Carla Olson is an American musician, songwriter, producer, and actor who has been active in the music industry since the late 1970s. Born in California, she began her career playing with local bands before forming The Textones in 1979. The Textones released four albums before disbanding in 1985.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Olson released several solo albums, and during this time she also worked as a session musician. In 1989, she released the critically acclaimed album Reap the Whirlwind which featured a number of collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Tom Petty, Dave Edmunds, and Ry Cooder.
In 1992, Olson released the album What's Not to Love which featured a duet with her then-partner, Gene Clark of The Byrds. The album was well received by both critics and fans, and it launched the single “Get Together” which became a top-20 hit.
In addition to her solo work, Olson has also been involved in various collaborations over the years. In 2003, she joined forces with Peter Case and George Smith to form the band The BellRays. The group released four albums before disbanding in 2007.
In 2013, Olson formed the group Carla Olson & The Textones and released the album Have Harmony, Will Travel. The album was praised by critics and featured a wide variety of styles, from country to blues to rock.
In addition to her music career, Olson has also appeared in a number of films. In 1991, she appeared in the cult classic Repo Man as a punk rocker. She also had a small role in the 2004 comedy The Girl Next Door.
In addition to her musical and acting career, Olson is also a successful producer. She has produced records for artists such as Peter Case, The BellRays, and The Textones.
Throughout her career, Carla Olson has been a prolific and innovative musician. She has released a number of solo albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Her music has spanned a wide range of styles, from country to punk rock, and she has also made her mark as an actor and producer.
