Gaetano Alberto 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 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.
He 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 near a bridge which is also named after him.
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