Canadian singing legend Stompin' Tom Connors sings The Hockey Song before the start of the NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators in Toronto in this October 5, 2005.MIKE CASSESE/Reuters
Stompin' Tom Connors once gladly accepted an honour from Canada Post, but he still refuses, even posthumously, to put his stamp of approval on a tribute from the Juno Awards.
"As far as we're concerned, Stompin' Tom should not be part of the Junos," Tom Connors Jr. told The Globe and Mail. "All we can do as a family is to respect his wishes."
Also respecting his wishes is the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, who have decided not to proceed with any kind of recognition during the Junos, which will be broadcast from Regina on April 21. The iconic Bud the Spud singer famously returned his six Juno awards in 1978, as a protest against the nomination of Canadian artists who flee the country to further their careers.
Connors Jr. said his father attempted to reconcile with Juno six years ago, but his suggestions to CARAS on ways to improve the nation's musical awards were not acted upon. "They had their chance to bring him back, but decided to go their own way." And so, no Regina Sunday Night.
Brad Wheeler