Tommy Hunter has a licence to kill.

Well, OK, it's not a licence to kill -- more like a license to not wear his seatbelt.

On the other end of the phone before he sets out for a lengthy cross-country tour, the Canadian television and country music icon is relating how an officer had recently pulled him over for not wearing his seatbelt -- Hunter explains he had just filled up with gas and was about to.

Upon discovering who the offender was, the cop, who was also a fan, let the entertainer off with a warning.

"But another officer," Hunter says, "an RCMP guy from Red Deer, Alberta -- I was trying to get in to visit a friend of mine, and I didn't have a lot of time, so I was really motoring. He pulled me over, and he handed me the ticket, and he said, 'You know, my mother is going to kick my butt when she hears that I gave you a ticket. Anyway, keep your foot off the accelerator, I'll see you later,' and he walked away.

"So I don't get away with it all the time."

Even that story says a great deal about Hunter's place in this country's pop culture lexicon.

The performer, who's been dubbed Canada's Country Gentleman, is as much a part of this country's identity as Hockey Night In Canada, Mr. Dressup and beer.

MUSICAL CREDIBILITY

For 27 years (1965-'92), The Tommy Hunter Show was a Friday night staple on the CBC, providing a showcase for up-and-coming country music artists, some of whom went on to become North America's hottest entertainers: Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and The Judds, to name but a few.

But more importantly, for Hunter anyway, he gave credibility to a musical form that he says was -- and still is -- looked down upon by many.

"I got it out of the barn and away from the barnyard and pitchforks and put it on a stage and let you listen and watch the performer perform," he says. "That's what we tried to do -- and do it with an ounce of taste."

And he did it so well that he was awarded the Order of Canada in 1986, and was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame Walkway of Stars in Nashville.

When the show was finally axed by the Mother Corp. 10 years ago -- he was never given a reason why, but it was suspected that the CBC was trying to give itself an image-overhaul and target a more youthful viewer -- Hunter was left to pursue his love of live performances.

His show Monday night at the Jack Singer Concert Hall is part of his annual cross-Canada tour to reconnect with his older fans.

Much to his surprise, Hunter has also found himself make a connection with that younger demographic the CBC thought was too hip for him to reach.

"The crowds are unbelievable," Hunter says, crediting the events of last year for instilling the need for a sense of closeness and a sense of family in many people, young and old.

"I've heard it on three different occasions; people have said, 'I'm bringing mom and dad. I grew up watching your show as a kid and after what happened I'm never going to take my family for granted again. We're going to use it as an excuse to make an evening of it ...'

"There's sort of this unity. They just want to hear a simpler type of thing, a simple presentation and a family type of show."