Style characterized by pleasant, soothing arrangements of familiar melodies. Reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 60s. Examples include string orchestrations by Percy Faith, choral recordings by Henry Mancini, and instrumental soloists such as pianist Peter Nero. Earlier, merchandisers and writers also included smooth vocalists who are not identified with rock, jazz, country or folk (for example, Perry Como and Andy Williams) but today these singers are generally classified under a style called Vocal.