Libba the Magnificent: The Unforgettable Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten (January 25, 1893 – June 19, 1987) was an American folk musician and songwriter. She is best known for writing the folk standard "Freight Train". Her music has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez.

Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

by Gunjan Bagla

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12399 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Life

Libba Cotten as a child

Elizabeth Cotten was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 1893. She was the youngest of seven children. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a homemaker. Cotten began playing guitar at an early age, and by the age of 11 she had written her first song, "Freight Train".

Cotten's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. Her family sharecropped for a living, and they often had to move from place to place in search of work. Cotten's father died when she was 12 years old, and her mother died when she was 16. After her mother's death, Cotten went to live with her older sister, Laura. Laura was a talented musician, and she taught Cotten how to play the banjo and the dulcimer.

Musical Career

Libba Cotten performing in the 1960s

In the 1940s, Cotten's music began to attract the attention of folk music enthusiasts. In 1949, she recorded her first album, "Folksongs and Ballads". The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Cotten's career as a professional musician.

Cotten toured extensively throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She performed at folk festivals and clubs across the United States and Europe. Cotten's music was praised for its authenticity and its timeless appeal. She was a gifted storyteller, and her songs often reflected her own experiences as an African American woman in the South.

Later Life

Libba Cotten in her later years

Cotten continued to perform and record music until her death in 1987. She was 94 years old. Cotten's legacy lives on through her music. Her songs have been covered by countless artists, and she has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Libba Cotten's Legacy

1. Libba Cotten was a pioneer in the field of folk music. She was one of the first African American women to achieve success as a professional musician.
2. Cotten's music is a valuable part of American history. Her songs provide a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in the early 20th century.
3. Cotten's music is still enjoyed by people all over the world. Her songs are timeless and universal. They speak to the human experience in a way that transcends race, gender, and time.

Libba Cotten was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy on American music. Her music is a testament to her talent, her determination, and her indomitable spirit. Cotten's story is an inspiration to us all.

Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten

by Gunjan Bagla

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12399 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE