Carlene Thissen
Band Story
From Tavern Duets to Woodstock Dreams: The Musical Journey of a True Songsmith
Music isn't just a part of her life—it’s woven into her DNA. Born into a family where melodies flowed as freely as conversations, she grew up harmonizing alongside her father, a multi-instrumentalist who played banjo, guitar, piano, and accordion. From the smoky backrooms of taverns to heartfelt living room jam sessions, music was always the glue.
She and her sister Kathy were pint-sized duet partners, performing alongside their dad as he belted out tunes with his barroom band of friends. Her mother, meanwhile, planted the classical seed—piano lessons starting at age seven. By eleven, her cousin Patsy handed her a guitar and a dream, showing her how to strum out “Springtime in the Rockies.” Her dad’s mantra? “Put the song over.” And she did—especially with her cherished Gibson acoustic, gifted at her grammar school graduation, and still a loyal companion to this day.
As the decades rolled on, so did the music. She led early folk Masses in Catholic churches, but her spirit caught fire in the free-flowing counterculture of the '60s. She became a hippie—her best self—singing in coffeehouses and around campfires at festivals, including Woodstock, a moment etched in her soul as the best time of her life.
After a 25-year detour in the business world, she’s back—reborn as a serious, soulful singer-songwriter chasing her true north. With 18 heartfelt tracks under her belt and more pouring out, she’s not just writing music. She’s crafting songs that aim to heal, to move, and maybe—just maybe—change the world.
Peace. And keep listening.
Music isn't just a part of her life—it’s woven into her DNA. Born into a family where melodies flowed as freely as conversations, she grew up harmonizing alongside her father, a multi-instrumentalist who played banjo, guitar, piano, and accordion. From the smoky backrooms of taverns to heartfelt living room jam sessions, music was always the glue.
She and her sister Kathy were pint-sized duet partners, performing alongside their dad as he belted out tunes with his barroom band of friends. Her mother, meanwhile, planted the classical seed—piano lessons starting at age seven. By eleven, her cousin Patsy handed her a guitar and a dream, showing her how to strum out “Springtime in the Rockies.” Her dad’s mantra? “Put the song over.” And she did—especially with her cherished Gibson acoustic, gifted at her grammar school graduation, and still a loyal companion to this day.
As the decades rolled on, so did the music. She led early folk Masses in Catholic churches, but her spirit caught fire in the free-flowing counterculture of the '60s. She became a hippie—her best self—singing in coffeehouses and around campfires at festivals, including Woodstock, a moment etched in her soul as the best time of her life.
After a 25-year detour in the business world, she’s back—reborn as a serious, soulful singer-songwriter chasing her true north. With 18 heartfelt tracks under her belt and more pouring out, she’s not just writing music. She’s crafting songs that aim to heal, to move, and maybe—just maybe—change the world.
Peace. And keep listening.
Band Members
Carlene Thissen
Carlene Thissen
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Florida (FL)
Genre: