From Barber Shop to Billboard: The Unlikely Rise of Crooner Perry Como

Music · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before he became a household name with over 100 million records sold, Perry Como was a small-town barber who sang to his customers. His journey from a Pennsylvania shop chair to the pinnacle of television variety entertainment defined an era of relaxed, easygoing charm that captivated millions for six decades.

Born in 1912 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Perry Como was one of 13 children in an Italian immigrant family. Music was a constant presence in his upbringing; despite the family's financial struggles, his father insisted that all the children receive music lessons. Como learned to play several instruments and read music, but he initially viewed barbering as his primary career. By age 14, he was already running his own shop, where he built a reputation for singing to his patrons while he worked. His popularity as a 'wedding barber' even drew clients from as far as Pittsburgh.

Como’s transition to professional music began in 1933 when bandleader Freddy Carlone heard him sing in Cleveland and offered him a job. After years of touring with orchestras like Ted Weems’s, Como briefly considered returning to his barbering roots in 1942. However, a 1943 recording contract changed his trajectory. He soon became a massive success, scoring his first million-selling hit, 'Till the End of Time,' in 1945. His mellow baritone and trademark cardigan sweaters became symbols of a relaxed, approachable style that resonated deeply with post-war audiences.

Beyond his recording success, Como pioneered the television variety format. From 1948 to 1963, he hosted weekly shows, including the popular 'Perry Como Show' and 'Kraft Music Hall,' which featured his signature 'Letters, we get letters' segment. His influence extended to the holiday season, where his annual Christmas specials became a staple of American television for decades. Even late in his career, he remained culturally relevant, earning a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987 and seeing his 1957 recording of 'Catch a Falling Star/Magic Moments' added to the National Recording Registry in 2024.

While his easygoing manner made him seem effortless, Como’s career was marked by significant professional longevity and versatility. He navigated the transition from radio to television with ease, winning multiple Emmy Awards between 1954 and 1959. His ability to connect with viewers through a screen helped establish the template for the modern television host, blending musical performance with a conversational, intimate style that felt like a visit from a friend.

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