1. Nicholas Perito was an American Hollywood composer and arranger and, for 40 years, the closest collaborator of singer Perry Como.
12 Facts About Nick Perito
1. 2.
Nick Perito started performing at parties at a young age and received a scholarship to the Lamont School of Music, studying at the University of Denver.
3.
Nick Perito remained in New York after World War II, entering the Juilliard School of Music and graduating from the college in 1949.
4.
Nick Perito went home to Denver to marry his high school sweetheart, Judy Stone, and worked at Denver's KOA with his own weekday radio program in 1946.
5.
Nick Perito had his own band that had a permanent spot at Jack Dempsey's Broadway Restaurant, owned by the boxer.
6.
Como had recorded a novelty song, "Hoop-De-Doo", and Nick Perito was hired to accompany him on accordion for television performances of the song.
7.
Nick Perito became the musical director of United Artists Records in 1961.
8.
Nick Perito continued to work with the singer through his very last performance: Como's Irish Christmas special in 1994.
9.
Nick Perito was the musical director for the American Film Institute awards, as well as The Don Knotts Show, Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television specials.
10.
Nick Perito was an influential arranger of background music for Muzak in the late 1960s and early 70s.
11.
Nick Perito became the musical director for Bob Hope in 1993, and worked with Hope's wife, Dolores, when she decided to pick up her singing career after 60 years.
12.
Nick Perito played accordion for actor Paul Sorvino's PBS musical special in 1996.