A wordsmith and poet of rare clarity, John Flynn writes powerful songs of humanity and hope. His dynamic performances are known for their disarming honesty and humor. Songwriter and activist John calls himself a “hopeful pessimist.” John sings from the heart. His powerful songs of humanity and hope are deeply rooted in the traditions of Woody Guthrie. From barbed political verse to joyous fun-loving lyrics for kids, John paints vivid, lasting images with words and music drawn from a palate of awareness, irony, humor, and compassion. He opens one of his recent CDs, The End of the Beginning, with the lines “Like river stone, it may be that some edges get worn smooth, or maybe it’s just that these days you don’t have as much to prove.” These words seem to capture not only the mood of the disarmingly acoustic release, but also something of the 59 year-old singer-songwriter himself. In 2005, Arlo Guthrie invited John to join his post-Katrina “Train to New Orleans Tour.” Arlo says of John, “More than just a good song writer, performer, or guitar player, John Flynn is a friend because he actually does the kinds of things to help make the world a little better.”
