Guy Lombardo, a celebrated Canadian-American maestro and virtuosic violinist, co-founded the illustrious Royal Canadians in 1924, alongside his siblings Carmen, Lebert, and Victor, as well as other talented musicians from his hometown.
As the band's distinctive sound, affectionately referred to as "the sweetest music this side of Heaven," gained widespread popularity, it would ultimately result in the impressive sale of between 100 and 300 million records.
Many of these records featured the enchanting vocals of Kenny Gardner, the Royal Canadians' lead singer, whose captivating performances helped to further cement the band's status as a beloved and enduring musical institution.
Guy, a renowned individual, was born in London, Ontario, to Italian immigrant parents, Gaetano Alberto and Angelina Lombardo, who instilled in him and his brothers a deep appreciation for music. Their father, an amateur singer with a rich, resonant baritone voice, played a significant role in nurturing their musical talents. In fact, he encouraged his sons to learn instruments from a young age, and as a result, the brothers formed their first orchestra while still attending grammar school. The brothers would often rehearse in the back of their father's tailor shop, honing their skills and developing their musical chemistry. Guy's first public performance was a memorable occasion, taking place at a church lawn party in London in 1914, alongside his brother Carmen.
Guy Lombardo's remarkable journey as a naturalized citizen of the United States culminated in his establishment as a cultural icon, synonymous with the quintessential New Year's Eve celebrations. For a staggering thirty-year period, from 1929 to 1959, Lombardo's orchestra performed at the Roosevelt Grill within the esteemed Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, mesmerizing audiences with their captivating sounds.
As the years went by, Lombardo's orchestra continued to thrive, relocating to the majestic Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where they would broadcast their enchanting performances from 1959 to 1976. This beloved tradition, now a staple of American culture, drew in millions of viewers, all eager to witness the band's electrifying live performances in the heart of Times Square.
The band's inaugural New Year's Eve radio broadcast took place in the year 1928, marking the beginning of a remarkable tradition that would span nearly five decades of broadcasting their captivating performances on both radio and television.
Guy Lombardo's enduring legacy persisted even after his passing in 1977, with his band's annual New Year's Eve television specials continuing to air on CBS for an additional two years following his demise. The iconic orchestra's recording of the timeless classic "Auld Lang Syne" has become an integral and beloved component of New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square, where it is played alongside a plethora of other timeless and nostalgic tunes.
Guy Lombardo, a renowned musician and orchestra leader, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. For many years, he and his orchestra had the privilege of appearing in a multitude of films, including the 1934 cinematic production "Many Happy Returns". This film, released during the early days of the silver screen, showcased the talents of Guy Lombardo and his orchestra, allowing them to share their unique brand of musical magic with a wider audience.
In addition to their work in the 1934 film, Guy Lombardo and his orchestra also had the opportunity to appear in the 1977 film "Looking for Mr. Goodbar", starring the talented Diane Keaton. This film, a critically acclaimed drama, provided a platform for Guy Lombardo's orchestra to showcase their skills and share their music with a new generation of film enthusiasts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Guy Lombardo was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the world of music and entertainment. He was posthumously awarded three stars on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles. This prestigious honor, bestowed upon him by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, served as a testament to Guy Lombardo's enduring legacy and his impact on the world of music and film.
