A Stompin’ Goodbye To A True Canadian Troubadour

A Short Note from NAL publisher Doug Draper

 I’ve got to admit, I never quite wrapped my mind around Stompin’ Tom Conners. Try as I must, I just didn’t get it.

If some conclude that makes me less of a Canadian, so be it, since he , by so many accounts was such an unwavering, giant one. I’ve always been more of a Gordon Lightfoot fan and have followed his path around any troubadouring for Canada and for where ever else in the world. I’ve also remained a true fan of Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, who fell into the category of Canadian artists Stompin’ Tom felt jumped our border to acquire larger bags of gold, state side.

Yet there is no doubt, upon the death of Stompin’ Tom Conners, at age 77,  this March 6, that he was much beloved by many Canadians. All you had to do was listen to the phone-in calls to CBC radio over the past 24 hours, and the love for this man comes across loud and clear.

 I remember a concert he was to perform, and certainly did, at in a St. Catharines, Ontario arena some 20 or so years ago while I was working at the St. Catharines Standard, and the tickets for the venue sold out within hours, if not minutes. If there had been 40,000 more seats in that arena, they probably would have been sold too.

So in keeping with the spirit of Niagara At Large to honour those who respect and love this Canadian, we are posting his final letter to his fans below. This was written in recent days when he knew he knew his time on this planet and in this country he loved was moving on.

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

(Niagara At Large invites all you who care to share your name with your comments to shaore them below.)