Mark Olson & Gary Louris

Mark Olson & Gary Louris

Mark Olson & Gary Louris are an American alternative country duo made up of Mark Olson and Gary Louris. Both musicians are associated with The Jayhawks, and Olson is not part of the band’s current lineup.

Background

Olson and Louris form The Jayhawks in Minneapolis in 1985. As part of that group, they release four alternative country albums: The Jayhawks in 1986, Blue Earth in 1989, Hollywood Town Hall in 1992 and Tomorrow the Green Grass in 1995. Olson leaves the band in 1996.

After Olson leaves, he forms The Creekdippers with his wife, Victoria Williams, while Louris remains with The Jayhawks and records Sound Of Lies, Smile and Rainy Day Music. The two later renew their friendship and reunite in 2002 to work on a track for Olson’s solo album December's Child.

Reunions and joint recordings

Following The Jayhawks’ split in 2005, Olson and Louris tour together twice, first in winter 2005 and then in spring 2006. These sessions lead to Ready For The Flood, an acoustic, harmony-led album produced by Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes. It is released in Europe in 2008 and in the United States in 2009.

The pair later reunite with other members of The Jayhawks for Mockingbird Time. Supporting tour dates take place in the United States in 2011 and in both the United States and Europe in 2012.

Style and associations

The duo are identified with alternative country, folk rock, rock and indie, and are also linked with Minnesota and deadwood Music.