I’m Sorry Too….
Sounds like a fun night! Those are certainly some iconic tunes that have a warm place in most Canuck’s hearts if not all. Both Ontario’s centennial contribution (Give Us a Place to Stand) and Bobby Gimby’s Centennial song (Can-a-da, We Love Thee...), were hard to escape in 1967. Don Messer’s Jubilee, a CBC staple from 1957 to 1969, showcased numerous Canadian musicians and was watched religiously by much of the nation. ‘The Guess Who’, Ian & Sylvia, Stompin’ Tom Connors and of course Gordon Lightfoot have made invaluable contributions to the musical fabric of our Country.
However an unforgivable
musical travesty has recently been committed which some of our American friends may not be aware of. I’m referring to CBC’s failure to renew the licence
* for Doris Clayman’s
‘Hockey Night In Canada Theme Song’. The tune was a summons for all to grab a bag of chips, crack a Molson’s and kick back in front of the TV for Canada’s national sport.
(yes, I know that Lacrosse is also Canada’s national sport but this country is big enough to handle two…) The affection for this tune cannot be understated as it has been referred to by many as “Canada’s second national anthem”.
(…and nobody would be foolish enough to mess with the national anthem, now would they.....hmmmmmm???)
CBC will be holding a contest requesting submissions from aspiring composers to replace the iconic tune. Maybe some hip-hop or rap version set to a ‘scratching’ record and interjected “yohs” could replace the noble & dignified retired theme. I amongst many in this nation will miss it!
Then again, perhaps you have to be Canadian to understand…..
Eh??
* Seizing the opportunity, CTV sprang for the licensing fee but how often this music will be played before NHL games is yet to be seen as CBC still owns the broadcast rights to the NHL broadcasts of ‘Hockey Night In Canada’.