Guy Lombardo

Inducted in 1978

The “sweetest music this side of Heaven.” That’s how the Chicago Tribune, back in 1928, characterized the music made by Guy Lombardo and his orchestra, the Royal Canadians. A native of London, Ontario, Lombardo was responsible for making “Auld Lang Syne” the definitive New Year’s Eve song and entertained countless listeners in a career that lasted more than 50 years.

The son of Italian immigrants, Lombardo was born June 19, 1902. Guy (violin) and his younger brothers Carmen (saxophone, vocals) and Lebert (trumpet) grew up in a musical family, establishing their first “orchestra” in grammar school. Together with Freddie Kreitzer (pianist), they played their first professional gig in Grand Bend, Ontario, in 1919. Engagements in London and Port Stanley, Ontario followed, and the group, now expanded to include a brass section, guitarist and drummer drove down to Ohio to pursue fame and fortune.

Career Highlights

2002

Inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

1978

Lombardo was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

1954

Played London, Ontario’s centennial in 1954

1953

Played at Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration

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Guy Lombardo, 19 May 1964. Credit: Henry Fox / Library and Archives Canada / e005176089

1934

Appeared in the film Many Happy Returns

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Videos

On A Slow Boat to China

Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians perform “On A Slow Boat to China”