A collective of residents in New Brunswick is advocating for the installation of a statue along the Saint John waterfront in honor of a renowned Canadian music icon who has deep ties to the port city. Charles Thomas Connors, famously known as “Stompin’ Tom” for his distinctive heel-stomping rhythm, would have marked his 90th birthday this week. He is the creative force behind the beloved anthem “The Hockey Song,” a tune synonymous with hockey arenas nationwide since the early 1990s.
While a statue was previously erected in 2015 in Sudbury, Ontario, commemorating Connors’ legacy in Canadian culture, Greg Hemmings and a trio of supporters aspire to pay homage to the artist in the place of his birth and early upbringing — Saint John. Hemmings emphasized, “When I think of artists embodying the essence, determination, and national pride of Canada, it’s Stompin’ Tom.”
Born at Saint John’s General Hospital on February 9, 1936, Connors’ formative years were marked by adversity. Hemmings and his peers celebrated Connors’ 90th birthday with live music and cake while formally petitioning the city council to present their proposal. Connors endured challenging circumstances during his youth in Saint John, residing with his Protestant mother before family separation led to his orphanage placement and subsequent adoption.
Hemmings characterizes Connors’ narrative as one of resilience and perseverance, emblematic of the spirit of Saint John. Alongside Hemmings, Mike Bravener, Jason MacLean, and Scott Gogan advocate for the statue’s realization. Connors’ staunch commitment to Canadian music was highlighted in 1978 when he boycotted the Juno awards, returning his awards due to his perception of a bias towards artists with international careers.
The proposed statue on Saint John’s waterfront aims to honor Connors’ legacy and roots, captivating both locals and tourists. Hemmings envisions the statue as a representation of enduring Canadian pride and history, appealing to visitors from abroad. The group plans to present their proposal to the city council on February 23, with supportive residents like Rachel Coppens endorsing the initiative for its cultural and artistic value.
With aspirations to unveil the statue by October, coinciding with the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame event, Hemmings envisions the tribute as a celebration of Connors’ enduring legacy as a country music icon. The group’s next objective is to commission an artist for the statue, aiming to engage local talent in the creation process.