Quick Facts
Biography
Hans Olson (born 1952), is an American musician and songwriter, originally from San Bernardino, California, though he now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. Olson usually performs solo, although he has played with several bands throughout his career. Olson combines a blend of blues, country, folk music and original songs. He plays an amplified acoustic guitar and harmonica. He is currently endorsed by Lee Oskar harmonicas. Hans was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 1996.
In 1986 Olson helped found the Sun Club, a former hub of the Tempe music scene. The Sun Club was fundamental in launching the careers of acts such as Dead Hot Workshop and the Gin Blossoms. Throughout his career Olson also helped to establish and organize the Phoenix Blues Society, the Arizona Green Party, the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, the Arizona Music Heritage Foundation and the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.
As of 2007, Olson has released thirteen albums. His music has also been released on Virgin Records in Europe and on the independent record label Fervor Records in the U.S. An Olson song was featured as the title track on the Fantasy Records release, Deal It Out, by Tom Fogerty.
Notable credits
Olson penned songs have appeared on numerous television programs and film soundtracks. Olson's voice was featured in the opening and closing theme for the Burt Reynolds television series Evening Shade.
His music has also appeared in episodes of;
- JUSTIFIED
- Cold Case
- George Lopez
- Ghost Whisperer
- Criminal Minds
- It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Braving Alaska (National Geographic)
- The Wild West (Time-Life/Warner Bros. mini-series)
- The Music of the Wild West (TNN)
- Man Outside (Virgin Vision Films)
- Mill Ave., Inc. (Independent film)
Olson has toured, performed, been an opening act for, and/or recorded with the following musicians: (and many more...see website for full list)
- Michelle Shocked
- Tom Waits
- Brownie McGhee
- Al Kooper
- Albert Lee
- Dallas Taylor
- Boz Scaggs
- Dave Mason
- Allman Brothers Band
- Arlo Guthrie
- Bonnie Raitt
- Albert Collins
- John Hammond
- Jeff Healey
- Five Blind Boys of Alabama
- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- Elvin Bishop
- Joe Cocker
- Gatemouth Brown
- Paul Butterfield
- Canned Heat
- John Fogerty
- Johnny Winter
- Edgar Winter
- Tony Martinez Band
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Willie Dixon
- John Lee Hooker
- B.B. King
- Muddy Waters
- Upsuck