Biography
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Years Active
1959 – 1975 (16 years)
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Founded In
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Members
- Ian Tyson
- Sylvia Tyson
Ian & Sylvia was a Canadian folk duo of Ian Tyson and Sylvia Tyson. Married in 1964, the couple divorced and stopped performing together in 1975. Their 1963 song "Four Strong Winds" (written by Ian Tyson) was a major hit in Canada. Many years later, the song was named as the greatest Canadian song of all time by the CBC-Radio program 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version. In 1992, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. In 1994, they were both made Members of the Order of Canada.
The duo started performing together in Toronto in 1959. By 1962, they were living in New York City, where they caught the attention of manager Albert Grossman, who managed Peter, Paul and Mary and would soon become Bob Dylan's manager. Grossman secured them a contract with Vanguard Records and they released their first album late in the year.
Four Strong Winds, their second album, featured title song "Four Strong Winds", written by Ian Tyson. "Four Strong Winds" was a major hit in Canada and ensured their stardom. Years later, the song was named as the greatest Canadian song of all time by the CBC-Radio program 50 Tracks: The Canadian Version.
Their third album, Northern Journey, featured the song "Someday Soon", a composition by Ian Tyson that would rival "Four Strong Winds" in its popularity.
Their fourth album, Early Morning Rain, introduced the work of the couple's fellow Canadian songwriter and performer Gordon Lightfoot through the title song and "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me".
In 1969, Ian & Sylvia formed the country rock group Great Speckled Bird.
By 1975, Ian & Sylvia had stopped performing together and soon afterwards were divorced.
In 1992, they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
In 1994, they were both made Members of the Order of Canada.
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