He started with scissors and a smile—then sang his way into the hearts of millions.
Before he ever stepped in front of a microphone, Perry Como was standing behind a barber chair in the small steel town of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The son of Italian immigrants, he was one of 13 children—and from an early age, Como learned the value of hard work, humility, and grace. He never chased fame. In fact, he didn’t even seek it. But somehow, through a voice as smooth as warm velvet and a demeanor as gentle as his hands once were with a straight razor, Perry Como became one of the most beloved voices in American music history.
He cut hair six days a week and sang only for pleasure. It wasn’t until he was in his early 20s that opportunity knocked—quietly, like he did everything. Soon, he was singing with big bands and gaining a reputation not just for his effortless baritone, but for the calm confidence that made people feel like they knew him. No flash. No ego. Just music, heart, and sincerity.
By the 1940s and ‘50s, Perry Como had become a household name, with timeless hits like “Catch a Falling Star,” “It’s Impossible,” and “And I Love You So.” He hosted one of the most popular TV variety shows of the era and brought a kind of gentle elegance to the screen that made him feel like a friend in your living room every week.
What made Como stand out wasn’t just his voice—it was his authenticity. He never needed to raise it to be heard. In an industry of stars who shined loudly, Perry Como whispered—and the world leaned in.
And even after all the fame, all the records, and all the applause, he never forgot where he came from. He returned often to Canonsburg, stayed close to his family, and always credited his barber roots for teaching him the simple joy of connecting with people.