Easy listening legend Perry Como has died in his sleep at his home in Florida at the age of 88 after a long illness. One of 13 children, Como started out on his career by serenading customers in a barber shop. He soared to fame with a laidback singing style which remained popular from the swing era of the 1930s right through to the modern easy listening revival. With his relaxed presenting style and trademark cardigans, The Perry Como Show was essential family viewing for millions of Americans in the pioneering early years of television. His Christmas show became an annual institution.
Perry Como was one of the biggest stars of the 1950s with his string of hits including Magic Moments, Catch A Falling Star, Winter Wonderland and It's Impossible, and he was considered a rival to greats like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett.
