Perry Como's recorded legacy spans over five decades, defining the golden era of traditional pop music. With a smooth baritone voice and a relaxed phrasing style that influenced generations of singers, Como charted dozens of singles and sold millions of albums for RCA Records. Understanding his massive output requires looking past surface-level hits to explore his evolution from big band singer to top-selling album artist.
The search intent behind exploring Perry Como's discography involves tracking his major chart singles, his transition from 78 RPM singles to 12-inch long-playing (LP) albums, and his key holiday recordings. While casual listeners know his signature tracks, collectors and music historians often struggle to map his vast catalog across RCA Victor's studio albums, thematic concept records, and live recordings. This guide breaks down his musical eras, structural shifts, and essential releases without skipping a beat.
The Ted Weems Era and Early RCA Victor Singles (1936–1945)
Before launching his solo career, Como sang with the Ted Weems Orchestra, scoring his first major vocal success with "Jobanogalobo" and recording "Heart and Soul" in 1938. When the orchestra disbanded in 1942, Como considered returning to his hometown of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, to work as a barber. Instead, a radio contract with CBS and a signing with RCA Victor in 1943 transformed him into a national recording star.
His early singles were released on 78 RPM shellac discs, typically featuring an A-side and a B-side tailored for jukeboxes and radio play. Key singles from this breakout period include: Related coverage on the subject has been provided by BBC.
- "Goodbye, Sue" (1943) – His first solo hit on the national charts.
- "Till the End of Time" (1945) – Based on Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat major, this single spent nine weeks at number one and sold over a million copies.
- "Prisoner of Love" (1946) – Another massive million-seller that established his dominance in post-war popular music.
These tracks relied on lush string arrangements and Como's effortless delivery, setting a template for the American popular ballad.
The LP Transition and Concept Albums (1950s–1960s)
As the music industry shifted from individual singles to long-playing 12-inch vinyl records in the mid-1950s, Como adapted seamlessly. He didn't just compile radio hits; he crafted cohesive thematic albums with arrangers like Mitchell Ayres and Ray Charles.
During this era, Como released some of his most enduring multi-platinum singles, such as "Catch a Falling Star" and "Magic Moments" (both 1957), which won early Grammy recognition. However, his LPs showcased greater artistic depth. Notable albums from this prolific stretch include:
- So Rare (1957) – Blending traditional standards with uptempo mid-century pop arrangements.
- Como Swings (1959) – A departure into light jazz and swing standards that proved his vocal versatility beyond slow ballads.
- An American Institution (1962) – A showcase of his television variety show repertoire.
The Christmas Catalog Standard
No review of Como's discography is complete without addressing his holiday recordings. He released several landmark Christmas albums that remain seasonal staples.
His 1953 album Perry Como Sings Christmas Songs set a high bar, but it was 1968's The Perry Como Christmas Album and subsequent holiday specials that cemented his status as the voice of Christmas. Tracks like "Jingle Bells," "O Holy Night," and "Home for the Holidays" became permanent fixtures of holiday broadcasting, characterized by warm choral backing and intimate arrangements.
Later Years and Final Studio Recordings (1970s–1980s)
In the 1970s, Como updated his sound by incorporating contemporary pop and soft-rock covers into his repertoire, working with producer Nick Perito. This late-career pivot yielded massive international success.
His 1970 recording of "It's Impossible" (written by Armando Manzanero) became a global smash, earning a Grammy nomination and reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. This success breathed new life into his recording career, leading to subsequent albums such as And I Love You So (1973) and Thinking About You (1978), which proved he could interpret singer-songwriter material just as effectively as classic standards. His final studio album, Today, was released in 1987 by RCA Records, closing out a recording tenure with the label that lasted nearly half a century.
Common Mistakes When Collecting Perry Como Records
Collectors and fans diving into Como's discography often run into a few common pitfalls:
- Confusing compilation albums with original LPs: RCA issued dozens of budget compilations in the 1960s and 1970s using identical or overlapping tracklists. Always check matrix numbers and release years to identify original pressings.
- Overlooking 10-inch LP releases: Before the 12-inch format became standard, Como released several 10-inch albums in the early 1950s that feature unique track sequencing not found on later 12-inch reissues.
- Assuming chronological consistency: Because Como recorded for so long, RCA frequently repackaged older 78 RPM recordings into modern stereo LP sleeves without noting that the tracks were originally mono recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many albums did Perry Como release?
Como recorded dozens of studio albums, live albums, and Christmas LPs over his 50-year career with RCA Victor, alongside hundreds of standalone 78 RPM and 45 RPM singles before the album era fully took hold.
What was Perry Como's biggest-selling hit?
"Prisoner of Love" (1946) and "Till the End of Time" (1945) were massive blockbusters that each sold over a million copies during the 78 RPM era, while "It's Impossible" (1970) stands as his defining late-career global chart success.
Did Perry Como write his own songs?
No. Como was an interpretive vocalist rather than a songwriter. He relied on top-tier professional songwriters and arrangers to select material that fit his relaxed phrasing style.
Where can I stream Perry Como's complete discography?
Most of his core studio albums and greatest hits collections are available for streaming on major digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, though some rare television transcription recordings remain out of print commercially.
