Elizabeth Cotten

Top songs

Freight Train
Oh Babe It Ain't No Lie
Shake Sugaree

About Elizabeth Cotten

Elizabeth Cotten was an American folk and blues musician, born in 1893 in North Carolina. She is celebrated for her unique guitar playing style, known as 'Cotten picking.' Her career gained recognition later in life when she was discovered by the Seeger family, with whom she worked as a housekeeper. Her most famous song is 'Freight Train.'

Cotten's lyrics often reflect personal memories and a deep emotional strength, touching on themes of resilience and acceptance of life's hardships, including death. Her songs convey a sense of personal truth and a desire for anonymity, resonating with listeners through their authenticity and heartfelt storytelling.