Guy Lombardo

“Mr. New Year’s Eve” 

Gaetano Alberto “Guy” Lombardo who was a famous band leader and violinist was born June 19, 1902 in London, Ontario. His parents were Italian-Canadian immigrants. His father encouraged four of his five sons to play instruments, so he could have them play with him while he sang. The four brothers formed their first orchestra together while they were in elementary school. By 1938, Lombardo became a naturalized citizen of the United States. Guy Lombardo or “Mr. New Year’s Eve” is most remembered for 50 years of New Year’s Eve big band remotes, which first started on the radio and later were televised. Other pursuits included hydroplane speedboat racing, which he won a Gold Cup in 1946 for. In 2002, he was inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.