Ian Tyson, the name at the top of Canadian cowboy culture, is returning to Prince George.
Few singer-songwriters attain the status of legend, but Tyson is one of them. With songs so ingrained in our national culture, he is forever a part of Canada's cultural psyche. Four Strong Winds, Summer Wages, Cowboys Don't Cry, The Letter, Navaho Rug, the list is long of the songs he's made and been wholly embraced at home and around the world.
Tyson is 81 years old, but he still ranches full-time in western Alberta. According to City of Prince George event promoter Glen Mikkelsen, "In the last ten years, Tyson has released four albums, issued a two-DVD concert video and filmed a music documentary for Bravo which earned international film and television awards. He also penned an autobiography - The Long Trail: My Life in the West - and continues to be honored for his achievements. Ian has received numerous Canadian Country Music Awards, membership in the elite Juno Awards Hall of Fame, three honorary doctorates and is a proud member of the Order of Canada. Four Strong Wings was chosen Canada's number-one song of the 20th century."
Tyson also went through surgery not long ago that corrected a vocal malfunction. His voice is said to now be stronger than ever, and he puts it to the Prince George test on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Tickets are on sale now at Studio 2880, the CN Centre box office and online via Ticketmaster.
