Daniel Lee Ison, 1975-2008

One of Alaska’s most talented bluegrass musicians and singers, Daniel Lee Ison, 32, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 14, 2008.

Dan was born on Oct. 26, 1975 in Wilmington, Ohio. He was married on April 15, 1995 to Rebecca Pratt. They moved to Fairbanks, Alaska in April 1997 and also lived in North Pole, Alaska.

Dan’s passion was bluegrass music. He excelled on the mandolin, guitar, and banjo. He sang incredible lead, tenor, and baritone parts. In Fairbanks, he performed with, among other bands, No Compromise, Clark County, Northern River, Last Frontier, and Red Square. He most recently performed at Ivory Jack’s outside Fairbanks with members of Anchorage’s Well Strung bluegrass band. Whatever instrument needed playing or whatever part needed singing, Dan could do it all . . . and at a very high skill level. Those who knew him always expected Dan to eventually find success on the national level. His death is bluegrass music’s loss.

Dan’s family’s roots in their beloved Kentucky were very important to Dan and his family.

Dan is survived by his wife, Rebecca Ison; five beautiful children: Jacob, Allison, Micah, Luke, and Elijah; his mother and father, Carolyn and Danny Ison; brother and fellow bluegrass musician, Stephen Ison; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends can leave messages and memories for Dan on his MySpace page.