Cathy Hutch: A Musical Journey from Saint John to Stardom
Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, on June 30th, 1961, Cathy Hutch's musical journey began at a young age, inspired by her heroes Ringo Starr and Davy Jones. Her passion for music was evident from the start, as she taught herself to play a Framus guitar she received at the age of nine, while living in Germany. Despite a struggle with music theory in school, Cathy's natural talent and determination shone through.
A pivotal moment in her life came when she first sat at a drum kit at the age of thirteen, an experience that confirmed her calling. Joining her high school band in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Cathy honed her skills on the drums, and even though she couldn't read music her dedication and passion for it were undeniable, leading her to become the accomplished musician she is today.
Despite personal and professional challenges, Cathy's love for music never wavered. She joined Jack & Company in 1979 as a bass player before finding her true calling as a drummer. Cathy's band, Sound F/X, became one of the most popular bands in northern New Brunswick and Maine, playing the hottest Top-40 and country hits on both sides of the border.
Life took a turn in the 1990s as Cathy faced personal hardships, including her younger daughter's health issues with Turner syndrome and severe autism and Hutch coming out as a gay woman. Moving to Fredericton for better services for her daughter, she had to put her music career on hold.
After a 16-year hiatus, a vivid dream reignited her passion for music. She sold one of her guitars and invested in new drums, joining several bands, including Tore Down, ERA, and the George Street Blues Project. Her return to the stage was marked by opening for Bonnie Raitt with the latter at a Maximum Blues concert in 2009.
Balancing a full-time job and personal challenges, Cathy Hutch turned to her guitar and songwriting during a difficult period in 2007. Her talent was recognized by industry professionals, leading her to record her debut album, "Not Goin' Back," in Nashville. Her song "I'm In Here," co-written with her producer, became known as the Anthem for Autism.
By 2008, Cathy was juggling multiple bands and promoting her own music. Despite giving up drumming due to time constraints, she occasionally plays drums at gigs, inspired by her childhood idol Karen Carpenter.
Cathy's journey from 2009 to 2017 was marked by personal turmoil and professional triumphs, including opening for country star Carroll Baker and winning an "Oscar for Autism" for "I'm In Here." In 2017, she recorded her second critically acclaimed album, "Free Wheelin'," produced by Paul Milner, and her third album "A Matter of Perspective" was just released in December 2024, produced by Danny Bourgeois.