America’s Tap Treasure: An Interview with Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin

Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin is a master tap dancer, teacher, and historian. Reggio began his career as a musician, playing bass guitar for The Lost Generation and opening for such artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips and James Brown. Reggio made the successful transition from musician to tap dancer. He performs and teaches tap around the world, and has worked with countless tap legends, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, The Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, and his mentor Ernest “Brownie” Brown. Reggio’s immense contributions to preserving the art and tradition of tap have been richly recognized: In 2021, Reggio received the National Medal of Honor from the United States’ National Endowment of the Arts. Listen as Reggio and Shannon discuss Reggio’s inspiring career, and what it’s like to be named a National Living Treasure.