Stompin’ On: Adrienne Clarkson on Stompin’ Tom’s legacy, her favourite songs

Adrienne Clarkson considers herself one of Stompin’ Tom Connors’ biggest fans.

Ahead of her performance Tuesday at Stompin’ Tom’s 80th Birthday Celebration in Toronto, Canada’s former governor general spoke with The Canadian Press about paying tribute to the Stompin’ legend, as well as a few of her favourite tunes.

— On how Stompin’ Tom became one of Canada’s musical icons: “He was totally authentic and I think that cuts across whether you like country music or classical…. His music is timeless and will always be something that people respond to.”

— On keeping her performance fresh after performing at last year’s birthday bash: “The music is so good and the lyrics are so interesting. It’s not like going up and reciting the alphabet.”

— On picking “The Martin Hartwell Story” for her performance: “I was a journalist when that story happened and I remember it vividly…. It is a gripping story, and it’s full of emotion, desperation and excitement. It’s beautiful.”

— On why she loves “The Hockey Song”: “The moment you hear ‘The Hockey Song’ you feel the ice on your cheeks.”

— On the Stompin’ Tom statue unveiled in Sudbury last summer: “Even if there’s a little lull 100 years (from now) and people don’t know who he is, somebody (will see the statue), ask ‘Who is that?’ They’ll find (his music) again. So a statue is really, really important.”