Jim Jordan
Recorded October 17th, 1984 - 21 min
I met Jim Jordan, radio’s “Fibber McGee,” in 1973 in his Beverly Hills, California home for an hour-long interview. The next year we worked together on the radio project, Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio. We were friends from then on; my wife and I saw Jim and his wife Gretchen every chance we had. He was born November 16, 1896 and in 1984, when Jim was 87, I decided it might be time to chat with him on tape for a little update for my radio listeners. He agreed and this is the conversation we had in his home. He spoke of the Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that honored him and his late wife, Marian; his work with the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters, and told of a high spot in his radio career. He died April 1, 1988 at age 91.
Fibber McGee and Molly - 1/1/52 - New Year's Day Visiting
Did you enjoy the interview? Listen to Jim Jordan as "Fibber McGee" on this Fibber McGee and Molly broadcast from January 1st, 1952.
March 9, 2012 at 3:48 pm
I’m not sure if Jack Benny’s show was funnier than Fib and Mol but boy both shows are better than any show on the TV tube today. Love the website Chuck. Keep it going!
March 18, 2012 at 4:54 am
This interview was hard to listen to. Like when a loved one has grown old and has begun slipping away. Jim Jordan was such an incredible talent. OTR leaves us with these folks at their best, never getting older. I think Jim knew how much we love him. Still.
July 13, 2012 at 11:44 am
Thank you for your website. Did Jim and Marian Jordan ever play vaudeville in Joliet, Illinois? Thanks again. I love your site.
April 2, 2013 at 10:04 am
I agree with Mr. Coursey, in fact I can only echo his remarks. I am certain that this interview has archival value and should be available in some form, but I don’t think it makes for good public listening. In fact, it has bothered me horribly since I listened to it last night, right after the one from 1973. Those of us who have lost loved ones to the terrible ravages of age probably understand better, and are the most affected. Please consider taking this interview down.
July 3, 2013 at 9:01 am
As a former radio broadcaster…and a fan of Fibber McGee and Molly…this is ONE interesting interview and a heck of a nice piece of history! Granted, he was an elderly man by 1984 (he’d be gone in just four short years) and sometimes lost his train of thought but thank you for taking the time and realizing the importance of saving this audio for posterity.
September 25, 2017 at 3:47 pm
Very thankful to Speaking of Radio for this site and interviews such as this and the ’73 interview with Jim Jordan. Endearing man behind Fibber. During this interview I regret some deeper questions were not asked particularly since Jim wanted to chat. His request for more conversation time at this segment is a bit sad. Vaudeville energy to keep the show moving…