Childhood and Early Life

American singer Perry Como was born Pierino Ronald Como on the 18 May 1913 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania in the United States. He was the son of Italian immigrants Lucia Travaglini and Pietro Como, the 7th child born into a large family.

His father was musical and encouraged his children to take music and singing lessons, even though the family was of modest means.

When Perry Como was in his early teens, his father fell ill and was unable to work. Como and his brothers did various jobs to help with the family budget.

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Rise to Fame

Musically gifted, by the time he was in his teens, Perry Como could play some different instruments. He played the trombone in the local brass band, the organ in the church and sang at social events.

Perry Como eventually became a member of the Canonsburg Italian Band.  After being invited to join the Ted Weems orchestra, he remained with the band for six years, singing on many of their popular hits. He trained as a barber and gained a reputation as a singing barber.

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