Guy Lombardo & Society Bands

Some years ago I went to the Stork Club in Port Stanley to catch Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians.  I was finally prompted out of curiosity to see for myself just what made Guy's band the success that it was. Maybe there was some musical "secret" to their longevity and popularity. Perhaps I could discover for myself just what made this band "tick."

That evening at the Club I just sat and listened and tried to observe. The ballroom, as expected, was packed with enthusiastic elderly fans.  Guy exhibited his usual bandleader's charm. He always had a classy air about himself dressed in a tuxedo and conducting with a baton.  Yes, the band did play what some people (perhaps musicians) labelled "business man's bounce." However there was no denying it.  People enjoyed dancing to his music. It was a dance band playing dance music.

Guy discovered a "formula" that may have been the key to his success. "Don't put the hay so high that the mules can't reach it. (It's an old saying. One I'm sure he never actually used.)  Admittedly his was a selective musical recipe but it obviously worked and I might add it worked for him for many years. For decades Guy had an impressive following. His theme song to this day is traditionally played every New Year's Eve at that magical moment at midnight. 

One "secret" that I observed that evening that if some one requested e.g. "Moon Glow" He did get Moon Glow, but he also got Moon over Miami and perhaps another song with Moon in the title all in the same medley.

A big portion of Guy's library was in medley form.  If you asked for "Stardust" you would get that request plus "Stardreams" and another song with "Star" in the title.  This was probably one of the charms of this band's appeal.  In the course of the evening it seemed that Guy played hundreds of well-known popular songs because of this "medley" formula. There was bound to be songs that people could relate to in this vast selection. Talk about reaching and tapping into the memories of your audience.  He wasn't just selling music he was selling nostalgia.  The band was a "society" band and his was one of the best in this style.

Being a native Londoner, Guy was naturally respected and appreciated in his hometown. He did bring a measure of recognition to this part of Ontario. Not only was he applauded for his successful presence in the music scene but also for another successful pursuit, that of speed boat racing.

There aren't many stories that relate to Guy and his musical family. The only one I remember was one about Guy and his brother Liebert who played lead trumpet for him. Liebert was with that band with Carmen for many years right from the beginning.  I guess Liebert was surprised it turned out to be a steady job.  Anyways...

Guy heard Liebert hit a high C for the first time warming up before a dance.  "Hey cut that out,” Guy implored.  People will think we're trying to sound like Stan Kenton."

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