Ian Tyson — the Canadian folk musician known best as one half of Ian & Sylvia and for penning songs including "Four Strong Winds" — has died. Sylvia Tyson, his former wife and musical partner, confirmed the artist's passing to CBC News, though a cause of death was not revealed. He was 89.
In his later career, Tyson contended with heart-related health issues. Sylvia Tyson told CBC News that the artist "had major surgery a few years ago and never fully recovered."
In 2015, Tyson underwent open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve, and was forced to cancel a 2018 performance alongside Corb Lund due to "an unexpected and serious medical situation" he revealed was related to heart health.
A decorated songwriter, Tyson's cultural contributions led him to be named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994. He has also been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also a recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence and a Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
"Four Strong Winds," written by Tyson in 1962, is widely considered one of the most influential folk songs in Canadian music history, referencing the country's cold winters and the province of Alberta in its lyrical illustration of a failing romantic relationship.
The song was famously covered by Tyson's fellow Canadian Neil Young, who recorded his version with harmony vocals from Nicolette Larson for 1978 album Comes a Time. That year, Young would also perform his take as part of the Band's farewell performance, captured for live album and concert film The Last Waltz.
"Four Strong Winds" has also been covered by Johnny Cash, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, John Denver, the Kingston Trio, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Sarah McLachlan and many more.
In his later career, Tyson contended with heart-related health issues. Sylvia Tyson told CBC News that the artist "had major surgery a few years ago and never fully recovered."
In 2015, Tyson underwent open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve, and was forced to cancel a 2018 performance alongside Corb Lund due to "an unexpected and serious medical situation" he revealed was related to heart health.
A decorated songwriter, Tyson's cultural contributions led him to be named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1994. He has also been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also a recipient of the Alberta Order of Excellence and a Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
"Four Strong Winds," written by Tyson in 1962, is widely considered one of the most influential folk songs in Canadian music history, referencing the country's cold winters and the province of Alberta in its lyrical illustration of a failing romantic relationship.
The song was famously covered by Tyson's fellow Canadian Neil Young, who recorded his version with harmony vocals from Nicolette Larson for 1978 album Comes a Time. That year, Young would also perform his take as part of the Band's farewell performance, captured for live album and concert film The Last Waltz.
"Four Strong Winds" has also been covered by Johnny Cash, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, John Denver, the Kingston Trio, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Sarah McLachlan and many more.