Stompin’ Tom Connors: friends, fans and fellow musicians remember

Reaction to the death of singing icon Stompin’ Tom Connors:

“A lot of people don’t realize that when Tom played events he wouldn’t allow any other flag to fly in the building except the Canadian Flag. When he came in here, we had a number of flags up in the rafters, and we had to take them down or he wouldn’t play. He was that strong of a Canadian patriot.” – Dave Morell, events and marketing manager, Aitken Centre, Fredericton, N.B.

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“Stompin’ Tom Connors loved Canada and wrote about the beauty he saw in the Canadian people and the landscape. When he composed ‘The Hockey Song,’ it became known as Canada’s second national anthem.” – Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre.

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“On stage he was very sociable, doin’ the Stompin’ Tom show. Backstage, he was much quieter and soft-spoken. Very, very smart and very humble.” – Dave Gunning, Nova Scotia folk singer who toured with Stompin’ Tom.

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“Just heard that #StompinTom died… Grief! He was iconic. Bud the Spud from the Big Red Mud will live forever in my earworm collection…” – CanLit legend Margaret Atwood on Twitter.

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“Tom was a wonderful voice for Canada, and his music brought cheer to the lives of so many. He was a true patriot and embodied the very best of what it means to be a Canadian. We will be forever thankful to Stompin’ Tom for a lifetime of contributions to his beloved country.” – Liberal Leader Bob Rae