John Flynn Writes Powerful Songs of Humanity and Hope
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A wordsmith and poet of rare clarity, John Flynn writes powerful songs of humanity and hope. His John Flynn dynamic performances are known for their disarming honesty and humor. From barbed political verse to joyous fun-loving lyrics for kids, John paints vivid, “ John Flynn is the John Lennon of the lasting images with words and music drawn from a Plasma Generation!” palate of awareness, irony, humor, and compassion. –Ramblin’ Jack Elliott Drawing upon the roots of social awareness in music, his songs are deeply rooted in the traditions of Woody Guthrie and Phil Ochs. John has been “Flynn is the best of the best!” hailed as “a troubador of justice and hope,” by Pacem in Terris. –Andy Braunfeld, Philadelphia Folk Festival Among the recognitions John has received for his work are the Dominican’s Shining Star Award, The Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow Award, Pacem in Terris’s Peacemaker Among Us Award, and the American Library Association’s Notable Recording Award. John was also honored for his contribution of a song included in the anti-bullying project, “All About Bullies, Big and Small,” which won a Grammy as Best Children’s Album of 2012. Listen, Watch and learn more at... ARTISTS OF NOTE P.O. Box 11, Kaneville, IL 60144-0011 USA | 630-557-2742 | [email protected] www.ArtistsOfNote.com — www.JohnFlynn.net “ John Flynn is one of a special breed of goodhearted artists whose reaction to the human condition finds kind, humorous expression. God bless them.” –Kris Kristofferson “A philosopher with a guitar ...” –acousticmusic.com John Flynn Few people who knew John Flynn as a boy would have predicted the path his life would take. A self-professed “straight arrow,” as a senior at Ridley High in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the former altar boy who once strummed a New Year’s Day banjo in the world famous Mummers Parade was named president of the National Honor Society and Scholar Athlete of the Year while receiving two congressional nominations to the United States Naval Academy. John was making plans to play lacrosse for Navy when he found out he would not be able to take his guitar with him to Annapolis. Although music “Every song I write always feels like my first,” says Flynn had always been an important part of John’s life, he was of the trade he’s practiced for more than three decades. surprised to realize how much he had come to rely on his “I guess that’s why I love it so much. It’s almost like that beloved Guild twelve-string. The thought of leaving it Buddhist concept of the beginner’s mind. Each song behind, even for a few months, caused him to begin to challenges you to seek and see new possibilities. After admit to himself that he had other dreams. all these years, I feel like I’m just getting warmed up.” John abruptly changed course and began writing songs in earnest. He put himself through Temple University playing School assembly and young audiences: in bar bands. Though his degree was in political science, John Flynn takes a humble approach when asked about he abandoned the idea of studying law when he was his creative writing programs for elementary and middle offered a staff songwriting position at Combine Music in school students. It all started when he began writing songs Nashville, following Billy Swan’s Top 40 country recording for and with his own children. Soon he was invited to of John’s song “Rainbows and Butterflies.” perform in schools, and took inspiration from—and with— It was Swan who first introduced John to Kris Kristofferson. students in the audience. Each performance is an Since then Kris has written liner notes for John, sung on interactive and laughter-filled model for the creative three of Flynn’s CDs, and even recited the lyrics to John’s writing process, and several songs also address social song “Without You with Me” at Stephen Bruton’s funeral. responsibility from a very young person’s point of view. Today, John’s shows draw from a significant body of work, “... part of the reason for John’s success with young ranging from his early country offerings to story songs, love audiences is his ability to connect with their interests and songs, songs for kids, funny songs, songs of social justice, help them transform their thoughts into songs. His song- and meditations on loss, tolerance, faith and hope. The 55 writing collaborations with young students have resulted year-old father of four spurned touring when his children in some of his best-loved songs, including “My Brother were young, but as the kids grew older, superlatives began Ricky’s for Sale,” inspired by a young girl’s wish. “My to welcome their dad’s arrival to the national folk stage. In Brother Ricky…” is an excellent example of John’s ability 2005, Arlo Guthrie invited John to join musical legends like to relate to the experiences of childhood that transcend Willie Nelson and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott on the historic City the Ages.” of New Orleans Train Tour following Hurricane Katrina. — Kathy O’Connell Kids’ Corner, WXPN-FM Represented by: Joann Murdock ARTISTS OF NOTE P.O. Box 11, Kaneville, IL 60144-0011 USA | 630-557-2742 | [email protected] www.ArtistsOfNote.com — www.JohnFlynn.net .