Olsen was born in
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and went to school in
Minneapolis, where he developed an appreciation for
classical,
pop, and
jazz music. He gained production experience working in
recording studios in the Minneapolis area, and musical and touring experience playing
upright bass in jazz and
folk bands. He subsequently played bass as a member of
the Music Machine, who had a hit with the single "
Talk Talk". After moving to
Los Angeles he was instrumental in launching the careers of
Lindsey Buckingham and
Stevie Nicks. He helped them to secure a record deal, produced their first album,
Buckingham Nicks, and let them live in his house, employing Nicks as a housekeeper for a while. ==Production credits==