Jim Olson Sightings

Humble beginnings: Jim in his first"shop"—the the basement of his house in 1975

...And now luthier to James Taylor! Years of hard work and a devoted wife's patient support made it happen. This picture of James, Sue and Jim was taken backstage at the HollyWood Bowl.

On the couch with David Crosby, Graham Nash and Stephen Stills

Onstage with Leo Kottke at the "Ordway Theater" in St Paul.

With Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues

With a trio of enormously talented Olson players: Scott Dente, Phil Keaggy, and Wes King as they visitied Jim in his shop.

Michael Card visited Jim in early 2002.

Dallas Holm and his Black Olson visit Jim in the shop.

Jim with Kathy Mattea in his shop at the church.

Jim and Kevin Ryan pose for a picture next to SpaceShipOne only hours after witnessing its return from space. See photos of their experience at Jim's Visit to Scaled Composites.

With test pilot Doug Shane.

See photos of Doug's SpaceShipOne guitar.

Riding "quads" in the desert with Bob Taylor and friends.

See the Desert Trip page for some photos

John D'Addario (D'Addario Strings) joining Jim and friends Bob Paymar and Brian Applegate for a round of golf at "Desert Mountain" in Arizona

Olson owner John Michael Talbot visits the shop

Leo Kottke listening to Jim "ramble" about how he does it..

The Olson family at Christmas 2004. Bill with lovely wife Aimee, Sue & Jim, John & Philip.

A 1971 photo of Jim and Sue taken in Pananma City Florida where they spent the summer. When the money ran out, Sue flew home while Jim "hitchhiked" the entire way home from Florida to Minnestota.

Jim with his cousin Bill Engstrom. Nice hats! Now who dressed these kids anyway?

Jim from a talent contest in 1971 at the St. Paul Vocational School.

Now this goes back to 1964! Can you tell which one is Jim? (hint..he's holding the 335!)