On November 15, one of Canada’s most prolific and iconic artists, Stompin’ Tom Connors, was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame during the Beyond Famous Gala at Toronto’s Liberty Grand. The intimate evening featured a Stompin’ Tom tribute video from Ron MacLean and Don Cherry, with a special performance of “The Hockey Song” by Whiskey Jack. Tom Connors Jr. was on hand, along with members of the Connors family, to accept the honour and unveil Stompin’ Tom’s new star that will have a permanent place of display in the streets of Toronto.
“All I can say is happy birthday Canada, we need more Stompin’ Tom’s out there. Do it your own way and don’t ever be told you can’t succeed in this country because we’re all proof here that you can do just that,” said Tom Connors Jr.
“My father as most of you know, was one of the proudest Canadians I ever knew. In his honour I would like to say something that he would have probably said; there is no way that he could have done this without the help of his wife, Lena Connors, sons, family, friends and his band members but, most of all, all of his fellow Canadians across this country,” said Taw Connors.
June 30, 2017 saw the release of the Stompin’ Tom Connors 50th Anniversary album (ole label group / Anthem Legacy), which will also be available on vinyl December 8. The album includes an introduction from NHL Legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden, as well as all of Stompin’ Tom’s timeless classics. The album also features four new renditions from notable Canadian Country stars including; The Jim Cuddy/Polley Family Band, Corb Lund, George Canyon and Whiskey Jack.
With his homespun and fiercely patriotic brand of music, Stompin’ Tom’s rich musical legacy includes Canadian country songs “Bud the Spud”, “Luke’s Guitar”, “Sudbury Saturday Night”, “Big Joe Mufferaw”, “Ketchup Song” and Canadian anthem “The Hockey Song”. Stompin’ Tom’s accolades include JUNO Awards for Best Male Country Singer (1971 – 75) and Country Album of the Year (1978), the East Coast Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, SOCAN National Achievement Award (1999), SOCAN Lifetime Achievement Award (2009), the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2000), Toronto Musicians’ Union Lifetime Achievement Award (2011), and was the subject of a postage stamp issued in Canada Post’s recording artist series.
Pre-order the Stompin’ Tom Connors 50th Anniversary vinyl edition here.
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