Canadian country star Tommy Hunter, who endeared himself to Newfoundland and Labrador in the mid-1980s, has died at age 89.

The London, Ontario, native is best known for hosting “The Tommy Hunter Show,” which ran from 1965 to 1992.

Up-and-coming talent sought out an appearance on the show as the means to break into the industry. He was considered to be the country music czar of Canada as an appearance on his show could make or break a performer.

In the mid-1980’s, when former premier Joey Smallwood ran into difficult financial times while compiling his Encyclopedia of Newfoundland series, Hunter flew to St. John’s to stage a concert at the Arts and Culture Centre to help raise money for him.

Entertainer Eddie Eastman told the Tim Powers Show yesterday  that he was one of the performers at the show.

“Tommy called me and asked if I would go. Joey was in his wheelchair at the time but that was quite a memory for me,” said Eastman. “That’s the way Tommy was – he was very good to people.”

Hunter, who is a member of the Order of Canada, died of natural causes.