Hobo Jim

Who is Hobo Jim?

Jim Varsos, better known as Hobo Jim is an American folk singer-songwriter. He is one of the most popular guitar players in Alaska, playing frequently at small venues across the state. In 1994, Hobo Jim was named Alaska's official balladeer.

Varsos was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where he began playing the guitar at the age of 12. He hitchhiked to Nashville after some time in college, hoping to make it as a country musician. After spending time in New York and Los Angeles, he made his way to Alaska, where he stayed. His songs are primarily regional and occupational songs, focusing on Alaska's commercial fishermen, loggers, and miners. 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. His song "The Rock", which he co-wrote with Smith, has been recorded by Etta James and George Jones; he also co-wrote the Janis Ian song "Empty".

Varsos is a collector of Alaska Native artifacts.