Why did Ian and Sylvia Tyson divorce?

Answer 1

It seems Tyson longed again for the rural life: the horses, and freewheeling world of

the rodeo. I wonder if he regretted leaving Sylvia, --a woman who seemed to have depth, and an attachment to Folk Music traditions in a more comprehensive sense than Ian. Cowboy/recent country songs are rife with sexism and thus, impoverish in their effect. Authentic folk music with careful instrumentation, has humanitarian influences on people.

The political side of American music forged the progressive movements profoundly in America during the late 40s, 50s and 60s, and I sensed that Ian didn't "get it."That's Ok, but in an interview I was puzzled in his somewhat dismissive reference to Woody Guthrie, a very humanitarian songwriter. Phil Ochs was another of our

American giants of song and a prolific song/poet...in a class by himself.

From the aesthetic viewpoint, the songs Ian and Sylvia did together, their accoustic hits and and the folksongs were their finest work, to my mind. Their voices were wonderful, energizing, and excellent for this genre. I would have loved to see them reconciled in combining love for the country and city. I am an idealist.