Guy Lombardo’s orchestra popularized “Auld Lang Syne” as a New Year’s Eve standard in the United States.
Lombardo and his Royal Canadians performed the Scottish song during their nationally broadcast New Year’s Eve programs. Their broadcasts connected the tune with the moment of transition into January 1, helping establish a tradition that remains familiar across the United States.
The orchestra’s annual radio broadcasts began in the 1920s and later continued on television. Lombardo’s polished dance-band style made the performance a recognizable part of American holiday programming, even for listeners who did not know the song’s Scottish background.
“Auld Lang Syne” uses words associated with the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote down a version in 1788. The phrase means “old long since,” or roughly “for old times’ sake.” Lombardo did not compose the song; his importance was popularizing its New Year’s placement through mass broadcasting.