Stompin' Tom Connors died today, confirms a statement posted to the Canadian music icon's website.
The following message was posted on behalf of Connors on the occasion of his death:
Hello friends,
I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin' Tom.
It was a long hard bumpy road, but this great country kept me inspired with it's beauty, character, and spirit, driving me to keep marching on and devoted to sing about its people and places that make Canada the greatest country in the world.
I must now pass the torch, to all of you, to help keep the Maple Leaf flying high, and be the Patriot Canada needs now and in the future.
I humbly thank you all, one last time, for allowing me in your homes, I hope I continue to bring a little bit of cheer into your lives from the work I have done.
Sincerely,
Your friend always,
Stompin' Tom Connors
With an astounding 61 studio records under his belt - 10 of which, according to a news release issued today, have yet to be released to the public - Stompin' Tom enjoyed a slew of hits, including The Hockey Song, Sudbury Saturday Night, Bud The Spud, Tillsonburg, Big Joe Mufferaw, Algoma Central 69, and countless others.
A poet, comedian and patriotic Canadian to the core, Stompin' Tom's songs wove tales of this vast nation, many accounting historical events.
Canada post issued the Stompin' Tom postage stamp in 2009, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, and he was the recipient of both the Queens Gold and Diamond Jubilee Medals.
Although he was the recipient of six Juno Awards early in his career, in 1979 Stompin' Tom returned the Junos as a means to protest what he believed to be the Americanization of the Canadian music industry.
Stompin' Tom leaves behind his wife Lena, two sons, two daughters and several grandchildren.
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What a beautiful sentiment that in his time of passing,Tom wanted to thank us all for being a part of his life. Not many things in my life these days evokes any emotion in me but I know that this expression truly came from his heart because I could feel it. Thank you for your time with us Tom and may you rest in eternal peace.
Cheers to you Stompin' Tom. A Canadian legend and down to earth good guy. Saw him play in London, Ontario, and he was incredible. I am sure they serve warm Molson Export beer (his beer of preference) up in the big house. God bless you.
I had a personal encounter with Tom way back in the 60’s. My family owed a motel in Ontario and Tom was in town for a one night concert, and they had booked their rooms at our place . Tom’s room had called the front desk and asked where they could get some ice and pop for some guests that would be visiting him, we kind of did all the duties ourselves, and yup I was the bellboy (gopher) that day, so my dad asked if I could take them the ice and pop. When I got to the room it was Tom himself that answered the door, he insisted that I come in sit down and have one of those pop’s I brought for them. So I did and , BTW as I sat there and sipped on my pop, he was sitting on one of beds having his own beer and a smoke, and was strumming his guitar and singing a few lines of his favourite hits, I guess just loosening up a bit. It was very informal, I was just a youngster at that time and remembered being quite in awe. It was something I will certainly always remember... To this day when ever I hear one of his tunes, I fondly remembered my private concert with good ol’ Stompin' Tom Connors …!!
Wow, TFinn! You are one lucky person to have your own little mini-concert with him. He was a great entertainer. I've always loved his music. He will be missed.
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Stompin' Tom Connors died today, confirms a statement posted to the Canadian music icon's website.
