Thanks for this tribute and all of these wonderful memories, Hal. What an honor and pleasure to work with Ian -- and you -- over all those years. Ian's repertoire just kept on growing and evolving and delighting with each new album and appearance, a testimony to his deep commitment to songwriting. What a legacy! Highlights of the Gathering for me span from Ian's Sunday-after-the-Gathering shows at the Stockmens to his last powerful appearances at the Gathering.
thank you Meg. You worked so hard over the years to make sure Ian got what he needed so he could give what he needed to give. There are so many more stories but they can stay private.... love you friend.
Crazy honeymoon six years after marriage at age twenty, after seeing a tiny ad in the classifieds, "Cowboy poets and singers gather in Elko". Knowing we had to go, leaving little kids with ranch friends at the bottom of Hells Canyon and driving a tiny car through SE Oregon and Idaho, across Duck Valley reservation in a blizzard to Elko. Hearts on fire. Everywhere music, poetry. Drinking in Ian's singing like an elixir. Dancing, dancing, dancing. Counter clockwise. Wild bunch in the middle. Two-steppers on the outside. Touching and balancing and clinging and barely keeping your feet on the ground. Flying, riding a fast horse that tears up your eyes. Gliding, riding a smooth horse that feels like part of your body has four legs and an extra heart. Belonging. Years later, after accidents and learning, another journey leaving behind kids, this time for a maybe job on a range research station in New Mexico, airports and a rental car with a cd player, Blue Mountains of Mexico, reminding us we were lovers, reminding us of our own blue mountains and the canyons of home, to which we returned, where we started our herd of longhorns and called ourselves Magpie Ranch, and where we still are, and where we're still singing "You hand all around these hills in the winter time, why in the hell would you want to do that? You just want to be free. Holy Moses magpie, I am you - you are me."
Sara, oh Sara, You took my breath away with your account. I'll never forget two-steppin' the night away at the Stockman's. a. year-end toast to magpies here and there....
I met Ian and you, Hal at the wonderful Meg Glasers family's ranch in Jan 1991. I stayed at the Stockman listening to music until late into the night and made paintings for the stage backdrops during the day. One of the very best weeks of my life. I will never forget the day I was heading home, there was a big breakfast gathering at the Glaser's home. That's when Ian suggested I have some of these funny little sausages. My first Rocky Mountain oyster. The smile on his face when he informed me what I was eating will always be my memory. I could use another week in Elko, and maybe some more of those chewy little sausages. Thanks for this memory.
Bill, I'm so glad you got to come into this orbit and in turn your orbit has given me a nice boost. Keep it up. I love following what you do. Maybe a little more testicular protein is in order.
Ive been thinking about you since I heard the news of Ian’s passing yesterday Hal. Your friendship with Ian and support of his art has been centric to the movement you guys started.
My deepest thanks seems so insufficient for all you’ve done for me and for so many. My greatest friends, my greatest inspirations, a fine education, and my deepened love of the west all came from the gathering you founded.
I know Ian was your friend and indeed, you have been his.
And thank you again a million times over. My heart aches with you tonight but swells with gratitude for the many many great times we had with the great one.
Oh Brenn, this means the world to me. All I got to say on this last day of the year. Haven't we been lucky? Love to you and your family for the coming year and years to come.
Damn! I knew you were an old folkie but didn’t know that you hung with Ian - one of my favorite people, along with Cynthia Gooding & my sis - of the folk revival of the 50s & 60s.
A TOAST to you and Teresa, and one to Ian. Long may the memories linger.
Jim, I have a turntable and some old Ian and Sylvia albums. You guys need to come spend a weekend and we can listen to some good music together. Happy New Year to you and Lisa.
A wonderful tribute to Ian Tyson, as well as, a history of the beginnings of the Western Folklife Center and the Gathering in Elko. Your efforts and love wrapped up in the years we were helpers at the Gathering is something very close to our hearts. We thank you, the local cowboy enthusiasts, the many artists who participated to retain authenticity and a love of the western spirit. You help to expand my appreciation of Tyson's life and musical career, and your wonderful friendship.
Wonderful words, Hal, and no doubt a reflection of extraordinary memories. Little did I know that Ian was behind a song I was first introduced to at the ripe age of 10 while at summer camp in the San Juan Islands. I loved it then and have admired it all the more as it was reprised by the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash. By all accounts, his was a life well-lived. Glad you were a part of it.
thanks Mr. Ted. We are all chasing happiness. I read the tribute to Ian in the New York Times and have been thinking a lot about this little quote, "The magnet on his refrigerator reading: “Life is tough. Life is tougher if you’re stupid. — John Wayne.”
pretty interesting and something I want to take in better for the final chapters.
Thank you for the heartfelt tribute. I remember that Wyoming wedding, and I remember early CPG nights with Ian and his band playing at Stockmens. I had just been listening to Ian's Live at Longview CD in my car this week, shortly before learning of his passing. What a great singer/songwriter. Glad to have his songs in my life.
Suzi, there is a photo from that day, of all the folklorist standing out on the prairie, a little wind blown, nice light and a beautiful bunch. You're in the line and will always appreciate you being part of what we pledged that day.
Very sweet tribute. I remember him as Ian and Sylvia but it was so nice to see apart of him after that. Hal you have been so lucky to be a part of and share in so many musicians lives.
Now would be a very good time. Maui residents and their businesses are struggling terribly with grief, but also the added burden of the sudden withdrawal of the tourism they so depend on. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
Wow, the people on this thread. When I was young Jim’s mother Nancy Stringfellow ran The Bookstore in Boise. She lent me books long as I brought them back pristine. Lent me the copy of Joyce’s Ulysses when I was in high school.
Craig. It's so cool you knew Nancy Stringfellow. Both Rosalie and Jim, her kids, have been very important friends. Also, you worked with Dan Bilbao? That is so cool. Although Dan and I came from different galaxies, I always liked him and felt he was a straight shooter. I met him the first time at a little party and to make conversation I naively asked, "So you are in the gambling business?" He replied with confidence, "No, I'm in the gaming business. There's no gamble to what I do." I loved that.
Hal, I love this and it gives me context to my own life. I came to Utah in 1990 to take a writing workshop team taught by Teresa Jordan and Kim Stafford. It was already a pivotal event, but I picked up a cassette copy of Cowboyology. On the flight back to North Carolina, I stopped off in Fayetteville, Arkansas and picked up my three-year-old daughter and we flew back to Carolina together. After her visit, I drove her back to Arkansas and, trying to entertain her, I popped Cowboyology into the tape deck. She loved it, especially Navajo Rug and we sang it across three states. It remains a touchstone for us.
LOVE your story about Cowboyography or is it cowboyology? Can't remember now. I sure appreciate your little gifts of poetry and music and wishing folklorists happy birthday. We notice those little gifts.
Thanks for this tribute and all of these wonderful memories, Hal. What an honor and pleasure to work with Ian -- and you -- over all those years. Ian's repertoire just kept on growing and evolving and delighting with each new album and appearance, a testimony to his deep commitment to songwriting. What a legacy! Highlights of the Gathering for me span from Ian's Sunday-after-the-Gathering shows at the Stockmens to his last powerful appearances at the Gathering.
thank you Meg. You worked so hard over the years to make sure Ian got what he needed so he could give what he needed to give. There are so many more stories but they can stay private.... love you friend.
Crazy honeymoon six years after marriage at age twenty, after seeing a tiny ad in the classifieds, "Cowboy poets and singers gather in Elko". Knowing we had to go, leaving little kids with ranch friends at the bottom of Hells Canyon and driving a tiny car through SE Oregon and Idaho, across Duck Valley reservation in a blizzard to Elko. Hearts on fire. Everywhere music, poetry. Drinking in Ian's singing like an elixir. Dancing, dancing, dancing. Counter clockwise. Wild bunch in the middle. Two-steppers on the outside. Touching and balancing and clinging and barely keeping your feet on the ground. Flying, riding a fast horse that tears up your eyes. Gliding, riding a smooth horse that feels like part of your body has four legs and an extra heart. Belonging. Years later, after accidents and learning, another journey leaving behind kids, this time for a maybe job on a range research station in New Mexico, airports and a rental car with a cd player, Blue Mountains of Mexico, reminding us we were lovers, reminding us of our own blue mountains and the canyons of home, to which we returned, where we started our herd of longhorns and called ourselves Magpie Ranch, and where we still are, and where we're still singing "You hand all around these hills in the winter time, why in the hell would you want to do that? You just want to be free. Holy Moses magpie, I am you - you are me."
Sara, oh Sara, You took my breath away with your account. I'll never forget two-steppin' the night away at the Stockman's. a. year-end toast to magpies here and there....
I met Ian and you, Hal at the wonderful Meg Glasers family's ranch in Jan 1991. I stayed at the Stockman listening to music until late into the night and made paintings for the stage backdrops during the day. One of the very best weeks of my life. I will never forget the day I was heading home, there was a big breakfast gathering at the Glaser's home. That's when Ian suggested I have some of these funny little sausages. My first Rocky Mountain oyster. The smile on his face when he informed me what I was eating will always be my memory. I could use another week in Elko, and maybe some more of those chewy little sausages. Thanks for this memory.
Bill, I'm so glad you got to come into this orbit and in turn your orbit has given me a nice boost. Keep it up. I love following what you do. Maybe a little more testicular protein is in order.
Ive been thinking about you since I heard the news of Ian’s passing yesterday Hal. Your friendship with Ian and support of his art has been centric to the movement you guys started.
My deepest thanks seems so insufficient for all you’ve done for me and for so many. My greatest friends, my greatest inspirations, a fine education, and my deepened love of the west all came from the gathering you founded.
I know Ian was your friend and indeed, you have been his.
And thank you again a million times over. My heart aches with you tonight but swells with gratitude for the many many great times we had with the great one.
Oh Brenn, this means the world to me. All I got to say on this last day of the year. Haven't we been lucky? Love to you and your family for the coming year and years to come.
Damn! I knew you were an old folkie but didn’t know that you hung with Ian - one of my favorite people, along with Cynthia Gooding & my sis - of the folk revival of the 50s & 60s.
A TOAST to you and Teresa, and one to Ian. Long may the memories linger.
Jim, I have a turntable and some old Ian and Sylvia albums. You guys need to come spend a weekend and we can listen to some good music together. Happy New Year to you and Lisa.
Solid gold Hal! Thank you! Brought back so many memories of folk festival days. And the promises of all the young Ian Tysons just starting out now.
A wonderful tribute to Ian Tyson, as well as, a history of the beginnings of the Western Folklife Center and the Gathering in Elko. Your efforts and love wrapped up in the years we were helpers at the Gathering is something very close to our hearts. We thank you, the local cowboy enthusiasts, the many artists who participated to retain authenticity and a love of the western spirit. You help to expand my appreciation of Tyson's life and musical career, and your wonderful friendship.
Leta, thanks so much for your comments. Those were good times in Elko. I'm looking forward to going back as a tourist at the end of January.
I’m sorry you lost your friend, and glad you have so many wonderful memories.
thank you Linda.
Wonderful words, Hal, and no doubt a reflection of extraordinary memories. Little did I know that Ian was behind a song I was first introduced to at the ripe age of 10 while at summer camp in the San Juan Islands. I loved it then and have admired it all the more as it was reprised by the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash. By all accounts, his was a life well-lived. Glad you were a part of it.
thanks so much David.
Thanks, Hal - that was a nice tribute. It's heartening to be reminded that good people do succeed and find happiness. Happy New Year!
thanks Mr. Ted. We are all chasing happiness. I read the tribute to Ian in the New York Times and have been thinking a lot about this little quote, "The magnet on his refrigerator reading: “Life is tough. Life is tougher if you’re stupid. — John Wayne.”
pretty interesting and something I want to take in better for the final chapters.
Thank you for the heartfelt tribute. I remember that Wyoming wedding, and I remember early CPG nights with Ian and his band playing at Stockmens. I had just been listening to Ian's Live at Longview CD in my car this week, shortly before learning of his passing. What a great singer/songwriter. Glad to have his songs in my life.
Suzi, there is a photo from that day, of all the folklorist standing out on the prairie, a little wind blown, nice light and a beautiful bunch. You're in the line and will always appreciate you being part of what we pledged that day.
Very sweet tribute. I remember him as Ian and Sylvia but it was so nice to see apart of him after that. Hal you have been so lucky to be a part of and share in so many musicians lives.
Becky, we all need to go to Maui at the same time. I know a good place to stay. I hear there are vacancies in the summer.
Now would be a very good time. Maui residents and their businesses are struggling terribly with grief, but also the added burden of the sudden withdrawal of the tourism they so depend on. 🙏🏼💙🙏🏼
Wow, the people on this thread. When I was young Jim’s mother Nancy Stringfellow ran The Bookstore in Boise. She lent me books long as I brought them back pristine. Lent me the copy of Joyce’s Ulysses when I was in high school.
Craig. It's so cool you knew Nancy Stringfellow. Both Rosalie and Jim, her kids, have been very important friends. Also, you worked with Dan Bilbao? That is so cool. Although Dan and I came from different galaxies, I always liked him and felt he was a straight shooter. I met him the first time at a little party and to make conversation I naively asked, "So you are in the gambling business?" He replied with confidence, "No, I'm in the gaming business. There's no gamble to what I do." I loved that.
Our place in Idaho was on Mores Creek jut a few miles from ‘Rosalie’s place on Grimes Creek.
Thanks for this, Hal. Wonderful tribute to a guy who gave us a lot!
Hello Phil, I'm hoping for lots of love, music that rocks the soul and health and well-being all around. Here's to 2023
Hal, I love this and it gives me context to my own life. I came to Utah in 1990 to take a writing workshop team taught by Teresa Jordan and Kim Stafford. It was already a pivotal event, but I picked up a cassette copy of Cowboyology. On the flight back to North Carolina, I stopped off in Fayetteville, Arkansas and picked up my three-year-old daughter and we flew back to Carolina together. After her visit, I drove her back to Arkansas and, trying to entertain her, I popped Cowboyology into the tape deck. She loved it, especially Navajo Rug and we sang it across three states. It remains a touchstone for us.
LOVE your story about Cowboyography or is it cowboyology? Can't remember now. I sure appreciate your little gifts of poetry and music and wishing folklorists happy birthday. We notice those little gifts.
Love Ian & Sylvia mucho. Knew Dan and Louise Bilbao well and did legal work for them and Stockman’s til well after they died. Great story.