Perry Como – And I Love You So

 Now there’s a voice that brings back memories. For decades, he was a comforting presence in American living rooms, serenading us with his smooth baritone and charmingly wholesome demeanor. Como wasn’t known for rocking the boat musically, but within the realm of traditional pop, he carved out a remarkable career, spanning over four decades and selling millions of records.

Today, we’ll delve into a specific gem from Como’s vast repertoire, a song that might surprise some listeners familiar with his usual style. The song is “And I Love You So”, and while it became a signature tune for Como in the early 1970s, it has a fascinating backstory.

The original composition wasn’t penned for the silver-haired crooner. Don McLean, a singer-songwriter known for his introspective folk anthems like “American Pie,” actually wrote and recorded the song himself in 1970. McLean’s version, though beautiful, didn’t quite capture the mainstream audience. Then came Perry Como.

Como’s producer, the legendary Chet Atkins, recognized the potential in “And I Love You So.” Atkins, known for his work with artists like Elvis Presley and Jerry Reed, had a knack for spotting hits. He saw a way to transform the melancholic folk ballad into a lush and romantic song, perfectly suited for Como’s voice.

The result was a revelation. Como’s rendition stripped away some of the original song’s introspective melancholy, replacing it with a warm, sentimental charm. The arrangement, courtesy of Cam Mullins, featured a gentle orchestra with strings taking center stage, creating a soft and luxurious soundscape. Como’s signature smooth vocals glided effortlessly over the melody, delivering the heartfelt lyrics with sincerity and tenderness.

“And I Love You So” became a surprise hit for Como. While he was known for easy listening classics, this song resonated with a wider audience. It reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a feat not often achieved by Como at that point in his career. More importantly, it cemented his status as a singer who could connect with listeners across generations.

Como’s success with “And I Love You So” is a testament to his adaptability and his producer’s keen eye for a potential hit. It’s also a reminder that great songs can be reinterpreted and find new life in unexpected ways. So, let’s sit back, relax, and allow ourselves to be swept away by Perry Como’s timeless rendition of “And I Love You So.”

Video

Lyrics

“And I Love You So”
(originally by Don McLean)