Gordie Tapp
artist, singer, comedian, tv host, radio host | born 1922
BornJune 4, 1922 in London, Ontario, Canada
Biographyby Nathan Whitlock
If laughter is the best medicine, Gordie Tapp has cured more country music enthusiasts than anyone else in the history of Canada.
IN DEPTH
Tapp has always been an impersonator and a comedian, starting off with a stint in army uniform from 1942-46 on the “Army Show”. Tapp moved into radio before breaking into the television medium.
A founding member of “Main Street Jamboree” radio/TV show out of Hamilton, ON during the 1950s, where he created the character “Gaylord”.
By the time Tapp joined “Country Hoedown”, the predecessor to “The Tommy Hunter Show”, his well-known character “Cousin Clem” had long been a part of his repertoire; although no one would have believed the popularity and fame the character would gain when Tapp took it onto “Hee Haw”, leading Tapp into international stardom. Tapp’s famous roles also included “Samuel B. Sternwheeler”, “Mr. Gordon the storekeeper”, and “Lavern Nagger”.
His 1980 album, Both Sides, featured both his comedic and singing talents.
While Gordie Tapp’s gift of laughter is uniquely country, his gentle sense of humour is known as being uniquely Canadian. He is the recipient of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario. In 2007, Gordie released his autobiography, ‘What’s On Tapp’.
If laughter is the best medicine, Gordie Tapp has cured more country music enthusiasts than anyone else in the history of Canada.
IN DEPTH
Tapp has always been an impersonator and a comedian, starting off with a stint in army uniform from 1942-46 on the “Army Show”. Tapp moved into radio before breaking into the television medium.
A founding member of “Main Street Jamboree” radio/TV show out of Hamilton, ON during the 1950s, where he created the character “Gaylord”.
By the time Tapp joined “Country Hoedown”, the predecessor to “The Tommy Hunter Show”, his well-known character “Cousin Clem” had long been a part of his repertoire; although no one would have believed the popularity and fame the character would gain when Tapp took it onto “Hee Haw”, leading Tapp into international stardom. Tapp’s famous roles also included “Samuel B. Sternwheeler”, “Mr. Gordon the storekeeper”, and “Lavern Nagger”.
His 1980 album, Both Sides, featured both his comedic and singing talents.
While Gordie Tapp’s gift of laughter is uniquely country, his gentle sense of humour is known as being uniquely Canadian. He is the recipient of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario. In 2007, Gordie released his autobiography, ‘What’s On Tapp’.
amplifier-maker, electronic engineer, musician | 1921 - 2006
