Hockey Night Song Stompin Tom Connors
Every Canadian hockey fan knows the iconic Hockey Night Song by Stompin Tom Connors. The song has become a beloved Canadian anthem, played before every Saturday night hockey game on CBC. But how did this classic tune come to be? Let's take a closer look at the story behind the Hockey Night Song.
The Early Years of Stompin Tom Connors
Stompin Tom Connors was born in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1936. He grew up in poverty and dropped out of school at age 9 to work on farms and in factories. Despite his humble beginnings, Connors had a love for music and taught himself to play guitar and write songs.
Connors began performing in bars and coffeehouses in his early twenties, but struggled to make a name for himself. He eventually recorded a demo tape and sent it to various record labels, but was rejected by all of them. Determined to succeed, Connors traveled across Canada, performing wherever he could - including on street corners and at rodeos.
The Inspiration for Hockey Night Song
In the mid-1970s, Connors was performing at a bar in Timmins, Ontario - a small town known for its love of hockey. After his set, Connors overheard two young men talking about hockey and the importance of Saturday night games on CBC. Inspired by their conversation, Connors wrote the Hockey Night Song that night.
The song's simple melody and catchy chorus struck a chord with Canadians, who quickly embraced it as a symbol of national pride. CBC began using the song as the theme for its Saturday night hockey broadcasts in 1973, and it has been played before every game since.
The Legacy of Stompin Tom Connors and the Hockey Night Song
Stompin Tom Connors passed away in 2013, but his music and legacy live on. The Hockey Night Song has become an integral part of Canadian culture, and is played at not only hockey games, but also at weddings, parties, and other events.
In addition to the Hockey Night Song, Connors wrote dozens of other songs about Canadian life and culture, including "Bud the Spud" and "The Maritime Waltz". He received numerous awards in his lifetime, including the Order of Canada and induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Stompin Tom Connors was an iconic Canadian performer who captured the hearts of his fellow citizens with his music. The Hockey Night Song is just one example of his lasting impact on Canadian culture.