Canada’s Cowboy - Ian Tyson

In this heartfelt episode of "Car Tunes," host Paul Brandt pays tribute to the legendary Ian Tyson, a cornerstone of Canada's music scene and a true embodiment of the Western spirit. Episode Three, titled "Ian Tyson - Canada’s Cowboy," takes listeners on a journey through the life and legacy of this iconic artist.Paul Brandt delves into Tyson's early years, where his profound connection to the Canadian West began. The episode features clips of Tyson’s early music, highlighting his initial foray into the folk scene with his partnership in the duo Ian & Sylvia. Listeners are treated to the story behind "Four Strong Winds," a song that not only became a defining moment in Canadian music but also a testament to Tyson's songwriting genius.As the episode progresses, Paul explores Tyson's evolution as an artist after his split with Sylvia, marking his transition to a more country and Western style. This shift is exemplified in his critically acclaimed album "Cowboyography," with its influential tracks like "Navajo Rug" and "Summer Wages." Insightful clips from Tyson himself shed light on his creative process and the importance of storytelling in his music.The episode also honors Tyson's role as a mentor and advocate for preserving traditional cowboy culture, featuring Tyson's own thoughts on supporting emerging artists in this genre.Reflecting on Tyson's passing in September 2022, Paul Brandt discusses the profound impact of Tyson's music on Canadian culture and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. The show invites listeners to share their memories and the influence Tyson's music has had on their lives.Join us in this episode of "Car Tunes" as we celebrate Ian Tyson's remarkable journey from a folk artist to a cowboy legend and the indelible mark he left on music and the hearts of those who cherished it.
About Paul:
Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history.His 1996 debut RIAA-certified Gold album Calm Before the Storm went on to sell one million albums internationally, propelled by the #1 single and wedding classic “I Do”. Stateside, his #5 and #1 charting songs “My Heart Has A History”, and “I Do” were the first to chart by a male Canadian Country artist on the US Billboard Top 20 since 1976.Throughout his remarkable career, Paul has always focused on using his celebrity to help by shining a light on the lives of those less fortunate and has encouraged others to do the same. He has traveled extensively to developing countries around the world to raise awareness for various humanitarian aid organizations.His 12 career albums have spawned hit singles, multiple Album of the Year awards, gold, platinum, and multi-platinum performances. According to Nielsen BDS in 2020, of the Top 25 Canadian Country songs, 6 were released by Paul Brandt, and his song “My Heart Has a History” is the most-played Canadian Country song since the chart began. Paul is also the most-played Canadian Country Artist on Country Radio in history (Nielsen BDS). He has had 27 top-ten songs at Canadian Radio. His song “For You” (Brandt/Rosen) was selected to promote the 2002 major motion picture We Were Soldiers, and was performed by Dave Matthews and Johnny Cash. In 2015, Canadian Independent Music Association celebrated Paul’s reaching “Road Gold Status” as a top headliner and major box office draw in Canada, and his EP “Frontier” was nominated for Album of the Year at The 2016 Juno Awards. The hit single “I’m An Open Road” from that collection is certified Gold.In 2017, Paul Brandt was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame & Western Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.His 2019 Canadian “The Journey Tour” featured his most recent radio singles “All About Her” (Top 10 Canadian Country Radio) and “Bittersweet” (featuring Lindsay Ell) continue to speak to Brandt’s enduring