Stompin' Tom: Before the Fame

by Stompin' Tom Connors

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Canada

525 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1995

Reviews

[Bob McPhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised, it was a very good book. I read it in three days while camping at Rondeau Provincial Park! I am a huge Stompin' Tom fan. I am not a big reader, but his story certainly held my interest. He was a true Canadian! I highly recommend this book.

[Joe Seliske · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing collection of stories and anecdotes which Stompin' Tom himself has said was written mostly from memory. He never stayed in one place long enough to write this stuff down. My buddies from Timmins put me on to Tom ~1973 when we were all at the University of Toronto. We visited the Maple Leaf Hotel a number of times on visits to Timmins. An amazing man who lived an amazing life. A REAL CANADIAN!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all his references to Canadian small towns and what the lifestyle was like back then. I felt sad to read about his years of neglect and hardship as a small boy. He certainly had a drive and determination to succeed despite his circumstances and perhaps some of those hardships helped him to persevere and listen to his inner calling as a musician

[Patricia Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book but should have came with a couple of boxes of klennex so sad the life he led and eveything he went through to a singer but he was one of the greatest canadian there was and im glad i seen him in concert and met him....

[Tom Ryerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and entertaining book. Being a musician myself, I could really relate to many of the roadblocks that he faced. Funny how the music business hasn't changed in over forty years. Now onto the 2nd part of his life story.

[Dean Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Canadian Folk hero. Stomping Tom had a interesting childhood. It was like a Charles Dickens story. His start in the music is told by the man himself. He really paid his dues in Canada. A proud Canadian Tom was. A hard working song writer. Epic book.

[Bryant William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining book. From a very rough upbringing, Stompin Tom delivers a tome as corny as one would expect from listening to his songs. But also engaging, witty, funny and an overall wonderful read.

[Peter Hennessey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very compelling story a true Canadian icon

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read by a Canadian legend. Bought the book at one of his concerts. It is honest, heart warming and insightful.

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. Exactly what you'd expect from Stompin' Tom. It tells the story, in very plain words, about his childhood and his early days on the road. His childhood was rough, but he doesn't bemoan his fate, and his tales of the road are great! It really paints a picture of a simpler time, were you could pack up your things, stick out your thumb and go across the country. He has some wonderful stories of early concerts, clever things he did to promote his shows, and great tales of how he came to write many of his songs. I highly recommend this book.

My only regret is that I later went on and read its sequel, Stompin' Tom and the Connors Tone, which ruined it all for me.

[Laurel Russwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most powerful autobiographies I've ever read.

Stompin' Tom Connors early life is a cautionary tale; yet it is nothing short of amazing that this man overcame the odds and step by step carved himself a life and career as few before or since have. This should be of historic interest to today's musicians since to get an idea of what the music biz was really like in the old days.

I included this book in my blog a while back as part of Biographies: My Top Five

[Kevin Gallan · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful read

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this engaging tale of a Canadian icon, born for storytelling!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to read about Tom traveling across our great country. I am sure anyone who reads this book can relate to some of the towns and cities he visited and wrote about. I look forward to read Stumpin' Tom and The Connors Tone, his book after the fame.