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The legendary Ashley Hutchings, band-leader extraordinaire, is also a multi-talented writer, arranger, producer and broadcaster. His influence and innovation are celebrated throughout the music world. The founder of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band, Ashley continues to be in the forefront of English music.

Hutchings was born in Southgate, London, England but moved to Muswell Hill while still a child. He formed several groups, including "Dr K's Blues Band" in 1964. When he met guitarist Simon Nicol, they rehearsed on the floor above Nicol's father's medical practice. The house was called "Fairport" and lent its name to the group they formed together.

Hutchings has quite possibly founded more groups than any other bass-player. The most famous are Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span (formed after he left Fairport in 1970) and the ever-changing Albion Country Band (formed after leaving Steeleye in 1971). He has made several thematic albums with session musicians gathered from across the traditional and folk-rock spectrum, with himself credited as the producer. A series of albums called The Guv'nor collect rare recordings from several Hutchings-related groups. In 2004 Hutchings retired the Albion band and in 2005 he returned as part of a quartet, called Rainbow Chasers.