Born in Montreal and raised on the St Lawrence river in Brockville ON in the 1000 Islands region, Clela followed the river to Prince Edward Island on Canada’s East coast, where she was introduced to blues, folk, country and Celtic music. Clela performed throughout the Maritimes in a duo with Island vocalist Dawne Fraser, and performed at the Folk Harbour Festival in Lunenburg, NS. Eventually returning to Ontario and settling in Toronto, Clela recorded 4 studio albums, and she is now part of the city’s rich music scene as a featured performer and backup vocalist. 

On her 2025 album Walkin’ Each Other Home, Clela’s eclectic musical influences are evident in her interpretation of songs ranging from the 1930’s country blues of Memphis Minnie to the contemporary jazz stylings of Abbey Lincoln and the raw poetry of singer songwriter Lucinda Williams. Clela’s original compositions “Standing On The Platform” and “Full Moon Dark Time” are standouts on this record. Produced with Jimmy Bowskill at the helm and recorded live off the floor with a core band, the stripped down arrangements feature Clela on guitar and vocals, accompanied by some of Canada’s finest musicians:
Jimmy Bowskill  (Blue Rodeo – Brooks and Bowskill)
Steve O’Connor  (Jim Cuddy Band)
Ian McKeown  (Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar)
Alec Fraser  (Jeff Healey band)
Chris Bartos  (Sarah Harmer band) 
Jocelyn Barth  (Vesuvius Music)
Brittany Brooks ( Brooks and Bowskill)

Clela’s daughter, acclaimed jazz vocalist Jocelyn Barth adds her ethereal voice to Clela’s compositions “Full Moon Dark Time”, a single from Walkin’ Each Other Home and to “White Dove” a single from Clela’s 2014 album More Love and Happiness. When mother and daughter harmonize together they create that magical vocal blend that transports the listener. Clela’s composition “White Dove” was arranged for choir by Toronto musicologist Mike Daley, and is performed by the University of Toronto Hart House Chorus.

“Clela’s voice resonates with the same profound clarity and emotional honesty as icons like Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, and Judee Sill. Her voice, both tender and powerful, provides a sense of safety and familiarity.”  Lori Cullen, Canadian singer/songwriter

“Walking Each Other Home is a sonically gorgeous sample of the mature work of one of the most beautiful voices you will ever hear.
Clela portrays the lyrics with intimate clarity, and her wisdom and passion peek around every corner. The musicianship and harmonies remain natural and committed throughout and the production values are superb.   
A new classic of Canadiana.” Paul Corby, Corby’s Orbit – Radio Regent, Toronto

“Clela’s warm, beautiful voice is full of love.  Here’s an artist who brings healing during these troubled times.” Stella Walker, Métis multi-disciplinary artist and voice coach

“Much like Eva Cassidy, when you hear Clela sing for the first time, you wonder where this voice has been all your life, and want to hear more.” Bob Mersereau, Canadian music writer and broadcaster

“Clela, you really were one of the highlights of this years festival. Our audiences love warm engaging singers like you and Rick Fines.” Gary Woodcock, Artistic Director,  Folk Harbour Festival,  Lunenburg NS

“Clela I have really enjoyed listening to your CDs. I love your singing and the way you are using the minor tuned harps. Keep up the great work and keep on harpin’.” Charlie McCoy, Nashville musician