John McCutcheon delves into the past

by Lorna Benson, Minnesota Public Radio

Song writing is easy for folk musician John McCutcheon. The prolific artist says some songs come to him in a flash of revelation and all he has to do is put the words and melody on paper. McCutcheon has produced 26 collections of songs during his 30-year career. His latest CD, The Greatest Story Never Told, delves into the past, looking back at historical events that had worldwide significance and smaller episodes that hold personal meaning. McCutcheon told MPR's All Things Considered host Lorna Benson he first considered becoming a professional musician on a trip he took to Appalachia, while he was a student at St. John's University in Collegeville.