Corey Carlson

Corey Carlson calls it his lucky day when he spent every dime from his summer job on his first guitar. Money that was supposed to go for his school clothes. His mother wasn’t happy. Growing up in a family where almost everyone played guitar was a great start but, banging on the tent flaps of Big Top Chautauqua (a musical and theatrical venue literally in his backyard) is what he calls his greatest education. Surrounded by great music every summer and getting to hang out with the likes of Johnny Cash, Taj Mahal, and Don McLean, it wasn’t long before Corey started sharing the stage with his idols. Only there, in such an intimate space could such a school exist. It is what inspired his first CD, SEEDS, released in 1999. Backed by Minneapolis’ finest, Corey displays an array of genre’s and a style all his own. His second CD, Jukebox Prophecies, released in 2003 revealed an edgier “rock’n roll” style. Despite which CD rings as a favorite, it is his live performance that will leave you breathless, worn out, and begging for more. His passionate display typically mesmerizes audiences.
Hailed as one of the finest songwriters in the midwest, Corey is the two time winning songwriter at “Bob Dylan Days” in Dylan’s hometown. Corey’s prolific lyrics are reminiscent of Dylan, Tom Petty, John Lennon, and Townes Van Zandt. Corey has recently peaked the interest of Jackson Browne, who wondered why he hadn’t heard of him before he did. Corey’s songs are a fusion of modern and old school folk, rock, and even country.
Currently, Corey is in the process of planning his next recording, and while he has “literally 100’s of songs” that could be recorded, you can count that his final choices will be meticulously chosen to reveal what has become his signature. . . a collection of prolific lyrics, unique style, and solid musicianship.