The Jayhawks

The Profile

American alternative country/rock band formed in Minneapolis, led early on by Mark Olson and Gary Louris and noted for rich vocal harmonies and country-rock songwriting.

Formed in Minneapolis in the mid-1980s; core early members included Mark Olson and Gary Louris. Key albums cited by critics include Hollywood Town Hall (1992) and Tomorrow the Green Grass (1995). Gary Louris has also been involved in the collaborative project Golden Smog with Jeff Tweedy and others.

DeBaser reviews identify Hollywood Town Hall and Tomorrow the Green Grass as the Jayhawks' artistic peak. Critics praise crystalline vocal harmonies, country-rock roots and Beatlesque melodic touches. Mark Olson's departure after Tomorrow the Green Grass is noted as a turning point.