By Steven Bonini
Perry Como – you remember him, right?
No? Oh, that’s right – it’s 2021, not 1957! My bad...
Well, I guess I have some explaining to do.
Perry Como was a popular Italian-American entertainer of the 1950s, best known for his smooth baritone voice, warm presence, and witty personality.
Como has been cited as creating the appearance of a naturally “casual” person during his era, often seen in different-colored sweaters, slacks, and what appeared to be fairly comfortable leather shoes – when he wasn’t wearing a suit, of course!
He appeared on television regularly from 1948 to 1967, crooning his way into people’s homes – “Sing to me, Mr. C!” his fans would say, and that he most certainly did.
With hit songs such as “Papa Loves Mambo,” “Catch a Falling Star,” “Magic Moments,” and many more, Mr. C became a national icon for the young and old alike.
His career aside, Como was a family man above all else.
He was loyal to his first and only wife, attended church nearly every Sunday, and did his best to prioritize the lives of his three children before his popularity.
What happened to men like Como?
Today, I turn on the television and hear about men such as Eminem, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber, all of whom I consider to be arrogant, ignorant, and obnoxious, basking in their own glory.
And they always seem to be striving to achieve more as artists in an attempt to appease their
audiences.
It brings to mind the question of where popular culture went wrong.
I’m all for growing, learning, and accomplishing more as a performer and as a person, but it seems to be that men on the popular scene today don’t do it with the humble attitude Perry did.
Como was a man who was content with his life and career.
He’d have a hit record from time to time, host his weekly evening television program, and spend time with his family, never trying to achieve more than the success he had gained – always remaining gracious for the life he had built.
Even during an era in which Elvis Presley and Little Richard were rocking the stages of the nation, Mr. C still managed to stay relevant, whether by singing a tender ballad or a jazzy pop tune. He kept up.
He never stooped to the level of artists like Elvis, who would shake his hips on stage just to get an “awe” from the women in the audience.
Como held a strong sense of moral character, something I think men could learn from today.
When I listen to the music of popular artists in our modern-day culture, I become concerned.
There’s so much vulgarity, violence, and talk of drugs in music today.
I can only imagine Como would be appalled at the sound of current popular music – rightfully so!
Are today’s popular music artists truly the type of people you want to look up to?
I know I don’t.
To all of my readers – take a page out of Mr. C’s book.