This one’s for Ed F.
Stompin’ Tom Connors wrote more than 300 songs and sold more than 4 million records. He’s most famous for his songs “Bud The Spud,” “Big Joe Mufferaw,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Sudbury Saturday Night” and “The Hockey Song.”
“Bud The Spud” was released in 1969 and is a song about a potato truck driver from Prince Edward Island. In 1994, the song was turned into a children’s book about Bud the truck driver and his dog.
Connors’ musical break came in 1964. He was a nickel short for a beer, so the bartender made a barter with him– he would give Connors the beer, if Connors would play a few songs. Connors did so well, he was hired on to play full time. The gig lasted 13 months and led to a gig on a Canadian radio station and eight 45-RPM recordings.
Connors passed away this week, but his music will live on for years to come.
Before he passed, Connors sent this final message to his fans, “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 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.”
