Magic has fascinated human beings for centuries, and the desire to understand its secrets and harness its power has led to the creation of numerous books on the subject. One such book is "The Rules of Magic." This tome outlines the principles and guidelines that govern the practice of magic, providing a framework for aspiring magicians and enchanters to follow. "The Rules of Magic" emphasizes the importance of intention and belief in magic. It states that one must have a clear intention to affect the natural world and a strong belief in the power of magic. These qualities serve as the foundation for any magical act.

PERRY COMO MADE A LIFE OF BEING A NICE GUY

Maybe some nice guys finish last. Perry Como was not one of them.

Armed with a velvet baritone and a cardigan sweater, Como for almost 70 years offered a soothing pool of calm amid the turbulent seas of modern life.

So when he died Saturday at the age of 88, this television and recording star remained one of the best-loved entertainers of his generation, an immigrant’s son who for decades symbolized grace and class as a performer.

He used his success to buy himself a long, leisurely semiretirement with his wife of 65 years and a large extended family.

In fact, Como and his wife, Roselle, whom he met at a picnic when he was 16, had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary when she died in August 1998.

Como died in his sleep at his home in Jupiter, where he had spent most of his time after his health began to fail several years ago. One of 13 children born to Italian immigrants in Canonsburg, Pa., Pierino Roland Como quit school at 11 to earn money by sweeping floors at a barber shop.

By 14 he owned his own shop, but he had also fallen in love with the easygoing vocal style of Bing Crosby. When he got an offer to sing with Freddie Carlone’s band in Cleveland in the early ’30s, he quit the barber biz.

In 1936, he started a six-year run as the vocalist for Ted Weems, and in 1943 he went solo. He made his television debut in 1948 on NBC’s Chesterfield Supper Club and two years later jumped to CBS for The Perry Como Show. He returned to NBC in 1955 and kept a weekly show until 1963.

On records and on television, he made it look much easier than it was, and while he was never the best in either field, he became very good at both.

From sentimental songs such as Prisoner of Love and Till the End of Time to finger-poppers (Catch a Falling Star) and novelty hits (Hot Diggity Dog Ziggity Boom), Como’s music offered first a continuation of the golden-age pop-song tradition and later an alternative, for many of his listeners, to the harsh new sound called rock ‘n’ roll.

But rock ‘n’ roll did squeeze him off the radio, and after his television show ended, he downshifted both careers. Still, he starred in regular specials on broadcast and public television into the ’90s.

He had a last round of pop hits in the ’70s with songs such as And I Love You So, and his records continued to sell steadily, particularly his Christmas albums. He was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors for performing artists in 1987, and he was co-host of a weekly radio show, Weekends with Perry, right up to his death.

His fellow entertainers mourned the singer Crosby once called “the man who invented casual.”

“In the times I was in his company, I found him to be a man who cared about listening to other people,” comedian Don Rickles said. “Perry was a special kind of guy whose charisma will never be matched.”

Comic Jack Swersie, who opened for Como during the singer’s last three tours in the early 1990s, said the singer was “simply put, the nicest person I have ever met and the greatest man I ever worked with.”

George Kalman, a longtime friend who produced Weekends with Perry, said that in private, Como “was a genuinely nice man. There was nothing phony about him, nothing show biz. He was a pleasure to work with and to know.”

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Perry Como

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• AllMusic - Biography of Perry Como
• Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Perry Como
• The Kennedy Center - Perry Como

• Perry Como - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• AllMusic - Biography of Perry Como
• Hollywood Walk of Fame - Biography of Perry Como
• The Kennedy Center - Perry Como

• Perry Como - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Perry Como (born May 18, 1912, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.—died May 12, 2001, Jupiter, Florida, U.S.) American singer and entertainer whose mellow baritone voice and relaxed, easygoing manner—typified by his trademark cardigan sweaters—made him an audience favourite during a career that lasted over six decades and in which he sold more than 100 million records. For 15 years (1948–63) he hosted weekly television variety shows, winning Emmy Awards in 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1959, and his annual Christmas TV shows became a staple of the holiday season.

Como, whose parents had immigrated to the United States from Italy, was one of 13 children. Despite the family’s poverty, all the children received music lessons, and Como learned to play several instruments and to read music. He began working when he was about 10 years old, sweeping up in a barber shop, and by the time he was in his mid-teens, he was the owner of his own shop, where he sang while he worked. When he was about 20, Freddy Carlone, a bandleader in Cleveland, Ohio, offered him a position as vocalist, and encouraged by his customers and his family, he became a singer with that band in 1933.

In 1936 Como was signed by Ted Weems to sing with his orchestra. This orchestra, based in Chicago, also performed on the radio, increasing Como’s exposure. Como recorded and broadcast with Weems until that orchestra broke up in 1942. He had decided to return to his career as a barber to be able to spend more time with his family, but when he was offered a contract to record and appear on radio in 1943, he accepted. His first single, “Goodbye Sue,” was released later that year. Also that year, he signed a seven-year movie contract, though his film appearances were for the most part not notable.

In 1944 Como had his first hit record, “Long Ago and Far Away,” and the first of his over a dozen million-selling hits, “Till the End of Time,” followed in 1945. Among his other hits of the 1940s and ’50s were “If I Loved You,” “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” “Hot,” “Temptation,” “ Papa Loves Mambo,” “Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes,” the first of his 14 number one records, and “ Catch a Falling Star,” for which he won a Grammy Award in 1958.

Between 1944 and 1950 Como starred in his own NBC radio show, The Chesterfield Supper Club, which from 1948 was also televised. By this time Como was one of the most popular singers in the country. The Perry Como Show, a 15-minute variety show, began appearing three times a week on CBS in 1950. When the show moved to NBC (1955–59) it became a one-hour weekly variety show. Opening with Como performing the theme “Dream Along with Me,” the show was also known for the popular “Letters, we get letters” segment, in which Como sang songs that his viewers requested.

Beginning in 1959 Como served as host of the Kraft Music Hall; he ended his weekly appearances in 1963. After that he hosted numerous seasonal specials, often several times a year. His Christmas specials, broadcast from various countries, were most popular. They were annual through 1986, with the final one recorded in Ireland in 1994. During the later years of Como’s career, he enjoyed such hits as “It’s Impossible,” “And I Love You So,” and “For the Good Times.” Como was awarded a Kennedy Center Honor in 1987, and he received a posthumous Grammy Award for lifetime achievement.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Pat Bauer.

Magic Moments Lyrics

Magic moments, when two hearts are caring
Magic moments, memories we've been sharing

I'll never forget the moment we kissed the night of the hay ride
The way that we hugged to try to keep warm while takin' a sleigh ride

Magic moments, memories we've been sharing
Magic moments, when two hearts are caring

Time can't erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

The telephone call that tied up the line for hours and hours
The Saturday dance I got up the nerve to send you some flowers

Magic moments, memories we've been sharing
Magic moments, when two hearts are caring

Time can't erase the memory of
These magic moments filled with love

(The way that we cheered whenever our team was scoring a touchdown)
The time that the floor fell out of my car when I put the clutch down

(The penny arcade, the games that we played, the fun and the prizes)
The Halloween hop when everyone came in funny disguises

Magic moments filled with love

Writer(s): ALEXANDER FRED JR, BEAVERS NORMAN PAUL
Lyrics powered by www.musixmatch.com

These qualities serve as the foundation for any magical act. Without them, magic is merely an empty ritual devoid of meaning. The book also stresses the significance of knowledge and study in magic.

More from UK Number Ones 1958

It asserts that a magician must acquire a deep understanding of the underlying principles and forces at work in the world. This includes knowledge of metaphysics, symbolism, and the natural elements. By mastering this knowledge, a magician gains the ability to manipulate these forces to create desired outcomes. Furthermore, "The Rules of Magic" emphasizes the need for discipline and practice. It states that magic is not a casual pursuit but a lifelong dedication. A magician must adhere to a strict regimen of practice, honing their skills and maintaining a strong connection to the magical energies around them. In addition to these foundational principles, "The Rules of Magic" also outlines specific guidelines for spellcasting and enchantment. It provides instructions for preparing magical tools, creating rituals, and invoking deities or spirits. These guidelines ensure that a magician's actions are conducted in a safe and ethical manner, respecting the boundaries of the natural and supernatural realms. While "The Rules of Magic" offers a comprehensive framework for magical practice, it also emphasizes the importance of personal intuition and creativity. It encourages magicians to adapt and innovate, to find their unique style and methods of working with magic. The book recognizes that magic is a deeply personal endeavor and that no two magicians will practice it in exactly the same way. Overall, "The Rules of Magic" serves as a guidebook for aspiring magicians, offering them a blueprint for understanding and harnessing the power of magic. It provides a framework of principles and guidelines while also allowing for personal exploration and creativity. As magicians delve into the pages of this book, they gain not only knowledge but also a deeper connection to the mystic forces that lie beyond the veil of the mundane world..

Reviews for "The Magic Within: Lessons Learned from 'The Rules of Magic' Book"

1. Sarah - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "The Rules of Magic" because I loved "Practical Magic," but I was so disappointed. The plot was slow and lacking in excitement. The characters felt one-dimensional and I couldn't really connect with any of them. Overall, it just felt like a watered-down version of the original book.

2. Michael - 1 star - "The Rules of Magic" was a complete waste of time. The writing was pretentious and the story was incredibly predictable. I found myself rolling my eyes at the cheesy dialogue and unrealistic situations. It lacked the magic and charm that made "Practical Magic" so special. I would not recommend this book to anyone.

3. Emily - 2 stars - The premise of "The Rules of Magic" sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The writing was mediocre and the story dragged on without much happening. The relationships between the characters felt forced and I couldn't invest in their journeys. It's a shame because I enjoyed "Practical Magic," but this prequel didn't live up to my expectations.

4. John - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "The Rules of Magic" as a fan of the movie adaptation of "Practical Magic," but I found the book to be underwhelming. The pacing was slow and the characters lacked depth. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore the rich world of magic that was only briefly touched upon. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't live up to its potential.

5. Lauren - 3 stars - As a standalone book, "The Rules of Magic" was passable. However, as a prequel to "Practical Magic," it failed to capture the same enchantment and allure. The story felt disjointed and the characters lacked the spark that made the original book so captivating. It had its moments, but it didn't leave a lasting impression.

Awe-Inspiring Magic: Uncovering the Secrets in 'The Rules of Magic