Allan Carlsson, known by the nickname "Garvis," was a talented Swedish singer, trumpeter, and bandleader born on August 3, 1925, in Växjö stadsförsamling, Växjö, Småland. He passed away on February 1, 1998, in Östra Torsås, Växjö, Småland.

Initially recognized as a promising football player in Växjö, Carlsson was originally named Karlsson. In 1949, he established the jazz ensemble 'Garvis kvintett' (Garvis Quintet) and quickly gained recognition in his hometown for his vocal abilities, with a particular affinity for jazz. Alongside his work as a singer, Garvis also played the trumpet. In 1953, he married and welcomed his first daughter, adopting the surname Carlsson during this period. He later rebranded his band to 'Garvis orkester' (Garvis Orchestra), expanding it to a septet and incorporating new musicians. By 1954, the ensemble began performing Dixieland jazz, drawing inspiration from notable jazz figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and others. The band's style evolved further in 1956 when it shifted to Swing jazz and downsized to a sextet. In 1960, Allan Carlsson was officially re-registered in the Swedish population register as Allan Parsland.

The year 1962 marked a significant turning point for 'Garvis orkester.' The band underwent considerable changes, with several new members joining, including the established singer Kikki Danielsson. The orchestra also featured the talented musician Håkan Ahlström, who contributed numerous arrangements, often crafted for two voices and two saxophones.

In 1964, the orchestra was renamed to Allan 'Garvis' Parsland's band. The bandleader, known for his entertaining antics during performances, found a new tenor saxophonist who added to the humorous dynamic of the group. This lively atmosphere resonated with both the musicians and their audience. This period saw the orchestra produce its first phonograph recordings for the Sonet label, co-owned by the renowned musician and producer, Gösta "Snoddas" Nordgren. The release of their first record led to appearances on television and radio, facilitated by Nordgren’s connections. As a result, Allan 'Garvis' Parsland's orchestra gained nationwide popularity, ultimately transitioning its musicians to full-time professional status in 1965.

In 1970, Allan 'Garvis' Parsland decided to step down from his role, feeling disheartened by the shifting landscape of public musical tastes, which had led to a decline in jazz's popularity on dance floors. Nevertheless, the remaining musicians chose to continue the orchestra as a sextet with a new vocalist, later shortening the name to 'Garvis.' The ensemble underwent further transformations, becoming a quintet in 1975, then a quartet in 1979. In 1990, they introduced their first female singer, Loridanna Larsson, known as "Lorry."

Allan Parsland passed away in 1998, and by 1999, the orchestra he founded in 1949 had diminished to a trio. This transition signaled the end of an era for the ensemble, which subsequently ceased its activities.