Bobby Lalonde

From Glengarryceltic

Originating from the Ottawa Valley, youngest of four brothers, Bobby grew up surrounded by various musical influences. An artist from the early stages of youth Bobby began playing the fiddle at the age of eight, and within a very short time the Lalonde family band “The Four Sons” was formed. By the time Bobby was thirteen he was signed to London Records of Canada, had won the North American Junior Fiddle Championship, and was a much in demand musician for studio, television and live performances. At the age of fifteen, he was featured with Stompin Tom Connors in the movie Across this Land. A short while later opportunity knocked once again and Bobby joined the Award Winning Rock Group Garolou and went on to win a Felix Award for Best Album.

His fiddling roots would soon emerge along with a desire to front his own show and the Bobby Lalonde Band was born. With his band Bobby went on to win “The Instrumentalist of the Year Award” three times, “The Back Up Band of the Year” twice, Fiddle Player of the Year in the All Star Band Category, as well as receiving numerous nominations for Group of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year as voted by The Canadian Country Music Association.

During this time Bobby’s song writing talents were also recognized and he was honoured with two #1 records and several top ten hits. To date he has fourteen albums to his credit, and has performed with greats such as Tom Cochrane, Kenny Rodgers, Ricky Skaggs, Waylon Jennings, Joe Diffy, George Jones, Johnny Cash and many more.

Performances also include the famous The Havelock Country Festival, Power Aid Live at the Ottawa’s Corel Centre, St. Tite Festical, Gatineau Clog, National Art Center, Canada Day Parliament Hill in Ottawa and an invitation by Pierre Trudeau to perform at the Montebello Economic summit with Leona Boyd and Diana Juster for Eight World Leaders.

Bobby has also co-hosted his own TV show with Ronnie Prophet and has hosted many prestigious events including The Canada Day Festivities at Queen’s Park in Toronto, as well as had numerous appearances on Canadian television variety shows.

With his band Bobby has toured extensively in Holland, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, receiving rave reviews enabling the Band to record a live album, as well as appear on several TV and radio shows in Europe.

An accomplished musician and record producer Bobby plays several instruments including the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, drums, bass and piano, as well as owns and operates Bolab Audio Productions a world class recording studio, which over recent years has produced CDs for many Celtic artists, including The Brigadoons, Ashley MacLeod, Paddy Kelly, The Glengarry Bhoys, Kelli Trottier, Rob Taylor, Brain Caddell, and the Glengarry Highland Games CD to name a few.

The year 2003 was especially exciting as in Sept 2003 surrounded by his peers, family and many friends Bobby was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame in the Entertainer category. Most recently Bobby along with his wife Joy and son Adam, expanded their business endeavours by opening a full line Music Store in Vanleek Hill, Ontario. Now entering their third year, Bobby Lalonde Music continues to grow, offering Music lessons, Quality Instruments, Accessories, Sound & lighting systems, as well as consultations to meeting the needs of the professional as well as beginner and part time musician.