If you don’t know who Stan Rogers was, that’s OK – he’s been dead since 1983 (went back to pull other passengers out of a burning plane even after he himself had escaped) and never permeated the American mass music market the way many other Canadian bands have. And by “Canadian bands” I of course mean the Bare Naked Ladies. If you’d like to learn more about this remarkable musician please visit the Wadio post I did on Stan Rogers a year and a half ago.
There’s currently a petition to have Rogers awarded a posthumous star on Canada’s Walk of Fame – and I think that’s a damn good idea. I’ve loved his saltwater-soaked sea tales since my father first played them for me as a child. In fact, modern bands like the Decemberists must surely count him as an influence.
Barrett’s Privateers – You have to watch this!
They need at least 5,000 signatures by noon eastern time on April 30th and currently have less than 2,000, apparently. The person leading the Stan Rogers charge, and who created the Facebook group I belong to wrote me only this morning. A for effort, my friend:
“Please sign so that when I meet with the Walk’s selection committee on April 30th I can show Stan Rogers was truly admired.”
It’s really hard to believe this is even in contention or being discussed. The man is a national treasure and definitely should have been in line for a star before Brendan Fraser (2006) or Celine Dion (1999). I signed the petition a few months ago and it takes seconds. If you’re a Stan fan then please take 2 minutes today and add your name to the petition. For the love of Trebek.
If you liked this post...:
- Wednesday Wadio: Stan Rogers’ ‘Barrett’s Privateers’ “God damn them all! I was told, we’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns! Shed no tears! But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers” - Stan Rogers’ Barrett’s Privateers Jonothan Richman came to Guelph in 1994 and I went to see him at the almighty Albion hotel for what [...]...
- Moby Wants To Move To Canada. Canada: “No” Electronica ‘musician’ Moby keeps blathering away in a journal on his website, and in typical Streisand style does little else but lament the election and bash George W. Bush. He’d like to secede to Canada, and bring most of the Northeastern USA with him. I think I’d like to address his wishes on Canada’s behalf, [...]...
- Canada Day Weekend 2006. Mike, Jo, Mark, Janet and I got back from our most recent trip to the Great White North last evening, and although I spent the vast majority of the time doing chores around my parents place – it was still a welcome rest. I could do without the zebra mussel cuts from putting in the [...]...
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Mr. Pye,
I wanted to thank you so much for the article you wrote about our group’s efforts to have Stan Rogers awarded a star on Canada’s walk of fame. It was well written and to the point. If only every Stan Fan was as dedicated as you..
Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Christian Tobin
My pleasure, Christian. Please keep us posted on your progress, and I wish you continued luck with the effort for Stan.