Oslin was raised mostly in Houston, Texas by her widowed mother. She developed an appreciation for folk music while studying theater in college and later started a folk trio. In 1966, she returned to theater after being cast in the touring production of "Hello, Dolly." She then moved to New York City, where she continued acting in Broadway musicals and television commercials. At the same time, she began songwriting as a hobby. After a demo recording was made of her music, Oslin briefly signed to Elektra Records in 1981 without much success. She later signed to RCA Records in 1986 and her first major hit the following year with "80's Ladies." Her 1987 debut album of the same name would sell over one million copies and produce three additional hits, including the number one single "Do Ya."