Ronnie could not become used to a normal routine when they were able to stay in one place for a period of time. According to Warm 106.9, her death left Como "devastated." "If it wasn't for her I'd have the best barbershop in town," a nostalgic Como told the Orlando Sentinel. Como said in a 1983 interview, "I thought I'd have my fun and I'd go home to work. Como, who attended the cookout with another girl, did not spot Roselle until everyone was around the campfire singing and the gathering was coming to a close. "It'll be 58 years soon and I told Roselle just the other day that I think I'm getting a little tired of it," Como quipped to Good Housekeeping Magazine in 1990 (via Kokomo). [172], Beginning in 1967, Como began reducing his TV appearances, gradually becoming limited to seasonal and holiday specials with the emphasis being on Christmas. Phyllis Diller had a painful time with not only marriages, but other. In addition to his daughter Therese, Como is survived by two sons; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was the seventh of 13 children born to his Italian immigrant parents, Pietro and Lucia Como, and the first to be a citizen of the U.S. by birth. [239] Perry's son, David, and his wife were also in attendance when the town of Palena renamed a street for Como. Diller had 5 children: Perry, Peter, Sally, Stephanie and Susan. Despite his immense popularity, Como is rarely given credit for what, once you stop and think of it, he so clearly is: one of the great singers and one of the great artists of our time. At the show's end, Williams was swimming in a pool specially constructed on the set for her appearance. Perry Como: Local Barber to Legendary Crooner Relatives. [152] In addition to this season premiere as a color television show, there was also a royal visit from Prince Rainier of Monaco and his bride of six months, Grace Kelly. Born in 1912 and growing up in small-town Pennsylvania, Perry Como was the seventh child of Pietro and Lucia Como's 13 children, with the couple having immigrated from Italy (via theAmerican Music Research Center). During a career spanning more than half a century, he recorded exclusively for RCA Victor for 44 years, after signing with the label in 1943. "Summer vacations were different," he proudly declared to Good Housekeeping, noting that with his "13 weeks off," he would plan trips with his entire family to go on. He managed to save some time by asking his music publisher, Mickey Glass, to wait in line for him at the confessional. Copy and paste this as text into your genealogy software or website It was a wonderful moment for us., The charming Italian-American, whose name became synonymous with mellow, performed through seven decades, starting in the 1930s. [183], In 1958, the Comos celebrated their silver wedding anniversary with a family trip to Italy. Having spent most of his professional life in radio or recording studios and on television soundstages, he was enjoying doing live performances. [176] Como filled the yearly gap for his fans with live Christmas concerts in various locations. Self: Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall. He discouraged photos of his home, as it was his private place to get away from the celebrity life. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Perry, Roselle, and Como's mother, Lucy, attended the ceremonies and banquet held at the State Armory. [229], In the official RCA Records Billboard memorial, his life was summed up in these words: "50 years of music and a life well lived. In his later years, it appears that the "It's Impossible" crooner started taking control of what he wanted to sing, avoiding the "novelty" tracks. "Frank [Sinatra] admits it too. According to the Daytona Beach Morning Journal, a year prior, Como was in Hollywood, ready to perform an NBC special. Como is known to be meticulous about rehearsal of the material for an album. Some sources listed Comos age as 88; others said he was 87. [31][79][80][81] Como continued to do periodic engagements in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, limiting his nightclub appearances to Nevada. They get tired of hearing Melancholy Baby and those mushy things, Como said in a 1994 interview. [111][112][53], A Hollywood press agent sought to alter Como's life story by changing his previous occupation from barber to coal miner, claiming it would make for better press. American singer, actor, and TV personality (19122001). "I get sick to my stomach when I see [my movies]," Como once declared (via "Roadkill on the Three-chord Highway"), further explaining that he actually asked to be released from his movie contract in 1947: "What the hell did I know about acting?". Because the stand-held microphones were not very useful on the plane, hand-held mikes were then used, but they became extremely heavy to hold after a few minutes. Weems and his orchestra were based in Chicago and were regulars on The Jack Benny Program and Fibber McGee and Molly. According to "Roadkill on the Three-chord Highway," the singer would refer to his biggest hits as "[pieces] of crap," explaining, "I'd tell the A&R [artists and repertoire] man, 'I can't sing that garbage.'" Born in America. [1][31][61] He became a very successful performer in theater and nightclub engagements; Como's initial two weeks at the Copacabana in June stretched into August. [37], Three years after joining the Carlone band, Como moved to Ted Weems's Orchestra and his first recording dates. At the show's end, Como sat in a chair, delightedly chatting back and forth with his equally delighted fans. It seems effortless, but a good deal of effort has gone into making it seem so.