Essential Gold

Perry Como

One of the most prolific and successful pop vocalists of the 20th century, Perry Como had a multi-decade string of hits that began in the 1940s and didn't really slow down until the '70s. His smooth, easygoing "crooner" style was influenced by Bing Crosby, but Como incorporated that influence into a sound all his own. Como's amiable appeal translated well to television, and he was as much a presence on TV (especially his famous Christmas specials) as on record, in addition to making numerous film appearances in the '40s and '50s. Perry Como died in 2001.