Gary Louris

Gary Michael Louris grew up in Ohio and took piano at a young age. It was when he was a teenager his mother suggested that he take up the guitar. After graduating from college and working as an architect in Minneapolis, he began playing the guitar on the side with his first band Schnauzer and then with local Minneapolis favorites Safty Last. It was when Gary went to see a band called the Jayhawks, at their first gig, (led by Mark Olson and Marc Perlman) that he was asked to join. In 1995, Olson left the band to be with his wife, and the music industry thought the band was dead. At the urging of the rest of the band, Gary decided to keep the band going. This led to their next album, Sound of Lies to have a more pop flavor, while shying away from their alt-country roots. The Jayhawks last album, Rainy Day Music revisited some of their alt-country sounds, and was a critical and fan favorite. As of 2005 Gary's other band, Golden Smog is recording a new record in Spain. Gary and Mark Olson have re-teamed for a three week winter tour, much to the delight of their very loyal fan base. Right now the Jayhawks are on hiatus, and have no plans at the moment for another record.