Loney Hutchins was born in the 1940s into an impoverished community in rural Appalachia near the Tennessee-Virginia border. He grew up immersed in the traditional folk music of that region.

As an adult, Hutchins befriended June Carter and Johnny Cash, eventually leading to a position as publishing manager for House of Cash. Some of his own songs were recorded by Johnny and Tommy Cash during this time. Hutchins also served as a pitch man for the publishing label to producers such as Chet Atkins, Owen Bradley and Billy Sherrill.

After leaving House of Cash, Hutchins began his own publishing label, Appalachia Recording Company. During the late 80’s, Hutchins entered the field of music therapy to help treat survivors of traumatic brain injury.

In the new millennium, Appalachia Music was restarted by his son as Cleft Music label, and it has been re-releasing new albums by Hutchins. Hutchins has also ventured into the restaurant business, owning The Whippoorwill, a restaurant and live music venue, in historic downtown Gallatin, Tennessee from 2010 to 2014.