Distinct voice and personality, great songwriter and historian of the West, as it once was during the times of Charlie Russell. Just a few thoughts on Ian Tyson.
Ian passed December 29th of 2022, leaving behind a legacy of writing, riding, painting pictures in words and song of the West that once was. Vivid cowboy recollections that romanticized and told the story of cowboys, horses, the culture that reflected the dreams of city slickers hoping to be cowboys and cowgirls. Tyson didn’t just write about it he lived it. In the foothills of Alberta, Ian Tyson set up camp for decades, breaking cutting horses, attending competitions and raising critters on the Longview, Alberta ranch. Ian’s began in the late 50’s and carried him into the 60’s and the coffee houses of Toronto and New York City with Sylvia Fricker, whom he would eventually marry. The folk music scene was hitting its stride and so were Ian & Sylvia. In 1964, Four Strong Winds hit. Neil Young would be the vessel for taking the song over the top. Tyson says that in part helped him create his Alberta ranch, one royalty cheque at a time! The song remains a well covered Tyson creation. In the 80’s it was Old Corrals and Sagebrush, Cowboyography was the album that would help define western sound that was truly Albertan and became a Juno award winning release. There are so many angles to cover when it comes to Mr. Tyson’s career and his success in the story-telling of his music. The artform which grabbed hold with him attending Elko, Nevada gatherings.
There are so many great Ian Tyson songs including “Half Mile of Hell” which helps bring to life the chuckwagon culture, the Steel Dust Line, Magpie, M.C. Horses, Springtime in Alberta and the list goes on to cap off with the beloved The Gift. It was the pictures painted by Tyson that personally drew me to exploring Montana and places like Judith Gap. The romance of Will James and the artistry of Charlie Russell.
Having worked in Southern Alberta, to be specific, High River, I can tell you of the impact that Ian had on the community. I will always remember the day he rolled up to the station I was working at, I was doing the afternoon show on CHRB. I was just letting the music roll when I looked out to the street and saw a big 3/4 ton truck roll up! I thought it was going to come right through the front doors. Out hopped someone I immediately recognized and I in turn jumped off of my chair and quickly hustled out to the front desk to intercept the visitor. At lunch no one was at the front desk. Ian had a new disc out and was hoping we might find a place for the album on our station. OF COURSE WE WILL. My GOD, its IAN TYSON!!! He thanked me and left. No selfie and no autograph!
Ian was every part of the Alberta cowboy. I attended a concert at the Longview Hall where Quartette was performing. Ian’s ex, Sylvia Tyson was apart of Quartette, it was a sold out show in the small venue. From the back of the hall a very distinct voice could be heard. It was Ian! Good music is good music, right!? And a voice like Ian’s was hard to miss. I’m not sure if he drove over to catch the women sing or if he rode horse back, he was dressed rather for the latter.
I am more than excited to share the news that THE GIFT: A Tribute to Ian Tyson will allow you to enjoy the songs you remember and those that Ian rested because, he just had so many great songs. Stewart MacDougall has some details on why you should NOT miss this event on Saturday. Join me, won’t you at Casino Regina Show Lounge. The show has been a hit in Alberta and if you don’t make it, you’ll have regrets!
(Pictures supplied by Peter North Booking & Jay Dusard website)
