For over 50 years, JUNO Award-winning musician Bob DeAngelis has been a central figure in Canada’s music scene. From his early days as a clarinetist to founding DeAngelis Entertainment, Bob’s profound journey is defined by passion, perseverance, and a deep and unwavering commitment to his craft. In this exclusive interview, Bob reflects on the power of live music, the family that fuels his creativity, and how kindness has shaped his legacy. This is the story of Bob DeAngelis.
In this exclusive conversation with Bob DeAngelis, Stacy shares the story behind the spotlight—a tale of resilience, family, and the enduring power of live music. Bob doesn’t just play jazz; he embodies it. His tone, both on and off stage, reflects clarity, warmth, and intention.
You’ve been a JUNO Award-winning artist at the forefront of Canadian music for decades. How did your journey begin, and what inspired you to establish DeAngelis Entertainment?
Bob: My journey began with my father’s simple yet profound gesture. Shortly after immigrating from Italy, my family had very limited resources. Despite this, my father took me to a local music studio and signed me up for lessons. That decision shaped the rest of my life. I started with the clarinet, playing traditional Italian folk songs like waltzes and tangos. That training gave me the foundation to branch into saxophones, flutes, and other woodwinds.
A pivotal chapter was Humber College. The jazz program had just launched, and I dove in. I was already performing nightly by then, but Humber gave me structure, community, and opportunity. There, I met my wife, Joni, who was also in the music program as a talented accordionist. It’s been a 50-year phenom. Together, we’ve navigated everything from raising our family to getting to Carnegie Hall. It’s been quite the ride.
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of performing for presidents, prime ministers, royalty—including the late Queen—and spent a cherished chapter as the house band at Toronto’s iconic Imperial Room in the 1990s, where tuxedos, elegance, and big band swing filled the air five nights a week. It was a golden time, and some of my fondest memories include my daughters, Julie, Elisa, and Samantha, dressed to the nines, enjoying the music and atmosphere that helped shape their artistic journeys. I was fortunate to be part of Toronto’s thriving pre-digital recording industry, working on commercials, film scores, and hundreds of albums, including with Somerset Entertainment. Winning two JUNO Awards remains a career highlight because they represent the joy of creating music with talented collaborators and friends.
How do you describe the soul of your music, and what goes into creating those timeless experiences?
Bob: The essence of my music lies in emotional honesty—joy, clarity, and connection. I want people to feel something when I play. Whether it’s the swing of Benny Goodman or a tender ballad, I create timeless and transportive moments. Performing with symphonies and producing shows like The Coronation of a King has allowed me to share that magic on a grand scale. But even in an intimate setting, my goal is to craft a musical experience that resonates deeply and becomes a memory. Some of my most cherished moments have come from seeing that impact firsthand, like having my daughters on stage with me at Carnegie Hall and dancing in the finale. Sharing that joy, personally and with every audience I meet, drives me.
Your wife and daughters are not only family but also collaborators, each contributing to the legacy of DeAngelis Entertainment. How has working with them shaped your journey, and what does it mean to see your daughters carving their own path while continuing the family tradition of excellence?
Bob: My family has always been my top priority. Everything I’ve done—both on and off stage—has been for them and, whenever possible, with them. Working alongside Joni and our daughters, Julie, Elisa, and Samantha, remains one of the greatest joys of my life. Sharing our passion for the performing arts has strengthened us as a family and allowed us to share the transformative power of music and entertainment with others.
Watching my daughters carve out their own paths through Cirque Revolution, with so much heart and integrity, fills me with immense pride. They’re innovating and inspiring in their own unique way, and seeing them carry forward our values while creating something entirely their own is deeply rewarding.
“If it weren’t for our parents’ hard work in the performing arts, Cirque Revolution wouldn’t exist. They taught us that success in this field is possible—and that it can be achieved with elegance.”
-Julie, Elisa and Samantha
For Bob DeAngelis, jazz isn’t just a genre—it’s a lifelong commitment to excellence, expression, and evolution. He sees himself as a keeper of tradition, having built a career rooted in the authentic sounds of Dixieland, swing, and big band, while always finding ways to keep it relevant for modern audiences. As Bob says, “Swing was nostalgic when I was 20—and still is today.”
Through projects like the Champagne Symphony and his collaborations with Cirque Revolution, he’s shown that honouring the past doesn’t mean staying stuck in it. He embraces the challenge of creating the “impossible,” blending artistry, technology, and imagination to craft unforgettable live experiences.
While his clarinet has earned him acclaim, Bob’s real pride lies in mentoring young musicians and pushing the future of live performance forward, ensuring jazz continues to captivate, connect, and inspire for generations to come.
You’ve shared the stage with world-class musicians and performed for unforgettable audiences. Could you share some memorable collaborations or performances over the years?
Bob: I’ve been fortunate to perform alongside incredible artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Bennett, and Colm Wilkinson. Each one of those moments was a masterclass in musicianship and professionalism. What stands out most is the energy and connection that only happens in live performance—something you can’t replicate on a screen. These experiences have taught me the importance of authenticity, humility, and connecting with each note and each audience. They’ve shaped my philosophy: whether I’m in an intimate room or a concert hall, I bring the same passion, precision, and respect for the craft every time.
Receiving the Leslee Bell Spirit of the Industry Award celebrates your contribution to the industry. What did that mean to you?
Bob: It means a great deal to me. I deeply respected Leslee—not just for her professional impact, but for the warmth and generosity she brought to everything she did. My family also has a personal connection to the Bells, with my daughters and wife having worked closely with them over the years. Her legacy continues to inspire so many, and I’m proud to help carry that spirit forward.
“Leslee was someone I admired tremendously.
To be honoured in her name is humbling.” -Bob
You’re known for your immense talent but also your generosity. How has that spirit of kindness shaped your industry and work relationships?
Bob: Kindness has always been at the heart of everything I do, profoundly shaping my personal and professional life. In the music and entertainment industry, where collaboration and connection are essential, leading with generosity and compassion has allowed me to build meaningful relationships far beyond the performance stage.
After 50 years, what’s next for DeAngelis Entertainment?
Bob: I will continue collaborating with my daughters and their company, Cirque Revolution, to create boundary-pushing shows that merge live music, circus, dance, and other art forms. We want to craft unforgettable experiences that inspire audiences around the world.
Personally, I look forward to travelling the world with Joni and sharing the joy of live music wherever we go. One of my dreams is to perform A Coronation of a King at the Sydney Opera House—bringing our show to such an iconic venue would be a true celebration of all we’ve done.
To learn more about Bob DeAngelis, visit their website and social media pages.
