Guy Lombardo

Guy Lombardo was a Canadian-born violinist and bandleader, known for his charm and musical talents. He is widely regarded as a true music legend, whose contribution to the world of music has left an indelible mark. Lombardo and his band, The Royal Canadians, performed on New Year's Eve and captivated audiences with their rendition of "Auld Lang Syne". Over the course of his illustrious career, Lombardo and his band sold more than 100 million albums, making him one of the most successful violinists in history.

Guy Lombardo was born on June 19, 1902, in London, Ontario, Canada. He came from a musically-inclined family and learned to read music and play instruments from a very young age. His father, Gaetano "Tino" Lombardo, was a baritone singer and music teacher. It was Tino’s influence that instilled a deep passion for music in young Guy.

Lombardo attended London South Collegiate Institute and later went on to study violin at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. In 1924, Lombardo and his brothers, Carmen and Lebert, formed their own band, The Lombardo Brothers Orchestra. The group later changed its name to The Royal Canadians, which became one of the most recognized and successful big bands in American music history.

Lombardo was known for his professionalism, dedication, and hard work, which contributed significantly to his success. He was also known for his kind, humble, and friendly demeanor, which endeared him to his fans. Lombardo had a particular affinity for upbeat, cheerful music, which was reflected in the songs he played and his charismatic performances.

Before Lombardo became famous, he faced numerous challenges and difficulties. One of his early struggles was the fact that he was born with a lazy eye, which affected his vision and made it difficult for him to read music. However, Lombardo refused to let this hold him back and was determined to achieve his goals.

Lombardo married his wife, Lilliebell Glenn, on September 9, 1926, and they remained together for over 45 years until Lilliebell's death in 1971. They had no children but were deeply devoted to each other and shared a passion for music.

Lombardo was also linked to other people in the music industry. He performed with many talented musicians and singers, including his brother Carmen and singer Kenny Gardner. Lombardo was also known to be friendly with other big band leaders such as Benny Goodman, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller.

Guy Lombardo's contributions to music will forever be remembered. He was an outstanding violinist and bandleader, whose charisma and musical talents won the hearts of millions. Lombardo was an inspiration to many and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.