Canadian musical icon and patriot Stompin' Tom Connors died today at the age of 77. According to an official announcement on his website, the prolific songwriter died of natural causes at his Ontario home.
Connors will be remembered as a Canadian cultural icon. Many of his hits are evocative of the Canadian experience, including "The Hockey Song" "Tillsonburg," "Bud the Spud," "Sudbury Saturday Night," and "Big Joe Mufferaw."
Conners has more than 300 song credits to his name, and has released more than 4 dozen albums in his career, making him one of Canada's most successful country artists.
Connors' family released this statement, which he wrote shortly before 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
Share you favourite memories of Stompin' Tom in the comment section.
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