A graduate of the Lorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts, Gordie Tapp’s radio and television career began in Guelph at CJOY, but he’d soon move to CHML and host Main Street Jamboree. The idea for the show, which featured comedy and live country music on Saturday nights, was the idea of Tom Darling, one of the managers at CHML at the time.
From there, he moved to Country Hoedown on CBC. He, and his character Cousin Clem, were fixtures on the syndicated TV show Hee Haw for 25 years.
He was also the face and voice of Ultramatic Beds on local TV for years.
Gordie passed away in 2016 at the age of 94.
I had the chance to interview Tapp back in November 2012 – just before he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hamilton Music Awards, held at Mohawk College’s McIntyre Theatre.
It was a real treat to go down memory lane with him – he’s quite the storyteller.
Enjoy!
