From North Carolina’s Countryside to Folk Music Icon

Born on January 5, 1893, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Elizabeth Cotten was a self-taught guitarist and songwriter who became one of the most influential figures in American folk music. Known for her unique playing style, often referred to as “Cotten picking,” and her timeless song “Freight Train,” Cotten’s contributions to folk music have left an indelible mark on the genre. Her journey from a young girl in the South to a celebrated folk musician reflects her incredible talent, resilience, and the enduring appeal of her music.

A Journey from Childhood Passion to Folk Music Legend

Elizabeth Cotten’s musical journey began at a very young age. Raised in a musical family, she taught herself to play the guitar at the age of seven. Because she was left-handed, Cotten flipped the guitar upside down and played it with her left hand, which resulted in her playing the bass lines with her fingers and the melody with her thumb—an unconventional technique that would later become her signature style, known as “Cotten picking.”

Cotten’s early years were spent working as a domestic servant, and for much of her life, she played music only for herself and her family. It wasn’t until she was in her sixties that her music career truly began, thanks to a chance encounter with the Seeger family. While working as a housekeeper for the renowned folk music family, Cotten’s musical talents were discovered, and she was encouraged to perform publicly. With the support of the Seegers, Cotten began recording and performing, quickly gaining recognition for her unique style and evocative songs.

Her debut album, Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar (1958), introduced the world to her music and included the now-classic song “Freight Train,” which she had composed as a child. The album’s success led to Cotten becoming a beloved figure in the folk music revival of the 1960s. Her performances were marked by her gentle, yet powerful, presence and her ability to connect with audiences through her music.

Cotten’s later years were filled with accolades, including a Grammy Award in 1985 for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording, making her one of the oldest Grammy recipients at the age of 90. Despite her late start in the music industry, Cotten’s impact on American folk music has been profound, with her songs and playing style continuing to influence musicians to this day.

Iconic Tracks: A Blend of Fingerpicking and Storytelling

Elizabeth Cotten’s music is characterized by her distinctive fingerpicking style and her ability to convey deep emotion through simple, yet powerful, songs, highlighted in several key tracks:

1. “Freight Train” – Perhaps Cotten’s most famous song, “Freight Train” is a beautiful, haunting tune that she composed as a young girl. The song’s melody, combined with Cotten’s unique picking style, has made it a staple in the folk music canon.
2. “Shake Sugaree” – A playful and endearing song, “Shake Sugaree” features Cotten’s granddaughter Brenda Evans on vocals, with Cotten’s guitar providing a perfect, rhythmic accompaniment. The song has been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its place in folk history.
3. “Oh Babe, It Ain’t No Lie” – This track showcases Cotten’s ability to blend storytelling with music, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with listeners. The song has been covered by artists such as Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead.
4. “Washington Blues” – A prime example of Cotten’s bluesy, fingerpicked guitar work, this instrumental piece highlights her technical skill and the deep emotional expression she could evoke through her playing.

Gear and Technique: Mastery of Left-Handed, Upside-Down Guitar Playing

Elizabeth Cotten’s playing style was as unique as her music. Being left-handed, she taught herself to play a right-handed guitar flipped upside down, which meant she played the bass lines with her fingers and the melody with her thumb. This unconventional technique, now known as “Cotten picking,” resulted in a distinctive sound that became her signature.

Cotten primarily played acoustic guitars, and her style was deeply rooted in the Piedmont blues tradition, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and intricate fingerpicking patterns. Her playing was marked by its simplicity, yet it conveyed a profound emotional depth that resonated with listeners. Cotten’s ability to create rich, complex sounds from her unconventional approach to the guitar has inspired countless musicians, and her influence can be heard in the works of many contemporary folk and blues artists.

Influence and Impact

Elizabeth Cotten’s influence on the world of folk music is immense, particularly as a pioneering female guitarist who broke new ground with her unique playing style. Her success as a self-taught, left-handed musician who began her career late in life has inspired generations of musicians, proving that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passion. Cotten’s ability to create timeless music that speaks to the human experience has ensured her place as one of the most important figures in American folk music.

Cotten’s songs, particularly “Freight Train,” have become standards in the folk repertoire, covered by numerous artists across various genres. Her innovative approach to guitar playing has influenced a wide range of musicians, from fingerstyle guitarists to singer-songwriters. Cotten’s legacy is also reflected in the continued popularity of her music, which remains a touchstone for those exploring the roots of American folk and blues.

Conclusion: The Everlasting Legacy of Elizabeth Cotten

Elizabeth Cotten continues to be a towering figure in the world of folk music, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions as a guitarist, songwriter, and storyteller. Her work has left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring countless musicians to pursue their own unique paths. As her influence continues to be felt across generations, Cotten’s legacy as a trailblazer, innovator, and musical visionary is assured, ensuring her place as one of the most important and enduring artists in the history of American music.

Bonus Track: 10 Facts About Elizabeth Cotten

1. Self-Taught: Elizabeth Cotten taught herself to play guitar at the age of seven, using a right-handed guitar flipped upside down.
2. Cotten Picking: Her unique playing style, known as “Cotten picking,” involves playing the bass lines with her fingers and the melody with her thumb.
3. Late Start: Cotten began her professional music career in her sixties, after her talents were discovered by the Seeger family.
4. “Freight Train”: Composed her most famous song, “Freight Train,” as a young girl. The song became a staple in the folk music canon.
5. Grammy Winner: In 1985, Cotten won a Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording for her album Elizabeth Cotten Live at the age of 90.
6. Influence on Folk Music: Cotten’s music and playing style have influenced countless musicians in the folk, blues, and singer-songwriter genres.
7. Storytelling: Many of Cotten’s songs are noted for their storytelling quality, blending simple melodies with powerful narratives.
8. Piedmont Blues: Her playing is rooted in the Piedmont blues tradition, known for its syncopated rhythms and intricate fingerpicking patterns.
9. “Shake Sugaree”: One of her well-known songs, “Shake Sugaree,” features her granddaughter on vocals and has been covered by numerous artists.
10. Enduring Legacy: Cotten’s music continues to be celebrated and performed, ensuring her place as one of the most important figures in American folk music history.