Known as Stompin’ Tom for his inclination to pound the floor with his left foot during performances, Canadian country-folk legend Stompin’ Tom Connors passed away Wednesday, March 6 at his Ontario home from “natural causes.”;
The musician, rarely seen without his trademark black cowboy hat and matching boots, garnered a devoted following through country tunes that drew inspiration from his extensive travels.
Related: Vote for your favourite Stompin’ Tom song.
Friend Brian Edwards told Global News he knew that his friend’s health was declining and Tom had penned a message for his fans a few days before he passed.
“I know Tom loved the fans more than anything,” Brian says. “He’s probably one of the few artists that built his whole life around fans and nothing else… The man stood for everything that Canada stood for and he was very adamant that he stayed a Canadian and made it very apparent that he never left the country to advance his career and stayed very, very true to who he was.”;
Another famous Canadian musician, k.d.lang released this statement on the passing of Stompin’ Tom “Stompin Tom was dedicated to documenting life in Canada in a way that was unapologetic, uncontrived and uncompromisingly Canadian. We owe him our pride and respect.”;
In the letter posted on his official website, Stompin’ Tom says a final goodbye to his fans, to whom he credited his entire career:
“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.
Sincerly,
Your friend always,
Stompin’ Tom Connors“
Tom is survived by his wife Lena, two sons, two daughters and several grandchildren. Tune into ET Canada tonight as we take a look at the legacy the legendary musician left behind.
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