Canadian folk and country/western singer-songwriter Ian Tyson passed away on Thursday at the age of 89 following a myriad of health problems.
Best known as one half of the folk duo Ian & Sylvia with his ex-wife Sylvia Tyson, his most notable song was "Four Strong Winds". Although written in New York City in 1961 with inspiration from Bob Dylan, the song was set in Alberta where Tyson would live most of his life. "Four Strong Winds" was most notably covered by fellow Canadian Neil Young. Other artists who have covered "Four Strong Winds" include Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, Blue Rodeo and Sarah MacLachlan.
During the early 1970's, Tyson hosted The Ian Tyson Show on CTV and toured as part of Ian & Sylvia until the couple divorced in 1975. After a five-year hiatus from music, Tyson came back to music concentrating his efforts on country and western music.
But "Four Strong Winds" would remain Tyson's greatest legacy becoming something of an unofficial Albertan and Canadian anthem. Here are Ian & Sylvia performing "Four Strong Winds" in a 1986 reunion special in which they are joined by Gordon Lightfoot, Emmylou Harris, Judy Collins and Murray McLauchlan. R.I.P.
No comments:
Post a Comment