Canadian folk legend Sylvia Tyson has once again been recognized for her unparalleled contributions to music, earning a JUNO Award nomination for Traditional Roots Album of the Year for her latest and final studio album, At The End of The Day. A masterful collection of songs that reflect on a life well-lived, the album is a poignant swan song from one of Canada’s most revered songwriters.
Throughout her career, Tyson has shaped the folk and country landscape, influencing generations of musicians with her artistry and storytelling. Her song “You Were On My Mind” became an international hit, while her work with Ian Tyson as part of the seminal duo Ian & Sylvia helped define the folk era of the 1960s. With At The End of The Day, she continues this legacy, blending introspection with universal truths in a way that only a seasoned artist can.
The album’s standout track, “Sweet Agony,” showcases Tyson’s signature ability to weave bittersweet themes into timeless melodies. The song’s lyrics capture the delicate balance between love and loss:
Come to me, sweet agony
I am ready to fall in love again
If I can have that ecstasy
I’ll take my chances with the pain
Produced by longtime collaborator Danny Greenspoon and featuring an all-star lineup of musicians, At The End of The Day is a testament to Tyson’s enduring artistry. The album was recorded at Canterbury Music Company Studios in Toronto and features contributions from Davide DiRenzo (drums), Charles James (bass), Jason Fowler (guitar), John Sheard (piano), Drew Jurecka (violin, mandolin), and Denis Keldie & Mark Lalama (accordion, B3 organ).
Tyson’s nomination adds to an already storied career that includes inductions into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame (2003), the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2019), and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame (1992, alongside Ian Tyson). She is also a recipient of the Order of Canada (1994).
Tyson has been recognized multiple times at the JUNO Awards throughout her career, including nominations for:
- 1993: Country Female Vocalist of the Year
- 1991: Country Group or Duo of the Year (with Tom Russell)
- 1990: Best Roots & Traditional Album (You Were On My Mind)
- 1987: Country Female Vocalist of the Year
- 1976: Country Female Vocalist of the Year
- 1976: Female Vocalist of the Year
- 1976: Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year
Legendary artists and peers have shared their admiration for Tyson’s latest work:
Judy Collins: “There is the sunlight, there is the heartbreak, there is the voice that I’ve known since the beginning… Thank God for Sylvia Tyson.”
Linda Ronstadt: “Ian & Sylvia were a big influence on me in the early days of my career. Sylvia is still making meaningful music. I was knocked out by ‘I Never Got Over You,’ ‘Leaves in the Storm,’ and ‘Not Quite Rain.’”
Daniel Lanois: “Sylvia Tyson’s At The End of The Day is a fine collection of some of the most truthful and touching songs I’ve heard.”
Margaret Atwood: “She was gorgeous and had a beautiful voice… She has always maintained her high musical standards. Long may she sing!”
With At The End of The Day, Tyson cements her legacy as one of Canada’s most treasured songwriters. As she reflects on a lifetime of music, her latest nomination serves as a fitting tribute to a career that has shaped the very fabric of folk and roots music.
The JUNO Awards will take place on March 30, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, where music fans and industry members will celebrate the best in Canadian music.
