A passionate plea for recognition: Saint John's connection to a Canadian icon.
In a heartwarming initiative, a group of dedicated individuals from New Brunswick are advocating for a statue on Saint John's waterfront to immortalize the legacy of Stompin' Tom Connors, a Canadian music legend with deep roots in this port city.
Stompin' Tom, born Charles Thomas Connors, would have turned 90 this week. His iconic song, 'The Hockey Song,' with its catchy chorus, has become an anthem in hockey arenas across the nation since the early '90s. Connors' impact on Canadian music is undeniable, and he is already honored with a statue in Sudbury, Ontario, erected in 2015, two years after his passing.
However, Greg Hemmings and his friends believe that Connors deserves recognition for his birthplace and early life in Saint John. "When I think of artists who truly embody the spirit, resilience, and pride of Canada, it's Stompin' Tom," Hemmings passionately states. "His songs capture the essence of Canada; they tell our story and bring us immense pride. It's time we honor him as a Saint John native, as he should have been recognized many years ago."
Born on February 9, 1936, at Saint John's General Hospital, Connors spent his formative years in the city. Hemmings highlights the challenges Connors faced during those early years, referencing his autobiography. As a child, Connors lived with his Protestant mother in Saint John before they left in search of work. His Catholic father, due to religious and other differences, was not actively involved in his life.
The proposed statue would celebrate Connors' resilience and his connection to Saint John, where he was born and spent his early years. Unfortunately, his mother was jailed for stealing groceries, leading to Connors being separated from his family and placed in an orphanage before being adopted.
Hemmings describes Connors' story as one of "hardship" and "grit," a narrative deeply intertwined with Saint John's history. "It's a Saint John story, but it's also a story of triumph and creating something extraordinary from humble beginnings. It resonates deeply with the people of Saint John."
Joining Hemmings in this endeavor are Mike Bravener, Jason MacLean, and Scott Gogan. Connors' commitment to Canadian music is also highlighted, with his boycott of the Juno Awards in 1978, returning the six awards he had received, due to his belief that the ceremony was favoring artists with stronger connections to the United States and other countries over Canada. This protest continued until his death in 2013, with instructions left behind to not memorialize him at the ceremony.
Hemmings believes the statue, prominently displayed on the waterfront, would be a unique story for visiting Americans, showcasing a long-standing Canadian pride that predates the "elbows up" movement.
The group plans to present their idea to the city council on February 23, with support from residents like Rachel Coppens, who believes it will help revitalize the harborfront by bringing art and culture to the area. Another resident, Tim Harvey, describes Connors as a "local hero" whose music, especially his country songs about working in the woods and the Maritimes, resonates with many.
Hemmings and his team have set an ambitious goal to unveil the statue by October, coinciding with the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame event for new inductees, also taking place that month. "Wouldn't it be amazing to honor Tom, a country music legend, during this event?"
If all goes according to plan, the next step will be finding an artist to bring this statue to life. Hemmings expresses excitement at the prospect of potentially working with a local artist for this project.
This initiative not only celebrates a Canadian icon but also highlights the power of community engagement and the impact of local heroes.
