Folks out west invariably referred to him as Stompin' Tom. There was no need for a last name because everyone knew who you were talking about. There was only one of them and he was it.

Indeed the more 'traditionally-oriented' people kinda looked down on his music. However, watch the audience in this rendition of Bud the Spud. Even the kids know the lyrics. He knew this country and he knew the people. No ax to to grind--just his love of the place we call Canada. Audiences knew it was OK to bring their children to his performances because everyone would be treated respectfully. He couldn't sing worth a darn, his guitar playing was fundamental and so were his lyrics. But he left a giant footprint on this land and touched hearts all over the country. All ya ever had to do was mention his name and people would break into smiles, grins or laughter. "Hey, did you ever hear him sing . . . ?" Yeah, we all heard him sing something or other and we all left the room better for the experience. This time it's Stompin' Tom who's left the room, but the music he gave us to remember him by will live for a long long time. That is a legacy and a half.