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
Died	August 3, 1987(1987-08-03) (aged 78) Toronto
Genres	Swing Jazz
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]