Hobo Jim

Jim Varsos (born 1952 in Indiana[1][2]), better known as Hobo Jim, is an American folk singer-songwriter. He is one of the most popular guitar players in Alaska,[3] playing frequently at small venues across the state.[4] In 1994, Hobo Jim was named Alaska's official balladeer.[5][6][7]

Varsos was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where he began playing the guitar at the age of 12.[8] He hitchhiked to Nashville after some time in college, hoping to make it as a country musician.[8] After spending time hitchhiking and freight riding around the United States, he made his way to Alaska, where he stayed.[8] His songs are primarily regional and occupational songs, focusing on Alaska's commercial fishermen, loggers, and miners.[8] Perhaps the best known of these songs commemorates the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

As of 1989, Varsos lived part-time in Nashville, where he worked with publisher Pat Higdon, singer Russell Smith, and writer Rory Bourke, among others.[8] His song "The Rock", which he co-wrote with Smith, has been recorded by Etta James and George Jones;[9][10] he also co-wrote the Janis Ian song "Empty".[11]

On May 5, 2018 Hobo Jim received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.[12]

Varsos is a collector of Alaska Native artifacts.[13]