Stompin' Tom Connors Dies at 77: Canadian Country Folk Singer and Creator of 'The Hockey Song' Passed Away Wednesday

Legendary Canadian country folk singer Tom Connors died at the age of 77 Wednesday. Known as "Stompin'" Tom Connors,  the singer was a cultural icon through Canada for his patriotism and signature black cowboy boots and cowboy hat. Connors created "The Hockey Song" which is heard at NHL games and throughout minor league hockey stadiums. A spokesman told The Canadian Press Connors died from "natural causes."

Before his death, Connors passed along a note to his fans on his website Stompintom.com. Part of which reads:

"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."

Connors' "The Hockey Song," is arguably his most well known song after it was released on his 1973 album, Stompin' Tom and the Hockey Song.

Connors was dubbed "Stompin'" because of his propensity to pound his left foot on the floor during performances. Connors was also know for his passion and patriotism for his home country of Canada. In 1978, Connors returned a handful of awards he won at the Juno Awards (Canada's Music Awards) because some artists were being rewarded outside their genre and other artists had conducted a lot of their work outside Canada. Connors declared those artists who left for the United States as "border jumpers." Connors would go on a 10-year self imposed exile from the spotlight.

Connors would release an album in 1988 and follow up with a 70-city Canadian tour in 1990. However, Connors would decline an invitation into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993. Connors did end up having his own postage stamp and an appointment to the Order of Canada in 1996.

Thoughts go out to legendary Country folk singer Tom Connors' family and friends.