He was one of the most popular guitar players in Alaska,[1] playing frequently at small venues across the state.

[9] Varsos was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where he began playing the guitar at the age of 12.

[10] After spending time hitchhiking and freight riding around the United States, he moved to Alaska in 1972.

[11] Varsos lived part-time in Nashville, where he worked with publisher Pat Higdon, singer Russell Smith, and writer Rory Bourke, among others.

[17] In 2018, Varsos received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.