Thank You Terry Sumsion – Remembering A Legend

Over the weekend, the music world lost an incredible man.

At 64 years of age, Terry Sumsion left the stage.

Terry Sumsion will be remembered as one of the pioneers of Canadian country music. Fans will recall his booming voice and his chart topping hits like “Our Lovin’ Place” and “Midnight Invitation”. The industry will long revel about the Ontario boy who could write a song like no other.

Those close to Terry know how truly an exceptional man he was.

A caring man who took his profession seriously. A legend who remembered his roots. An icon who took the future generation under his wing. A never say die attitude – literally. A man who fought cancer for years and never turned his back on his love of music. A man who was able to push out yet another album – fittingly titled “Encore” – while he was fading from this world. An album, which many early critics claim may include some of his best work.

I will choose to remember Terry Sumsion as a friend.

Thanks to local country music singer-songwriter Jay Allan, I have had the personal privilege of spending time with Terry in CKXS studios, on his tour bus and at live shows – where he would send goosebumps up your spine while performing and make you feel like a dear family friend while he spoke to you between songs. To shake this man’s hand and call him friend was an honour simply for who he was in the industry. Who he was as a man, stands alone.

Thank you Terry. Not only for your contributions to the music industry. Not only for helping mold and mentor young talent. But also for who you were and how you lived. Thank you.

You will never be forgotten.

Your Friend,
Jay Smith

Terry Sumsion Tribute by 99.1 CKXS