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Tyson comes clean

MARSHA LEDERMAN

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:27 PM EST 29/03/08

The notoriously tight-lipped country crooner open ups about estrangement, broken hearts, rekindled flames, and what day of the week he washes his Wranglers ...Read the full article

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  1. gloria garvey from Canada writes: Good article. I've been a fan of Ian Tyson for over 40 years now, never get tired of his music but often feel I know practically nothing about the man himself. However, he seems to have mellowed a bit lately and it's nice to read such a personal interview.
  2. Andrew E from with a loaded big-bore levergun within reach, Canada writes: Long live the Navajo Mug!!
  3. Patricia Shapiro from Ottawa, Canada writes: Thank you for this great article, music and photos. Ian Tyson, what a man!
  4. Janet M from Kingston, Canada writes: Aye aye Katie....whatever became of the navajo rug and you. These were the lyrics to one of my favorite Tyson songs. We used to catch him a lot on the circuit in Calgary...always a performer who could pack im in during Stampede at some of the bars in Calgary, notably the Old Scotch. Not surprised to hear that the ladies are still in his corner...he certainly had a quality. Sorry to hear that he and Twlya split but glad to hear that he is soldierng on
  5. Pretty Much Sane from Canada writes: Another true Canadian folk hero and a legend in his own time.
    Always enjoyed his music and have followed his career through the years.
    Having lived in the dust-bowls of Saskatchewan and traveled much of the prairies of both SK and AB, it's like being a part of the old west itself. I believe there is a lyric Ian sings in which he works on the Vancouver towboats in his slippery city shoes - been there done that, so I can understand the depth of where he comes from. Always a pleasure to hear Ian and truly wish him all the very best with his (next) album. Life, Love and Heartbreak - a harsh reality of life of which I'm sure he has lived and experienced all of them.
    Thanks Ian,

    ARJAY.
  6. John Percy from Halifax, Canada writes: Ian has been one of my heroes since the sixites when I would see him and Sylvia at the Village Corner Club in Yorkville. I lived down the street and knew the cook, so I went in the kitchen and watched. I still play Since The Rain (from I Outgrew The Wagon) in my musical repertoire, an astoundingly beautiful song.
  7. bagoverhead guy from Delta, B.C., Canada writes: Like John Percy, I recall Ian and Sylvia from the Village Corner in Yorkville.

    Awesome music...great team.

    Best to you both, Ian and Sylvia!
  8. Dan P from Calgary, Canada writes: The audio slideshow is particularly beautiful - thank you.
  9. james mccain from Canada writes: marsha lederman, thanks for a well written article, it really drew me in. i've always enjoyed ian's take on things, though i'm not a fan(atic) but it's good to know he's still doin' his thing.
    i was just going to 'glance' at the article to see how he's doing but it is so well done i read the entire piece and was disappointed that was it.
    i look forward to more of marsha's writing.
  10. deb miller from vancouver, Canada writes: In 1980 i moved from the UK to Canada, and even though I still get homesick for the deep country of the UK which a GPS system could never find, whenever I watch audio slideshows like this one and get all weepy, I know how much the country and the people that are Canada will always have a huge place in my heart - thanks for a saturday morning kleenex moment!!
  11. Rusty Brown from Exurbia-on-Lake-Ont, Canada writes: Yes! 'Summer Wages' is a much underappreciated Canadian Classic. E.g.

    I'm going to work on them towboats
    With my slippery city shoes
    Lord I swore I would never do that again
    Through the great fog bound straights
    Where the cedars stand waitin
    I'll be lost and gone
    Like summer wages...

    Best wishes to Ian Tyson, and thanks for a great article.

    R.B.
  12. A reader from Livermore, United States Outlying writes: Recieved From A Good Friend In Great Britian, And What A Great Interview! We've Been Fortunate Enough To Have Spent Some Time With Ian Over The Years, And It's Always Been A Treat. Gotta Love It When A Man Speaks His Mind, And You Always Know Where You Stand With Him. Honest, And Hard Working. Every Word A Jewel.
  13. D C from Canada writes: I can't wait until his next fight!!
  14. AK S from Calgary, Canada writes: An excellent article, thank you.
  15. Building an Ark from Eastern Slopes, Canada writes: One of the best tributes came a couple of years back when Guy Clark, Joe Eli, Steve Earl and Lyle Lovett were all playing together at the Jubilee in Calgary. When seeing Ian sitting in front row - they insisted that he come up and play a song. Ian here's hoping to many more from you...
  16. johanna zomers from Canada writes: Nicely written piece but didn't cast much new light on Tyson or his music. Most of the background is already available in print material such as the book 'I Never Sold My Saddle' and/or his website. The man is a Canadian icon and wise enough to continue the taciturn rancher legend. It is sad that he has to deal with the financial difficulties of divorce and the loneliness of the aging rural bachelor and presumably some good songs will come out of it. Another recent article about him quoted him on his romance with the younger woman who broke his heart...he admitted it was a much younger woman and said something to the effect that he didn't want a 74 year old girlfriend!! Whatever one might think of the arrogance of that comment, at least he speaks his mind!! Succinctly.
  17. G. Veneta from Calgary, Canada writes: A great Canadian and a great Canadian icon. Immense talent and passion for the land. It must be soul killing always having to fight for what's right here in Alberta where exploitation is the mantra.

    Most lives well lived and fully come with risk thus come with heart ache and he's lived his life large. The only way to do it!

    Bravo Tyson! I look forward to your birthday concert with the CPO.
  18. Offshore Reg from Bridgetown, Barbados writes: Excellent article about a Canadian icon. I kind of have a difficult time wrapping my head around Ian Tyson being 75 years old though. Also kind of nice to read a thread of comments that doesn't degenerate into a litany of foolish partisan political comments. I wonder if he will be touring Barbados anytime soon. We wish...
  19. V ADS from Canada writes: As a born-and-bred Westerner, I feel betrayed. I did not know that Ian Tyson was a rich kid from an elite private school, undoubtedly Shawninigan Lake, and Sylvia was from Toronto. Oh well. C'est la vie.

    At least the Guess Who really was from Winnipeg. Guess that's as West as it gets.
  20. Andrew Toth from Oliver, Canada writes: Ian, I have always enjoyed your music. I have always admired your 'lifestyle'.
    Back there in the past, in your financial dealings with Sylvia, I came upon a ceiling fan rotating on a vaulted ceiling on a ranch near Longview. You survived that 'divorce' and you will survive this one; just be true to your self.
    From what has been written here you have acheived that, I believe we cannot ask more then that from life. As for the children, they will sort that out in the future. Ian, you can just forget that view of the CANADIAN ROCKIES, that are your back yard. I personally can't remember ever being so close to them. Take Care of yourself Ian Tyson, you have give so much to us through your music. God Bless you.
  21. Helen Pettingill from Canada writes: I love Ian Tyson & his music too. A good old friend of mine introduced me to his music in the late 80s. I was hooked on it for the longest time & I still love it to this day. I was fortunate enough to actually meet him in person at his son Clay's wedding in the early 90s. I was the the lucky 'date' of someone else who was actually invited. I have a really nice picture of him & myself together which was taken on that day. He was wearing a suit & tie & a cowboy hat & was looking very handsome. I was looking OK in those days too. I'll always treasure that photo & that memory. It was a pleasure to meet him. He was very friendly to me. I wonder if he remembers me... Hmmm, I doubt it but I'll never forget him. He is a great all round Canadian.
  22. Andrew Toth from Oliver, Canada writes: Helen, send him an email... he has a website. Friends are always good to see.
    Take care.
  23. Janet M from Kingston, Canada writes: To Helen...I agree...send him that email. I met him too on a couple of occasions...pleasant but no bs...that is what I remember. Anyone have a favorite song...mine would have to be Springtime in Alberta.
  24. Helen Pettingill from Canada writes: Thank you Andrew & Janet. I absolutely will find his site & send him an email. Good idea.
  25. Thomas Price from Whitefish, Canada writes: While I have long admired Ian Tyson as an entertainer and singer, his conversion of 'Home On The Range' from a song to a hymn has cast him forever in my mind. I can no longer think of the song without humming his version. Beautiful, Ian, all the best that life has to offer and untold thanks for making music that I can only appreciate by listening to. I'm as bad a singer as he is good (imagine that if you can).
  26. V ADS from Canada writes: I was just kidding. I like Ian and Sylvia, and love their music. I was just surprised to learn that they weren't originally from Alberta.
  27. Puk Natcha from Victoria, Canada writes: Mr. Tyson grew up down the street from where I now live.
    I wold like to see a plaque placed on the house but the owner passed away last year and I fear the house will be torn down to make way for new construction.
    Too bad, he deserves it and we don't do enough in this country to honour our artists.
  28. Strongarmlouis Rules from Canada writes: LT, you may have proper sentiments, but alot of women gravitate to the wealthy, the famous or the accomplished ones. That is the way it is. And alot of older ladies don't want to take the chance and the responsibility of getting too attached, since marriage and the like as their past realized is not without trials. If the younger won't settle for Ian, then in time he'll attach himself to a good, older and affectionate woman, if he does feel that need for friendship. The older the violin, the sweeter the music.
  29. Barrie Ward from Weldon Saskatchewan, Canada writes: This is the way the world ends .. this is the way the world ends ... not with a bang but a whimper ...

    Ian has written wonderful lyrics throughout his life ... I'm thankful for that ... would that his closing days were happier ...
  30. Andrew Toth from Oliver, Canada writes: Puk Natcha from Victoria, Canada writes: Mr. Tyson grew up down the street from where I now live.
    I wold like to see a plaque placed on the house but the owner passed away last year and I fear the house will be torn down to make way for new construction.
    Too bad, he deserves it and we don't do enough in this country to honour our artists.

    GET A HOLD OF HERITAGE CANADA.....RE THE FEDERAL MINISTER RESPONSIBLE..ASAP..... MY email is albertaandy@hotmail.com if I can help.

    Oh on the older man/younger lady thing. I am sure Ian would appreaciate a young lady at the moment who will not be wanting to take target on his wallet. Like the song says 'Whiskey and Weamen', John Lee Hooker....is famous for. Why is it alway about money, haha....cheers Helen good luck on getting a reply from Ian.
  31. L T from Canada writes: Strongarmlouis older women don't want men like Tyson, no matter what their age. It's the women-hating, you see. They won't put up with men who are just a slice short of a pedophile.
  32. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: Building an Ark: I think it was John Hiatt, [definitely not Steve Earl] who played that night at the Jube, when they brought Ian up on stage. Another good tribute was to be had @5 years ago at the Jack Singer, when Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Corb Lund et al. celebrated Ian's 70th. I've always enjoyed Ian's music [naturally]. It's too bad he's had a complicated life, and he must shoulder some of the blame for that; but I suppose that may be another well-spring for material for some songs. It's too bad Ian forgot to submit his excellent song "Land of Shining Mountains" in time for consideration as Alberta's 100th anniversary song in 2005. Janet, I nominate THAT song as my favourite [among so many others I could name]
  33. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: Janet, you've gotten me thinking [I am supposed to be working here ...] I quite like Rockies Turn Rose [they really do, you know] and Springtime in Alberta [so timely these past three days ...] and Black nights, grey mornings, blue, blue days [but I ain't built that way-ay-hey ...]
  34. Helen Pettingill from Canada writes: Andrew Toth, there's no way to send him a personal email via his website. I'm not surprised. I'm sure the last thing he wants is a bunch of hooligans clogging up his inbox (not that I'm a hooligan but I could well be perceived as one). Maybe he'll read this himself & send ME an email... Ya I know, wishful thinking on my behalf. Thanks for the idea anyway. It doesn't change how I feel about him & his music though.
    Cheers
  35. DON KUPIDY from Edmonton, Canada writes: Thanks for the great article and pics on Ian Tyson. The last true Alberta cowboy. I enjoy his music a lot. Songs like "The Navajo Rug" and "Springtime in Alberta" describe real life situations on the priairies with such wonderful lyrics.
  36. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: Don, Navajo Rug is about a "canyon Colorado diner"--naught to do with the prairies [note the spelling] There are still lots of cowboys in Alberta. Check out the Black Diamond Hotel, the Longview Hotel, or any other rural "establishment" on a Friday or Saturday night.
  37. Irish 222 from Ottawa, Canada writes: Great article about a member of Canadian music royalty.
    One of my first LP's was the "Lovin' Sound" in crazy 1967, the "year of love". I was 14. The title track is part of one of my fondest teenage memories. I never get tired of Someday Soon (especially the Suzy Boguss version) and of course love the classic...the anthem...Four Strong Winds.
    Thanks Ian, stay high in the saddle.
  38. Robert Hamilton from Toronto, Ontario, Canada writes: There is a lot of "relatedness" to Ian's songs for me. My Grandfather (whose birthday I was born on) road the rails out west & my Dad was born & raised out there. Cattlemen, they came back east to a farm not too far from where Ian had one for a while, east of Toronto. Growing up with horses & cattle & hearing stories about the west I can tell you that no one writes with the authenticity of Ian Tyson. I get my "cowboy fix" from his songs and our annual sojourn to Elko Nevada where they hold a Cowboy Poetry Gathering every year. Ian always attends & is revered like no other performer there. This pure western musical genre is a tiny sub-culture but his music transends and he is respected and covered by giants in the industry. The nomad cowboy may be gone, but Ian's songs will live forever.
  39. Tim Hitchner from Burnaby BC, Canada writes: I had the pleasure of being able to meet Ian Tyson one evening at a private party after a performance " ... somewhere in Southern Alberta." This was close to 20 years ago, and remains one of the best memories I have. Ian was very gracious to me, and we had a great conversation about the photography that graces a number of his solo cowboy albums (among other topics.) I wish him well, and have always kept up to date with the events in his life and career all these years since. Texas has Willie Nelson as its resident Living Legend, Alberta has Ian Tyson. Keep going Eon, with best wishes for your future recording and performing projects ... thanks for your friendship.
  40. Andrew Toth from Oliver, Canada writes: Helen Pettingill from Canada writes: Andrew Toth, there's no way to send him a personal email via his website. I'm not surprised. I'm sure the last thing he wants is a bunch of hooligans clogging up his inbox (not that I'm a hooligan but I could well be perceived as one). Maybe he'll read this himself & send ME an email... Ya I know, wishful thinking on my behalf. Thanks for the idea anyway. It doesn't change how I feel about him & his music though.
    Cheers

    HELEN WRITE HIM: MR. IAN TYSON, GENERAL DELIVERY, LONGVIEW AB.
    Maybe a picture of yourself would help, haha. Have fun.

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