STORY:
Canada Launches Millennium Stamp Series

Bandleader and Mr. New Year's Eve Guy Lombardo will be featured

Millions of people from around the world traditionally spent New Year's Eve with legendary bandleader Guy Lombardo, singing along as his band rang in the New Year with "Auld Lang Syne". The Honourable Andre Ouellet, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Canada Post, has announced that Guy Lombardo will be returning to welcome in the new Millennium as one of the 68 specially-designed stamps contained in the limited edition book, The Millennium Collection.

Born in London, Ontario, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians are one of the more popular New Year's Eve entertainers. For"Auld Lang Syne", traditionally performed from the Roosevelt Bar and Grill in New York City. Along with his orchestra, the legendary bandleader produced more than 500 songs, including the hit "Easter Parade", and sold more than 300 million copies of what was once dubbed "the sweetest music this side of heaven".

Three other Canadian artists will also be honored. Nova Scotia native Contralto Portia White made her professional debut in Toronto in 1941 and, like her American counterpart Marian Anderson, is credited with helping to break the colour barrier in classical music.

Considered the father of modern Quebec song, singer, songwriter, playwright and poet Felix Leclerc paved the way for the popular chansonnier movement in Quebec. One of the 20th century's most brilliant pianists, Glenn Gould is will also be honored with a stamp. He is considered one of the most important cultural figures Canada has ever produced.

These stamps are part of a prestigious, limited edition hardcover book featuring 68 original, new stamp issues and exclusive black and white photos that celebrate Canadians and their achievements over the past century. Only 200,000 copies of this unique book will be printed, making this a true collectible of Canadian history and an unequalled millennium keepsake.

Also, all 68 stamps featured in The Millennium Collection will be available for sale in souvenir sheets of four stamps beginning January 17, 2000. A total of 17 souvenir sheets will be produced in quantities of one million each and available from all participating postal outlets, the Canada Post website and the National Philatelic Centre at face value.

DATE: 8/06/99

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