Elizabeth Cotten, a pioneering figure in American folk music, has left an indelible mark on the genre with her distinctive artistry and influential contributions. Born on January 5, 1893, in Carrboro, North Carolina, Cotten’s musical journey is a testament to her unique talent and the profound impact she had on the folk music landscape.

Cotten’s artistry is characterized by her virtuosic fingerpicking style on the guitar and her soulful, plaintive vocals. What sets her apart is her unconventional left-handed guitar playing technique, where she played a right-handed guitar upside down. This approach, coupled with her intricate fingerpicking, resulted in a sound that was both haunting and resonant.

Her most famous composition, “Freight Train,” showcases her skillful guitar work and songwriting prowess. The song, penned when she was just a child, became a folk standard and exemplifies Cotten’s ability to blend simple yet evocative lyrics with intricate guitar arrangements.

Beyond her musical talents, Cotten’s personhood is reflected in her role as a self-taught musician who found her voice and style later in life. After working as a domestic servant for decades, Cotten was rediscovered by the folk revivalist Mike Seeger in the 1950s. This led to the recording of her debut album, “Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar,” in 1958, marking the beginning of her recognized career as a folk artist.

Cotten entered matrimony with Frank Cotten, resulting in the formation of a family. Temporarily setting aside her musical pursuits, she devoted herself to the upbringing of her children while concurrently working as a domestic helper. During this period, she found employment with the Seeger family, an association that would play a pivotal role in her musical resurgence.

In the late 1950s, Elizabeth Cotten experienced a renaissance facilitated by Mike Seeger, the half-brother of folk musician Pete Seeger. The subsequent decades witnessed Cotten’s continued dedication to her craft. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she actively participated in live performances and recording sessions, earning acclaim for her distinctive guitar technique and authentic folk style. Her discography expanded with notable releases such as “Shake Sugaree” (1965) and “Elizabeth Cotten Vol. 2: Shake Sugaree” (1980).

In a fitting acknowledgment of her contributions to the folk genre, Elizabeth Cotten was honored with the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1985. The recognition was bestowed upon her live album, “Elizabeth Cotten Live!”, solidifying her enduring impact on the rich tapestry of traditional and folk music.

Cotten’s personal quotes offer glimpses into her philosophy and love for music. She once said, “I never had no guitar lessons. I just listened to other people play and just mostly taught myself.” This autodidactic approach not only shaped her unique style but also emphasized the organic and intuitive nature of her musical expression.