Stompin’ Tom Connors dies at 77 Stompin’ Tom Connors, the lanky, cranky country music legend who extolled Canada’s pastoral and working-class virtues in song has died. He was 77.
[the Toronto Star]

I gave a tear for this legend of Canadian Music when I read those words this morning in the Toronto Star online. Many outside of Canada probably have no idea who he was, and quite frankly, that was probably fine by Tom. He was 100% Canadian and extolled the virtues of our vast landscape, in all its nooks and crannies, from East to West he traveled in his career singing of his love affair with his home and native land. A couple days before his death he posted the following on this website stompintom.com, for his loyal fans;

“Hello friends, I want all my fans, past, present, or future, to know that without you, there would have not been any Stompin’ Tom,” his note reads.

“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.”

Thank you Tom, RIP