Saint John is buzzing with a passionate plea to immortalize one of Canada's most beloved musical storytellers! A dedicated group of locals is championing the idea of a statue on the city's scenic waterfront to celebrate the indelible legacy of the one and only Stompin' Tom Connors.
This initiative is particularly poignant as it marks what would have been the 90th birthday of Charles Thomas Connors, affectionately known as "Stompin' Tom." His iconic heel-stomping rhythm and his voice that sang of the true Canadian spirit have left an undeniable mark on our nation's cultural landscape. Who can forget his anthem, 'The Hockey Song', with its instantly recognizable chorus that echoes through arenas across the country every hockey season?
While Stompin' Tom is already honored with a statue in Sudbury, Ontario, erected in 2015, a trio of Saint John residents – Greg Hemmings, Mike Bravener, Jason MacLean, and Scott Gogan – believe it's high time for him to be recognized in the very place where his journey began. "When I think about artists that really represent the spirit, grit and pride of Canada, it's Stompin' Tom," Hemmings passionately stated. "His songs are Canada in the DNA… That really brings pride and it tells the story of this place. This is why [we] are determined to honour him as a Saint John son the way he should have been many years ago."
Connors, born in Saint John on February 9, 1936, experienced a childhood marked by hardship. His early years in the city, as detailed in his autobiography, were challenging, involving separation from his family and time in an orphanage before his adoption. This narrative of overcoming adversity is precisely what resonates so deeply with Hemmings and the community. "It's definitely a Saint John story. But it's also about breaking through and making something great out of very humble beginnings. And I just think it resonates so much to Saint Johners."
But here's where it gets controversial... Stompin' Tom's commitment to Canadian identity was legendary. In 1978, he famously boycotted the Juno Awards, returning six awards he had received. His reasoning? He felt the awards were increasingly favoring artists who spent more time abroad than in Canada. This principled stand continued until his passing in 2013, with specific instructions to not be memorialized by the ceremony. This unwavering dedication to Canadian artistry is a key element the group wants to highlight on the waterfront, a place where both locals and the many tourists arriving by cruise ship can witness this profound sense of national pride. Hemmings even quipped, "What a neat story for our American friends who are visiting us on cruise ships to see this Canadian pride that has been going on for a very long time — before the “elbows up” movement started."
The group is slated to present their proposal to the city council on February 23rd. Many residents, like Rachel Coppens, are enthusiastically supporting the idea, seeing it as a way to "definitely help with kind of like revitalizing the harbourfront, too, by bringing some art and culture." Tim Harvey, another resident, described Connors as a "local hero" whose music, often inspired by working life in the Maritimes, deeply connected with many, particularly older generations who appreciate country music.
And this is the part most people miss... The group has an ambitious target: to have the statue unveiled by October, coinciding with a New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame event. "Wouldn't it be neat … because Tom is a country music legend," Hemmings mused. The next exciting step, should their proposal gain traction, will be finding a talented artist, ideally a local one, to bring this vision to life.
What do you think? Should Saint John embrace its "son" with a prominent statue, or are there other ways to honor Stompin' Tom's legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
