Lydia Hutchinson
Lydia founded Performing Songwriter magazine in 1993 and served as the publisher and editor until folding the print version in 2009. She now oversees Performing Songwriter Enterprises, the website, and produces creative workshops with hit songwriters.
Lydia Hutchinson's Latest Posts
Behind the Songs of John Prine
Legendary songwriter John Prine tells the stories behind such classics as “Sam Stone,” Hello In There,” “Paradise,” “Dear Abby,” and more.
Marian Anderson’s April 9, 1939 Lincoln Memorial Performance
On April 9, 1939, celebrated African-American contralto Marian Anderson performed for 75,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after being denied use of a D.C. Hall over segregation rules.
Remembering Jeff Buckley
Buckley’s legacy is one of a beautiful free spirit who left his promise unfulfilled. As Bono from U2 said, “Jeff Buckley was a pure drop in an ocean of noise.”
The Sgt. Pepper’s Album Cover: Faces in the Crowd
As the definitive snapshot of ‘60s pop culture, artist Peter Blake’s Sgt. Pepper cover was unlike anything the world had ever seen—and almost half a century later it’s still iconic Beatles.
The Story Behind “Mardi Gras Mambo” and “Iko Iko”
Mardi Gras and music go together like red beans and rice and coffee and beignets. Here’s the story behind two songs that are Fat Tuesday favorites: “Iko Iko” and “Mardi Gras Mambo.”
The Emotional Truth of Jonatha Brooke’s ‘My Mother Has 4 Noses’
Jonatha Brooke’s vulnerable, emotionally powerful musical theater piece tells the story of serving as a care giver to her mother, who had dementia, during the final two years of her life. It’s a brilliant piece of art.
Martin Luther King: Oh, You Beautiful Fool
Performing Songwriter celebrates the memory of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. today with “Beautiful Fool,” a song of hope and dreams by Don Henry.
Johnny Mercer
The story of songwriter Johnny Mercer, one of the greatest lyricists of the American Songbook who penned such classics as “Moon River,” “That Old Black Magic,” and “Skylark.”
The Perseverance of Michael Johnson
A tribute to the brilliant singer, songwriter and artist Michael Johnson, who died on July 25, 2017, along with an essay he wrote for Performing Songwriter: “Thoughts on Perseverance.”
Dylan Plugs In: July 25, 1965
Bob Dylan stepped on stage July 25, 1965 at the Newport Folk Festival with an electric band in tow, which many folk purists in the crowd considered a heresy.