Hobo jim biography
Hobo Jim
American folk singer (–)
Hobo Jim | |
|---|---|
Hobo Jim performing at the Iditarod mushers banquet in Anchorage, Alaska | |
| Born | Indiana |
| Died | October 5, (aged 69) Nashville, Tennessee |
| Other&#;names | Jim Varsos |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
Jim Varsos ( – October 5, ), known by the stage name Hobo Jim, was an Alaskan folk singer-songwriter.
He was one of the most popular guitar players in Alaska,[1] playing frequently at small venues across the state.[2] In , Hobo Jim was named Alaska's official balladeer.[3][4][5]
Early life and career
Varsos was born in Indiana in , one of four children of Milton M.
Varsos (–) and his wife Mary Ann (née Culbertson).[6][7][8] His father was of Greek descent, and his family celebrated a number of Greek traditions.[9] Varsos was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where he began playing the guitar at the age of [10] He hitchhiked to Nashville after some time in college, hoping to make it as a country musician.[10] After spending time hitchhiking and freight riding around the United States, he moved to Alaska in [10][11] He settled in the state, making his home in Soldotna.[12]
Varsos's songs are primarily regional and occupational songs, focusing on Alaska's commercial fishermen, loggers, and miners.[10] Perhaps the best known of these songs, "Iditarod Trail Song", commemorates the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.[11]
Varsos lived part-time in Nashville, where he worked with publisher Pat Higdon, singer Russell Smith, and writer Rory Bourke, among others.[10][11][13] His song "The Rock", which he co-wrote with Smith, has been recorded by Etta James and George Jones;[14][15] he also co-wrote the Janis Ian song "Empty".[16]
Personal life and death
Varsos was a collector of Alaska Native artifacts.[17]
In , Varsos received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.[18]
On September 18, , Varsos announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.[11][19] He died in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 5, [20][12]
Discography
- Thunderfoot ()
- Lost and Dyin' Breed ()
- Where Legends Are Born ()
- Collection ()
- Wilderness Way ()
- Woodsmoke ()
- My Wild and Wolfen Ways ()
References
- ^"Hobo Jim is back".Hobo jim schedule Circle Country. References [ edit ]. Here is to all of you. Varsos is known for his unique and catchy songs about the 49th state, the way of life, and the people who live here.
Anchorage Daily News. August 17,
- ^Peter Jenkins (). Looking for Alaska. Macmillan.
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- Hobo Jim Lyrics, Songs, and Albums - Genius
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- ^Tunseth, Matt (March 24, ). "Hobo Jim homeless again&#;— Musician bids BJ's Lounge goodbye after 25 years". Redoubt Reporter. Soldotna, Alaska. Retrieved November 20,
- ^Thornburgh, Nathan (August 30, ). "Where Palin made her name".
Hobo jim lyrics: Anchorage Daily News. Joel is an award winning journalist and has been reporting for over 24 years, He is a proud father of 8 children, and lives in Palmer, Alaska. Share on X formerly Twitter. Fleeing motorist hits gas meter during chase through DeBarr neighborhood.
Time. Archived from the original on August 31,
- ^"Flying Lions bring Hobo Jim to town". Juneau Empire. February 5, Archived from the original on February 6,
- ^Alden, Grant. "Hobo Jim".Hobo jim wiki Early legislative session questions focus on oil forecast, avoiding energy crisis. MusicBrainz 2. While holding back tears, Varsos said that support has been overwhelming. United States.
In MusicHound folk: the essential album guide. Visible Ink (). ISBN&#;
- ^" registration: The Iditarod Trail Song". United States Office. Retrieved November 20,
- ^Milton Varsos obituary
- ^Varsos, Jim (April 12, ). "Happy Easter Folks"Facebook.Hobo jim biography Alaska's Olympians. References [ edit ]. Varsos was born in Indiana in , one of four children of Milton M. Submit Photos and Videos.
Retrieved October 7,
- ^ abcdeDelaney, Kelly (September 1, ). "Hobo Jim Honors Loggers With Song". American Songwriter.
- ^ abcdHughes, Zachariah (September 21, ).
"Alaska balladeer Hobo Jim shares diagnosis of terminal cancer". Anchorage Daily News.
- ^ abWilliams, Tess (October 6, ).Hobo jim soldotna The lumberjack in his Carhartts with the red suspenders and flannel Pendleton shirt. Local radio personality Bob Lester has been a close friend of Varsos for many years. Share on LinkedIn. You raised the spirits of those happy, left a touch for those lonely, and you lifted the laughter as if you said yeah I got cha my friend.
"Hobo Jim, Alaska's balladeer, dies weeks after announcing terminal cancer diagnosis". Anchorage Daily News.
- ^Epler, Patti (September ). "40 Years of Song". Alaska.
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Vol.&#;78, no.&#;7. p.&#;23 &#; via ProQuest.
- ^"Love's Been Rough on Me". Retrieved November 20,
- ^"The Rock". Retrieved November 20,
- ^"Hunger". Archived from the original on October 25, Retrieved November 20,
- ^Foster, David (July 30, ).
"Scholars race with Eskimos for artifacts". Schenectady Gazette. Associated Press. p.&#;
- ^Granger, Erin UAF to award honorary doctorate degrees, Meritorious Award at graduationFairbanks Daily News-Miner, April 23,
- ^Poux Sabine, Hobo Jim reflects on careerKDLL news via KBBI, SEP 27,
- ^Moore, Anthony, Alaska’s Official Balladeer, Hobo Jim, Passes AwayKSRM, October 6,