Bert Niosi | |
---|---|
Born | London, Ontario, Canada | February 10, 1909
Died | August 3, 1987 Toronto | (aged 78)
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Bandleader, musician |
Bert Niosi (February 10, 1909 – August 3, 1987) was a Canadian bandleader, known as "Canada's King of Swing".
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]
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]
Bert Niosi | |
---|---|
Born | London, Ontario, Canada | February 10, 1909
Died | August 3, 1987 Toronto | (aged 78)
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Bandleader, musician |
Bert Niosi (February 10, 1909 – August 3, 1987) was a Canadian bandleader, known as "Canada's King of Swing".
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]
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]