Long before London earned its UNESCO City of Music designation, it had already gained global musical recognition through the influence of Guy Lombardo, a prominent pop star of the 20th century. The local music historian, Mario Circelli, is introducing a new segment on CBC London Morning, delving into the era when Lombardo and his band, The Royal Canadians, made significant waves in the music scene.
Lombardo and his band achieved remarkable success, selling over 250 million records throughout their extensive career, placing them in the company of renowned acts like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as highlighted by Circelli. Describing Lombardo as Canada’s earliest pop sensation, Circelli emphasized the band’s exceptional popularity and impact, labeling them not just as successful but as a genuine phenomenon.
The Lombardo family’s journey commenced unexpectedly when they diverted their course from Naples, Italy, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, due to a ship malfunction near New York Harbor. The family patriarch, a skilled tailor, stumbled upon a tailor vacancy in London, Ontario, via an English-language newspaper ad during the repair stop. This serendipitous encounter led to the establishment of a small tailor shop on Dundas Street, where the family’s musical journey began, with the boys honing their craft in the shop’s backroom.
Circelli depicted this tale as a testament to London’s early immigrant community ethos, where industrious families seeking employment ended up fostering enduring legacies. He remarked that the narrative encapsulates the quintessential London story of diligent immigrants establishing roots in the city and subsequently reshaping popular music trends across North America.
The Royal Canadians’ melodic and danceable style earned them the moniker “the sweetest music this side of heaven,” becoming emblematic of an entire era. Their music, characterized by joy, romance, and optimism, resonated with audiences, fostering unity and celebration. Even today, Lombardo’s iconic rendition of Auld Lang Syne remains a staple during New Year’s Eve celebrations, symbolizing London’s influence on a global scale.
Circelli, also the chair of 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 notable names like Tommy Hunter, Garnet Rogers, Denise Pelley, and emerging talents today. Highlighting London’s enduring musical prowess, Circelli underscored that UNESCO’s recognition of London as a City of Music acknowledges not only present achievements but also the city’s profound musical heritage, epitomized by the Lombardo legacy.
He concluded by noting that Lombardo’s narrative continues to resonate with Londoners, serving as a poignant reminder that greatness can emerge from unexpected origins, such as a humble tailor shop on Dundas Street. The exploration of London’s rich musical history will continue with further insights on Monday, Nov. 3, offering listeners a captivating journey through the city’s musical evolution.
Listeners can tune in to London Morning on weekdays from 6 to 8:30 a.m. at 93.5 FM, stream online at cbc.ca/London, or access the CBC News app for engaging content and updates.