|
Gaetano Alberto "Guy" Lombardo (June 19, 1902 - November 5, 1977) was a Canadian bandleader and violinist. With his brothers Carmen and Lebert and other musicians from his hometown of London, Ontario he formed the jazz band The Royal Canadians in 1924. The band 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. They 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.
Guy Lombardo was also an important figure in hydroplane racing, winning the Gold Cup in 1946 and the Ford Memorial competition in 1948. A museum in London is dedicated to his musical and hydroplane racing achievements. The museum is located near Wonderland Gardens, a venue closely associated with Lombardo and the Royal Canadians. Nearby there is also a bridge named after him.
---ooOoo---
Guy Lombardo was one of the most important entertainers of the 20th century. His band, The Royal Canadians, set a standard for sweet bands that was often imitated, but never duplicated. The Orchestra lasted longer than any other dance band in history (under it's original leader). It was still going strong with bookings some three and four years in advance at the time of Guy Lombardo's passing in November of 1977.
The orchestra was formed by Guy and Carmen Lombardo, in London, Ontario, Canada. Guy was the leader on violin. Carmen played flute. Initially, Guy and Carmen performed with each other for local events in and around London. Around 1912, young Fred Kreitzer joined them on piano. Shortly thereafter, brother Lebert became their drummer. Eventually Lebert would switch to the trumpet. Guy then hired George Gowans as their drummer. Fred Kreitzer stayed with the band until about 1966. George Gowans was with the band until 1976.
Guy Lombardo stopped playing his violin sometime in the early 1930's and used it's bow more as a baton. Carmen and Lebert however, stuck to their instruments (sax and flute for Carmen; trumpet for Lebert). Carmen's smooth vibrato on the saxophone was the most identifiable part of the Lombardo band and Lebert's 'pin-point' trumpeting set the style for all "Mickey Mouse" trumpeters thereafter. It was a combination no one could beat. And the dancers found it irresistible. With nightly network radio exposure, Guy was on his way down a one way path to success.Guy Lombardo -- Always Smiling!
The Royal Canadians outlasted all their contemporaries and managed to withstand the "fad music" as Guy called it. Jazz, Be-Bop, and
Rock N' Roll never phased Guy or his band. At times Guy incorporated the best of the newer songs into his repertoire, but the song had to be extra special.
Over 400 million Guy Lombardo recordings have been sold to date and Guy will remain the #1 record seller in the world forever. He has far too much a lead for anyone to surpass him.
For almost 20 years the personnel was relatively the same. The reed section included: Carmen on lead, Larry Owen on 3rd alto, Fred Higman on tenor, and Victor Lombardo on baritone. The brass included Lebert on 1st trumpet, Dudley Fosdick on fosophone, and Jim Dillon on trombone. Fred Kreitzer was featured on Piano, George Gowans on drums, Frances Henry on guitar, and Bern Davies on Tuba. It was truly an ensemble made in Heaven!
Years later Guy was asked about the younger generation and why they didn't like his music. He responded: "We may not have them now, but we'll get them eventually!" And he was so right!
|
