Stompin’ Tom Connors
Yesterday Stompin’ Tom Connors a true Canadian icon + country-folk legend passed away + left a mark on many people’s hearts.
I hadn’t heard of Stompin’ Tom Connors until today, being that I am new to Canada. Jeff told me this morning that he was, “As Canadian as it gets” + I’ve been doing some searching about him on the internet ever since. I’m completely enamored.
He sung about the common man, about hockey + all things Canadian. His music had been criticized in the past by fellow musicians who claimed his music was, “too Canadian” + “too kitschy”. For shame! Everyone needs more kitsch in their lives!!!! And to demonstrate these allegations, I give you this album cover. You’re welcome.
Stompin’ Tom also had a rebel spirit. In the 1970s he gave back his 6 Juno awards (the Junos are like the Canadian Grammys) in protest of the nomination of Canadian artists that resided + worked out of the United States. So disillusioned by the music industry, he walked away from it for 12 years before making a comeback in 1986. Badass!!! And he was a true drifter – he grew up riding railroad cars, hitchhiking + at times experiencing homelessness.
I can’t forget to mention he was also really quite the handsome cowboy in his younger days!
He even has his own stamp + was an Officer of the Order of Canada!!!
A few days earlier he wrote a letter to his fans on his official website:
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 its 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
Canada lost one of it’s greatest patriots yesterday. He loved his country, being amongst his fans + countrymen. Some call him the Canadian Woodie Guthrie but I think he is his own special awesome. Rest in peace, Stompin’ Tom. A true original + a legend. Here’s Jeff’s favorite track, “Bud the Spud”. So punk rock. Take that, Justin Bieber.
how's it going, eh? 
He was one of those guys we took for granted, you know, thinking he’d always be there. Canada has lost one of its best. RIP Stompin Tom
I know + I’m such a late bloomer Stompin’ Tom fan, I wish I had heard about him much earlier! What an incredible Canadian!
I had a wonderful time at Tom’s show at the horseshoe tavern , also watched him many times on Barrie cvor T.V. station ,Canada has lost the greatest entertainer and true to his countries roots I feel very proud
Wow!!!! You were at the Horseshoe Tavern!!! That is amazing! Yes, what a genuine person + so true to himself, his fans + Canada! I found the entire “Across This Land” TV spot on YouTube: http://youtu.be/xTLlREVZvQQ
Thank you for paying tribute to such a great Canadian icon!! You just got yourself extra points for this one Shelli … thanks for honoring a great one.
Oh … and I enjoyed the clip too. It’s been a long time since I’ve since Stompin’ Tom in action:)
Such awesome style + a kick ass stage persona!
Aloha, Nan, wow ur now almost a bona-fide Canuck
hehe…LOL, good on Yah, nicely read synopsis of a
true blooded maple leaf, pioneer, Stompin’Tom RIP!!!
He was called “stompin” Tom because of the way he used to stamp his foot on a piece of plywood during every performance. My friend has one of his coveted autographed boards hanging proudly in his parents wreck room. RIP Tom, a true Canadian legend.
WHAT?! NO WAY!!!!! That’s bananas awesome! I know, I should have mentioned where his nickname came from……bad blogger!!! Bad!!!