Olson Sightings

Welcome to the corner of the web site where the webmaster gets to have a little fun! I've collected here some notes on "Olson sightings" both fun and serious—appearances of Olson guitars in noteworthy or entertaining settings. I hope you get a kick out of it! If you do, be sure to visit my two "auxiliary" sightings pages:
Olson Album Artwork, and Jim Olson Sightings.

The Story of My Olson Guitar

In a heartfelt story, Donna Havens, musician and teacher, talks about her Olson guitar and the journey that led her to order it. You can read about Donna and what her Olson guitar has meant to her in this wonderful article at Mel Bay's "Guitar Sessions" online magazine. Mel Bay's Guitar Sessions

David Crosby in People Magazine

People magazine (July 20th 2006) had a nice photo of the legendary David Crosby with his Olson guitar in hand. The feature story included an interview, and photos of David's family. Mentioned in the article was a book of memoir titled "Since Then" as well as his soon to be released 52-song box set, "Voyage" featuring his work from 1966 to 2004 along with 16 previously unreleased tracks.

Rutan Test Pilot Doug Shane With his Olson

On September 29th 2004, Jim was able to witness the flight of SpaceShipOne as it made it's first attempt at capturing the Ansari X-Prize worth 10 million dollars. You can read more about it at the homepage of Bert Rutan's company Scaled Composites. After the successful flight, as Doug's guest, Jim was able to get a first hand close-up look at SpaceShipOne and tour the facility where it was created. You can view some photos of his tour at Jim's Visit to Scaled. Jim was introduced to Doug when Leo Kottke brought him by Jim's shop to talk about ordering a guitar. With the inlay expertise of Larry Robinson "A Tribute to Black Sky" guitar was created for Doug who is by the way a very accomplished player. Pictures of Doug's Guitar

Phil Keaggy (and his Olson) Featured in Christian Musician

Phil Keaggy was the cover artist for the Jan/Feb 2002 issue of Christian Musician magazine. In addition to the cover shot (shown here), the article included five photos of Phil—with his trusty old SJ in his hands in every one of them. Phil and his SJ even appear in the GHS strings ad in the issue! The issue also includes several pages of tablature with excerpts from Phil's acoustic instrumental tune, "As it is in heaven," transcribed by yours truly.

James Taylor Performs at September 11 Benefit

JT was among the many artists who joined Paul McCartney for a concert to benefit the victims of the September 11 tragedy in 2002. The VH1 web site posted a nice collection of photos of the event, including one of JT's performance (photo by Scott Grimes).

James Taylor Sings National Anthem for Game 2 of The 2004 World Series

James Taylor made an appearance with his Olson guitar as he performed the "National Anthem" in Boston before game 2 of the World Series. After his introduction,Taylor was greeted with a standing ovation as he took center stage on the pitchers mound. His performance can be viewed at JT National Anthem 2004

James Taylor returns to sing the National Anthem for Game 2 of The 2007 World Series

James Taylor made a return appearance to Boston's Fenway Park to perform the "National Anthem" before game 2 of the World Series. You can read the press release and view the performance at the MLB web site. JT National Anthem 2007

James Taylor's Olsons On Videos

You can see and hear James Taylor's Olsons on his delightful Squibnocket video (which has been broadcast on the Disney cable TV channel). The video intersperses brief but insightful interview segments with performances videotaped in a barn where JT rehearsed with his band in preparation for the tour that produced his 1993 James Taylor (Live) double album and the abbreviated Best Live collection.

In 1998 another live video (this one of a concert appearance) also showcased his Olsons: James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theater. As one of the first concerts ever filmed with DVD in mind, the DVD version (with 5.1 surround sound) is often seen in DVD demonstration suites.

In 2002, James Taylor Pull Over DVD was released. In 23 full length perfomances, Pull Over captures what Rolling Stone called"...a good natured evening of dependable, reassuring musicianship..."

JT's Olson on The Simpsons!

One of James Taylor's Olson guitars appeared (in cartoon form!) on The Simpsons TV show when James made a cameo appearance on that show (also in cartoon form). David Mirkin, writer and executive producer affiliated with the show is a guitarist and Olson owner, and made sure the trademark "O" appeared in James's cartoon guitar! Astronaut Buzz Aldrin also appears on this episode titled "Deep Space Homer", in which NASA chooses Homer Simpson to ride on the Space Shuttle Corvair. (Episode 1F13, fifth season; first aired February 24, 1994.)

Justin Hayward Live

A couple years ago Olson fan Sue Emery "from snowy Montana" wrote with the following Olson sighting:

Justin Hayward recently released a video of a show he did last year as part of his solo tour to promote his latest solo CD. It's called Justin Hayward Live in San Juan Capistrano. The show was filmed in an intimate setting at a coffee house and features 22 songs, half of which Justin performs on his Olson. The sound on this video is the very best I've ever heard of a concert performance. He begins the show with a simple acoustic set, then adds bass, precussion and keyboard players. The success of the video has prompted a release of a CD of the performance.

Public Broadcasting has just picked up the rights for the video and is making two abbreviated versions available to affiliates for one year, beginning around Nov. 23. One version is shortened even more and includes intros for pledge breaks. I believe a version of the video (I don't know if it will be the shortened or the original 2 hr. version) and the CD will be available as pledge premiums.

If your local PBS station chooses to air the show you can try before you buy =-).

The video is probably no longer available from PBS, but it's now available online from the Justin Hayward web site. You can view clips of the video site, including the classic "Nights in white satin" (with him on electric guitar) and "Troubador" (on acoustic).

Leo Kottke on Austin City Limits

Leo Kottke made a television apearance with his Olson on the popular PBS series "Austin City Limits". It was recorded in August of 1992 and premiered season 18 of 1993. Kottke performed 6 songs using his Olson and 2 songs with his signature Taylor 12 string guitar. Also appearing on the program that evening was songwriter Mark Cohn. You can view some of the performance at the Video Vault

Sting's Olson Makes Appearances

Sting did a guest spot on a recent Chieftans album. The CD insert had a promotional photo taken with him holding his Olson as he sat among the Chieftans.

In April of 1996, the Bravo cable TV channel broadcast an interview with Sting, including footage of his house and of a rehearsal /recording session. In one scene, Sting's guitar player (Dominic Miller) is playing Sting's Olson, with Sting looking on.

Chet Atkins on an Olson!

Chet Atkins performed on an Olson guitar on a May 1996 broadcast of The Nashville Network's Prime Time Country show. He played his famous solo acoustic arrangement of Don Maclean's "Vincent." Chet borrowed the guitar from Mark Thompson of The Judds for this performance. You can view the performance at the Video Vault