Rosanne Olson writes songs drawn from her life and inspired by the lives of others. Her songs speak of love, heartbreak, happiness and regret, all formed into beautiful stories that linger in the mind, providing just the right medicine for love, loss and everything in-between.

Olson draws her own musical conclusions from influences that span from classical music to folk ballads, a touch of country, a splash of jazz and a bit of gypsy.

At times reminiscent of the minor-key shades of Leonard Cohen and the story-telling lyrics of Serge Gainsbourg, Olson's attention to the power of words is drawn partly from her observational skills as a photographer––and also a decades-long love of poetry. Poetic influences include Galway Kinnell, Stanley Kunitz, Frederico Garcia Lorca, Mary Oliver and Pablo Neruda.

Olson's first album, Love in Your Country, was released in 2018. A second album is nearing completion. Meanwhile, Olson has been composing songs that express her thoughts and passions about social justice issues, including immigration, gun control, the right to love the person we want to love. The EP “Toward the Light” was released by Minot State University in spring of 2025. The songs. about compassion and immigration, were arranged by Emerson Eads, PhD, now serving as director of choral activities at SIU, Carbondale, IL. You can find “Toward the Light--Rosanne Olson" on Spotify and Apple Music.