Jón Ólafsson

Jón Ólafsson (born April 28, 1952), known affectionately as Jonni Ólafs, is one of Iceland's most experienced and respected blues bassists. With a career spanning over five decades, he has been a foundational figure in the country's blues community since the late 1960s. Ólafsson began his professional career at age 16 with the band Tatarar and went on to perform with a remarkable array of Icelandic groups, including Pelican, Start, Póker, Drýsill, and Pops. His longest musical partnership has been with the blues band Vinir Dóra, with whom he played for over 30 years. In 2022, he founded Bláa höndin (The Blue Hand), continuing to add new chapters to an already storied career. In recognition of his immense contributions to blues music in Iceland, the Reykjavík Blues Society named Ólafsson an honorary member in April 2014. He has contributed to a vast number of recordings and has played alongside many of the country's most respected musicians across multiple generations. His deep groove and steady presence on the bass have made him one of the most sought-after sidemen in Icelandic music history.