Ian Tyson

Born: Victoria, British Columbia
Place of Birth: September 25, 1933

• 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.

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Last Updated: June 13, 2006
© Canada-Heros/Don Jones 2003