This is an excellent short presentation of the Hutchinson Family concert troupe. Comparing this singing group to Peter Paul and Mary is apt. In fact, that is the comparison I use: PP&M with a big nod to the Everly Brothers. For decades starting in the 1840s, pretty nearly everyone in the United States had at least some idea who the Hutchinson Family was. Researching the Hutchinsons, it seems as though they were involved in everything and knew everyone. They were a huge part of nineteenth century American history. Much of the credit for getting the vocal group started should go to an older brother, Joshua Hutchinson, who missed no opportunity to nurture the young singers and to encourage their efforts. He had a substantial career of his own in music, sometimes singing in groups, usually performing solo. Also, giving credit where credit is due (but speculating a bit), it is implied clearly enough to my way of thinking that a sister, Rhoda Hutchinson, sometimes sang in concerts with the brothers before they set out on what they called their Grand Start, which happened in 1842. Couldn't prove it but I think it may be so that being joined on stage by the sweet singing Rhoda taught the Hutchinson brothers the value of including a female voice and singing as a quartet. The group was perfected by the addition of a younger sister, Abby Hutchinson. On the other end of the timeline, I wonder what townspeople and city dwellers must have thought in the 1890s and into the first year or so of the 20th century when a gospel wagon with the words on the side, "The Hutchinson Family of Singers," pulled into town. Those who found out must have been amazed that this actually was the Hutchinson Family Tribe of John, second and third generation, led by John W. Hutchinson's daughter-in-law, Lillie. If the Hutchinson Family had a direct influence on Appalachian-style country music, this may have been the lineup that did it, as it toured across the Southern states. This was a singing family that was before the public a really, really long time; and I am glad that someone from Milford, New Hampshire, their old hometown, posted this nifty presentation. With luck, a lot of people will watch it.
This is an excellent short presentation of the Hutchinson Family concert troupe. Comparing this singing group to Peter Paul and Mary is apt. In fact, that is the comparison I use: PP&M with a big nod to the Everly Brothers. For decades starting in the 1840s, pretty nearly everyone in the United States had at least some idea who the Hutchinson Family was. Researching the Hutchinsons, it seems as though they were involved in everything and knew everyone. They were a huge part of nineteenth century American history. Much of the credit for getting the vocal group started should go to an older brother, Joshua Hutchinson, who missed no opportunity to nurture the young singers and to encourage their efforts. He had a substantial career of his own in music, sometimes singing in groups, usually performing solo. Also, giving credit where credit is due (but speculating a bit), it is implied clearly enough to my way of thinking that a sister, Rhoda Hutchinson, sometimes sang in concerts with the brothers before they set out on what they called their Grand Start, which happened in 1842. Couldn't prove it but I think it may be so that being joined on stage by the sweet singing Rhoda taught the Hutchinson brothers the value of including a female voice and singing as a quartet. The group was perfected by the addition of a younger sister, Abby Hutchinson. On the other end of the timeline, I wonder what townspeople and city dwellers must have thought in the 1890s and into the first year or so of the 20th century when a gospel wagon with the words on the side, "The Hutchinson Family of Singers," pulled into town. Those who found out must have been amazed that this actually was the Hutchinson Family Tribe of John, second and third generation, led by John W. Hutchinson's daughter-in-law, Lillie. If the Hutchinson Family had a direct influence on Appalachian-style country music, this may have been the lineup that did it, as it toured across the Southern states. This was a singing family that was before the public a really, really long time; and I am glad that someone from Milford, New Hampshire, their old hometown, posted this nifty presentation. With luck, a lot of people will watch it.