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My dad would have remembered, but he is no longer with us.
I think you'll find that to be common: Gordie Tapp was more recognizable to our parents or grandparents. I remember that he hosted a music channel on Air Canada's inflight entertainment in the early 1980s, which is my only memory of him. Even so, I had to ask my dad who he was, and why he was hosting, instead of better-known contemporary radio hosts.
Gordon Robert "Gordie" Tapp, CM, O.Ont (June 4, 1922 – December 18, 2016), born in London, Ontario,[1] was a Canadian entertainer, best known as a radio and television presenter, comedian and a CBS broadcaster. He was introduced to U.S. PresidentGerald Ford as the world's funniest storyteller.[2]
Tapp studied at the Lorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts. He was the host for Main Street Jamboree, a radio program broadcast from Hamilton during the 1950s. Tapp later emceed the CBC television show Country Hoedown as well as The Performers, a series of shows featuring 'up and coming' young Canadian talent, which was recorded in major Canadian cities, like Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. He went on to perform and write for the CBS television show Hee Haw. His famous roles were Cousin Clem, Samuel B. Sternwheeler, Mr. Gordon the storekeeper, and Lavern Nagger, the forever put-upon husband of Ida Lee Nagger (Roni Stoneman).
Tapp was a hoot. Good man. I guess none of you youngsters ever saw the comedy show Hee Haw when you were growing up? Probably before your time.
No, I remember when Hee Haw was on. It just wasn't on in our house.
As I recall, another Canadian noted for his Hee Haw work was Don Harron, aka Charlie Farquharson. Again, I never watched him on that show, though I know the "Charlie Farquharson" character from his books, and clips occasionally shown on TV. We got to know Mr. Harron better when he spoke at our high school in about 1974 or 1975--I still recall that he started off with, "Most of you know me for this [launching into Charlie's voice]: 'Hee! Hee! Hee!' But there's more to me than that." He went on to deliver a fascinating speech.
No, I remember when Hee Haw was on. It just wasn't on in our house.
As I recall, another Canadian noted for his Hee Haw work was Don Harron, aka Charlie Farquharson. Again, I never watched him on that show, though I know the "Charlie Farquharson" character from his books, and clips occasionally shown on TV. We got to know Mr. Harron better when he spoke at our high school in about 1974 or 1975--I still recall that he started off with, "Most of you know me for this [launching into Charlie's voice]: 'Hee! Hee! Hee!' But there's more to me than that." He went on to deliver a fascinating speech.
That's pretty much it for me too, minus the high school visit.
First exposure was dad listening to Mainstreet Jamboree on the big consul radio and later Country Hoedown on CBC TV. Any regularly scheduled program with Gordie or Wayne and Shuster featured was a must hear/watch in our house.
I didn't know he was an alumni of the Lorne Greene Academy.
Only later did he regain popularity on Hee Haw.
Anybody remember a CBC show called "The Performers" that ran in the early 70's?
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