Ian Tyson
Born: Victoria, British Columbia
Place of Birth: September 25, 1933
Major Notes:
Ian Tyson is credited as being Canada's foremost cowboy ballad singer.
He grew up on a western ranch and, against his father's wishes, always wanted to be a cowboy
Tyson decided to do the rodeo circuit and rode broncs for several years.
An unfortunate rodeo accident led him to learn to play the guitar while he was recuperating.
He moved to Toronto at age 25 to pursue a muscial career and there met his future wife, Sylvia.
The duo "Ian and Sylvia" wrote several songs which became internationally known, especially "Four Strong Winds".
They ended their marriage in 1975 and each pursued their own successful musical careers.
Because of Tyson's background, his songs show a recognition and understanding of a cowboy's life.
He had a five year run with a TV program initially called "Nashville North" and then renamed "The Ian Tyson Show" after Sylvia had left.
Tyson still longed for the cowboy life and eventually ended up with his own ranch in Alberta along with a new wife, Twylla.
He again put effort into his song writing skills and wrote many cowboy and western based songs.
Ian Tyson has gained many awards including induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and an Order of Canada.
For detailed research and more information, check out any of the following:
Ian Tyson Official Site
AOL Music
Stony Plain Records
JAM!Showbiz
Wikipedia
Last Updated: June 13, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003