Bert Niosi was a Canadian bandleader, known as "Canada's King of Swing".

Biography

Bert Niosi was notable for his swing orchestra which had a long-time association from 1933 to 1950 with the Palais Royale

Palais Royale

Palais Royale is a dance hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, located on Lake Shore Boulevard at the foot of Roncesvalles Avenue on Lake Ontario. Originally built as a boat works, it became notable as a night club in the now-defunct Sunnyside Amusement Park, hosting many prominent 'big band' jazz bands...

 dance hall in Toronto, considered the top dance hall in Canada, where he earned his nickname 'Canada's King of Swing.' His orchestra was broadcast regularly on CBC Radio

CBC Radio

CBC Radio generally refers to the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which are outlined below.-English:CBC Radio operates three English language...

 and in 1945 and 1946 toured Canada. He was also a member of CBC radio's The Happy Gang

The Happy Gang

The Happy Gang was a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio lunchtime variety show that ran from 1937 to 1959. The show began on CRCT, a CBC affiliate in Toronto, moved to the CBC network four months later, and ran for 22 years, totalling nearly 4900 broadcasts.The series also served as the...

musical series from 1952 to 1959. He was also involved in CBC television including The Tommy Hunter Show.

Mr. Niosi played several instruments including clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet and trombone.

Mr. Niosi's family had other musicians, including his brothers Joe and Johnnie.