Long before London earned the title of UNESCO City of Music, it had already made its mark on the global music scene, thanks to the renowned pop star Guy Lombardo. This month, local music historian Mario Circelli is introducing a new segment on CBC London Morning, delving into the century-old legacy of Lombardo and his band, The Royal Canadians, who became prominent figures in popular music.
Lombardo and his band achieved remarkable success, selling over 250 million records throughout their extensive career, placing them in the league of music icons such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as noted by Circelli. Describing Lombardo as Canada’s inaugural pop star, Circelli emphasized their unparalleled popularity and influence, labeling them not just as successful but as a phenomenon.
The Lombardo saga commenced with a fortuitous turn of events when the family’s journey from Naples, Italy, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, was interrupted near New York Harbor due to ship troubles. Upon stumbling upon a tailor job advertisement in London, Ontario, the family decided to make a stop, leading them to open a small tailor shop on Dundas Street. It was in this modest setting that the family nurtured their musical talents, with the boys practicing their instruments in the shop’s back room.
Circelli highlighted the tale as emblematic of London’s early immigrant community, embodying the ethos of hardworking families who sought opportunities and ended up leaving a lasting impact. He remarked, “It’s a quintessentially London narrative. A diligent immigrant family establishes a business downtown, and before long, their children are reshaping the sounds of popular music across North America.”
The Royal Canadians’ melodic and danceable style, dubbed “the sweetest music this side of heaven,” became synonymous with joy, romance, and optimism, defining an entire era. Even today, Lombardo’s rendition of Auld Lang Syne remains a traditional staple for New Year’s Eve celebrations, resonating globally as a hallmark of London, Ontario’s musical heritage.
Circelli, who spearheads the Forest City London Music Awards and the London Music Hall of Fame, credited Lombardo’s trailblazing success for paving the way for subsequent generations of London musicians, including Tommy Hunter, Garnet Rogers, Denise Pelley, and emerging talents. Reflecting on London’s musical legacy, Circelli emphasized that UNESCO’s recognition of London as a City of Music not only acknowledges the present but also honors the deep-rooted history that encompasses the legacy of the Lombardos.
In closing, Circelli underscored the enduring relevance of Lombardo’s narrative in connecting Londoners to their origins, emphasizing that greatness can originate from the most unexpected places, even from the confines of a tailor shop on Dundas Street. The exploration of London’s musical history will continue on Monday, Nov. 3, offering listeners a captivating journey through the city’s rich musical tapestry.
For those eager to delve further into London’s musical landscape, London Morning can be heard weekdays from 6 to 8:30 a.m. on 93.5 FM, streamed on cbc.ca/London, and available on the CBC News app.
