Photos: Al Pierson returns to Lake DePue with Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians

DePue native Al Pierson, 89, waves to the crowd during his opening number "God Bless America" at Lake DePue on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Born Albert Theodore Pizzamiglio, Pierson, began his professional career at the age of 14. For nearly 15 years, Al Pierson and his Big Band U.S.A. toured the world, playing nearly 300 engagements annually, including 20 international dance tours. Today, Al Pierson and the Lombardo Orchestra still treat audiences to wonderful tunes such as "Seems Like Old Times," "Boo Hoo," "Coquette," "Sweethearts on Parade," "Johnson Rag," "Bye Bye Blues," "Enjoy Yourself," "Ain’t She Sweet," and many more. (Scott Anderson)