Bert Niosi

Bert Niosi (February 10, 1909 – August 3, 1987) was a Canadian bandleader, known as "Canada's King of Swing".

Bert Niosi
Born(1909-02-10)February 10, 1909
London, Ontario, Canada
DiedAugust 3, 1987(1987-08-03) (aged 78)
Toronto
Genres
Occupation(s)Bandleader, musician

Early life

Niosi was born on February 10, 1909 in London, Ontario.[1] "As a teenager he briefly played clarinet with Guy Lombardo in Cleveland."[1] Niosi had two brothers who also became musicians: Joe and Johnnie.[1]

Later life and career

Niosi was proficient on several instruments: clarinet, flute, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet.[2] He formed a dance band in 1931.[1] This began a long association with the Palais Royale dance hall in Toronto, which lasted until 1950.[1] Here, he earned the nickname 'Canada's King of Swing'.[1] His orchestra, and a smaller group made up of some of its members, was broadcast frequently on CBC Radio.[1] Niosi played alto saxophone and clarinet in the small band.[1] He was also a member of CBC radio's The Happy Gang musical series from 1952 to 1959.[1] He died in Toronto on August 3, 1987.[1]

References
  1. Litchfield, Jack; Miller, Mark (2002), Niosi, Bert (Bartolo), Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J330700
  2. Young, Peter (2002). Let's Dance: A Celebration of Ontario's Dance Halls and Summer Dance Pavilions. Natural Heritage. p. 22.
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