May 23: Happy Birthday, Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw was a master of swing, one of the leading bandleaders of the Big Band Era. At the tender age of fifteen, he heard that calling and left his New Haven, CT home to begin making noise. He'd already learned the clarinet and saxophone, and wanted to be a pro.

His Artie Shaw Orchestra utilized the considerable talents of one Billie Holiday, and had a huge hit with "Begin the Beguine."

His notoriety as a bandleader landed him a gig broadcasting on CBS radio from November of '38 'til a year later. His shows were concerts from the Blue Room of the Hotel Lincoln in NYC.

Though he left the business mid-career, Shaw brought joy into the lives of millions with his swinging clarinet. Happy Birthday, Artie!

May 18: Happy Birthday, Perry Como

Mr. Perry Como was born on this day in 1912. His show biz career spanned half a century, including his exploits as a singer and also as a radio and TV personality.

In 1943, Como signed on with RCA Victor records and began churning out an amazing string of hits, such as "When You Were Sweet Sixteen," "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now," "Because," and "Forever and Ever."

Radio played a big part in Como's life, and not just for playing his songs. He'd begun as a singer in a traveling band led by Ted Weems. When he became a family man, Como decided to quit the road life and was set to begin a middle-class life as a barber. However, an offer of a CBS radio show was what kept him in show business. The RCA recording contract would come not long after.

Radio also made Como the highest paid performer at that time--he earned this big salary as the host of Perry Como's Kraft Music Show. We're glad he didn't become a barber--a close shave to say the least.