Favorite Canadian Musicians: Ian Tyson (#4)

Tweet

To celebrate Canada Day, which was July 1, I’m counting down my favorite Canadian music acts. When I finish this I’ll give you my ten favorite songs by Canadians. Some acts will be repeated, and some won’t. Meanwhile, it’s on to today’s singer. #4: Ian Tyson It’s like this: allegedly Bob Dylan told his fellow folkie, Ian Tyson, that he (Dylan) was writing a song called “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Tyson thought, “Hey, I’ll write my own ‘wind’ song!” Twenty minutes later, reminiscing about an old girlfriend, Tyson had written the classic “Four Strong Winds.” (And Tyson is a far better singer! ) Ian Tyson became a folk/country legend by accident. Sure, he loved music (fellow Canadian Montana Slim was a major influence), but he was a rodeo man. Then he was injured. The Order of Canada and induction into both the Canadian Music and Canadian Country Music Halls of Fame later, it’s safe to say that rodeo’s loss was definitely music’s gain. Tyson’s biggest success was with his first wife, Sylvia, as Ian & Sylvia. (Can’t say those folkies didn’t have imagination in picking their names! ) After they divorced both continued on individual paths, each ending up as separate inductees into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Tyson is a remarkable songwriter. His songs send shivers down my spine, even all these years later. People are still covering “Four Strong Winds” and Tyson’s other best-known classic, “Someday Soon,” as well as countless other Tyson classics. Thanks, Canada, for sharing him with the rest of the world. Ian Tyson Born Ian Dawson Tyson September 25, 1933 Victoria, British Columbia The finale of a 1986 CBC Ian & Sylvia reunion/tribute: