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John Flynn
Americana/Folk Wilmington, DE |
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John Flynn sings from the heart. His powerful songs of humanity and hope are deeply rooted in the traditions of Woody Guthrie
and Phil Ochs. From barbed political verse to fun-loving lyrics, John paints vivid, lasting images with words and music,
drawn from a palette of awareness, irony, humor, and compassion. A socially driven singer/songwriter not afraid of writing about the shadows, John always seems to find the glimmer of light in the dark. He does not bludgeon but allows us the space to come to our own conclusions. His songs speak to our common shared humanity. Thank-you notes left on his websites come from both soldiers and anti-war advocates. John’s artistic journey has taken him from Temple University, where he
earned a degree in Political Science, to Nashville’s Music Row as a songwriter, to award-winning children’s recording
artist and performer, to social justice activist. With just his old Martin D-28 and harmonica for accompaniment, John
is truly an American Troubadour. John walks his talk. When off the road, he leads a prison discussion group for the New Beginnings program. He is also very involved with Camp Dreamcatcher, a safe haven for children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Additionally he is an advocate for the care and treatment of combat veterens suffering from PTSD. He lives in Delaware with his wife, four children, and their exuberant German
Shepherd. John continues to tour extensively. His compelling songs, strong voice, and open-hearted approach to his audiences are turning strangers into friends. John's newest CD America's Waiting released July 14, 2009. It has already received some great reviews and was #6 on the Folk Chart for July. The song you hear is "Chicken House" from the CD. It was recorded in Nashville with grammy-winning Steve Fishell as producer. Some great players joined John for live tracking in the studio. Everyone is thrilled with the results and proud to be a part of the project. “America's Waiting is a great album, distinguished by its courage and sincerity.... This is an important album by
an important artist." --
Kris Kristofferson. "Lyrically charged, powerful and moving music!" --Susan Hartman, editor, Dirty Linen Magazine Catch John this summer on the mainstages at Woody Fest, Woodstock Folk Festival (IL), Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. _________________________________________
"QUOTES"
“A brilliant songwriter - performer." ……Rich Warren, WFMT Folkstage "With a poet’s voice and a heart tuned to justice, John Flynn’s voice and songs sing
for us all.”
…… Scott Sheldon,
Sing Out! “Simply put, John Flynn is a master of imagery, rhyme and emotion.” …..Songwriters Monthly
"John Flynn is saying what many of us are thinking as we watch the evening news. Sadly, few others are these days. Listen.” … Michael Braunfeld, Tune Up
___________________________________________________________ AWARDS Peacemaker Among Us Pacem In Terris Rotary Club Shining Star The Dominicans for The Passunder Notable Recording Award American Library Association for Love Takes A Whole Box Of Crayons ___________________________________________________________
"America's Waiting" Title cut from new CD. |
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SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS John examines the art and craft of songwriting by involving participants in the creation of an original song. These highly informative and entertaining sessions explain and demonstrate the creative writing process and it’s stages of prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. This type of workshop helps students understand how they learn and provides a method to nurture students' strengths. It also provides a safe outlet for creative expression and presents an opportunity for children to understand that they are capable learners. Success in these areas also helps children to build their confidence and self esteem. …."
Carol White, Director, Center School PRISON MINISTRY As a part of the New Beginnings program, John volunteers his time as the facilitator of a weekly inmate discussion group. In a lecture/performance
format John explores how his volunteer work in the prison system has both challenged and reinforced his faith and inspired his music. "In song and in speech, John is a gifted storyteller. He brings you into the company of men and women who have walked a hard road and shows you what they have seen and heard and felt. His prison songs burn and soothe with faith, hope, and charity. His music warms you and makes you feel a brightness dawning inside."
Anthony Zuba, Boston University School of Theology SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES & PROGRAMS In elementary through high schools John presents age appropriate material for each class. In elementary schools, his joyous musical
programs encourage each child to understand that everyone is different, to recognize and embrace one's own uniqueness
and talents while accepting and appreciating the differences in others. As he says, "Love takes a whole box of crayons."
His message is of inclusion, repect, exploration, understanding, and engaged participation in the journey through life.
At the same time that he encourages uniqueness, John explores the commonality
of growing up. He remembers what it was to be a child, the insecurities as well as the dreams. Though everyone is different, they also face many similar challenges, and can
draw strength from that common bond. Though unique, they are not alone. John is recognized as a kindred spirit and the children are able to identify with the stories and songs
he shares. In his presentations to older students John takes more time in explaining the origins of his songs, as well
as how the writing process personally helped
him in dealing with life experiences.
In late middle school and high school, John presents a civil justice program
that is both enlightening and thought provoking. Music
is a tool used to enlighten, inform, and ignite their minds. The goal is to encourage each individual to look at the issues, their root causes, and come to one's
own educated conclusions. John's honesty and openness win enthusiastic acceptance from both the students and their teachers. “John Flynn is an exceptional musician and artist. Not only does he listen to his own experience
and heart in his music, but he pays attention to the hearts of his listeners as well. Whether performing for preschoolers,
high school students or adults, he strikes just the right chord in the melodies, words and stories he shares. He has been
a gift to our school community because he has shared himself so openly and simply. “
Cathy Weaver, Principal, IHM Elementary School
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