Guy Lombardo

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Who was Guy Lombardo ?

Guy Lombardo (Gaetano Alberto "Guy" Lombardo) was a Canadian bandleader and violinist famous in the United States. With his three brothers Carmen Lombardo, Lebert Lombardo, and Victor Lombardo and other musicians from his hometown of London, Ontario, he formed the big band The Royal Canadians in 1924, famous for the motto "The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven". His very first recording session took place where Bix Beiderbecke made his legendary recordings — in Richmond, Indiana, at the Gennett Studios — both during early 1924.

The musical team played at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City from 1929 to 1959, and their New Year's Eve broadcasts (which continued until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria) were a major part of New Year's celebrations across North America. In 1938, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. The Royal Canadians were noted for playing the traditional song "Auld Lang Syne" as part of the celebrations. Their recording of the song still plays as the first song of the new year in Times Square.

The Royal Canadians are believed to have sold more than 300 million phonograph albums during their lifetimes. This is a considerable feat given that many homes had no record players in the 1920s and 1930s.



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Significance of Guy Lombardo




Background of Guy Lombardo

Guy Lombardo was born in London, Ontario on June 19, 1902. Guy died on November 5, 1977.



Books, Films and Videos About Guy Lombardo




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