Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train (Rare Live Performance)

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  • čas přidán 8. 09. 2021
  • Music Video by Elizabeth Cotten performing her Freight Train classic in this historic footage from the University of Washington, courtesy of the Seattle Folklore Society.
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    A classic folk music icon, Elizabeth Cotten self-taught herself how to play guitar and banjo. Being left-handed, she flipped a right-handed guitar upside down and as such played with the strings reversed. Elizabeth Cotten's style is unique and talent undeniable.
    In an amateur attempt at a 4k remaster, this 1960's video footage has been re-run through Topaz 4k AI software. A 25% layer of that somewhat animated looking output was overlaid on top of the upscaled original, with video artifacts and noise largely kept intact.
    The audio has also been run through through some very mild compression and noise reduction, again overlaid to a lesser degree over the original audio - and then all normalized.
    The aim was to create a slightly cleaner and crisper output, without it looking too "rendery" or robotic. However as mentioned this was an amateur experiment so constructive criticism is certainly welcome!
    Please comment what you think and let us know what we could do better next time around? Thanks for watching and listening!
    #ElizabethCotten #FreightTrain #ClassicFolkMusic #VintageMusic
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Komentáře • 1,1K

  • @VintageMusicHub
    @VintageMusicHub  Před 2 lety +184

    The beautiful "Noah" by The Jubalaires has been remastered in 4k, please let us know what you think: czcams.com/video/OxeWojzg9S4/video.html

    • @sidneybarrett8941
      @sidneybarrett8941 Před 2 lety +3

      I played that on KNCE-FM here in Taos, New Mexico, early in 2020.

    • @restlessascension3260
      @restlessascension3260 Před 2 lety +3

      Is there a story behind why she's playing the guitar upside down. With the high e on top string?

    • @hectorgrande8000
      @hectorgrande8000 Před 2 lety +8

      @@restlessascension3260 she had to use somebody elses guitar when she was learning because she was poor as a child. the only guitar was a right handed guitar so she just learned to olay it left handed and upside down.

    • @terryatpi
      @terryatpi Před rokem +2

      Elizabeth >>>>>>Jerry.

    • @Medic6581
      @Medic6581 Před 11 měsíci +6

      You're not wrong. She's beautiful

  • @tombarclay7108
    @tombarclay7108 Před 11 měsíci +564

    I saw her at a free Peace Train concert in Hartford CT. She was in her 90's and her voice was almost gone, but her guitar picking was still as spot on as ever. RIP Ms Cotten... you made a difference.

    • @daleemrick9816
      @daleemrick9816 Před 10 měsíci +4

      I think she was on Johnny Carson

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 Před 10 měsíci +3

      I always thought Cat Stevens was singing "Riding on the G string"
      G string's sounding louder, riding on the G string... never made sense to me...
      till I saw the lyrics just a few years ago

    • @norabernhard2842
      @norabernhard2842 Před 9 měsíci +1

      going to watch Van perform in Providence tonight.Thanks for your story.

    • @SuperAnimelover100
      @SuperAnimelover100 Před 8 měsíci +2

      You were so lucky to have seen her. Jealous me. :)

    • @eemoogee160
      @eemoogee160 Před 5 měsíci

      ​​@@kenwittlief255 How funny! I heard Peace Train on the radio today.

  • @edeledeledel5490
    @edeledeledel5490 Před 11 měsíci +801

    She plays a right-handed guitar left-handed, so basically its upside down compared with the way most people play. She was entirely self taught. Marvellous.

    • @user-xq5ih5oz2u
      @user-xq5ih5oz2u Před 10 měsíci

      Right!! Jimi, Eric Gales, Doyle Bramhall, Jr. all are lefties who play upside down. But, this woman is the mother of all lefties, indeed! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    • @killerinstinct2000
      @killerinstinct2000 Před 10 měsíci +41

      Same as Jimi Hendrix.

    • @YoYo-gt5iq
      @YoYo-gt5iq Před 10 měsíci +18

      Thanks for pointing this out.

    • @MAarshall
      @MAarshall Před 10 měsíci +67

      @@killerinstinct2000 He did play right-handed guitar left-handed but he also changed the strings to be in standard tuning (E A D G B E). This lady legit plays this song with the strings arranged in reverse E B G D A E.

    • @edielawrence97
      @edielawrence97 Před 10 měsíci +7

      The strings are also opposite of the guitar ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ !
      No one knew she could play !!!! Just Wow ❤❤❤ ...

  • @jonflowers8823
    @jonflowers8823 Před měsícem +20

    She should've been a rock legend a long time ago, a long lost forgotten voice in the rock n roll history.

  • @yippee2000
    @yippee2000 Před rokem +909

    Not sure why but....this brings me to tears. There's just something about this woman...her aura....the simplicity of the tune....the very basic lyrics...there's something so pure and innocent and almost child-like about this song and performance. I feel like I'm in Love.

    • @marbleblue5127
      @marbleblue5127 Před rokem +109

      She wrote this song in 1904 when she was eleven years old.

    • @jennifergraham68
      @jennifergraham68 Před rokem +32

      Some say the native say it's bc you're feeling your ancestors call!

    • @collegiate2k798
      @collegiate2k798 Před rokem +56

      I feel a similar way when I watch her play..I think it’s her demeanor with a camera in front of her. It feels like she is completely unaffected by the idea that she’s being filmed and this is her raw authentic self…and it’s beautiful

    • @collegiate2k798
      @collegiate2k798 Před rokem +20

      @@jennifergraham68 that’s a beautiful thing

    • @julienguillaume5010
      @julienguillaume5010 Před rokem +39

      This brings to tears too.
      And i m french (from actual france i mean). Its not my culture and still. This just cures my axiety.
      Gipsy music does this to me alot.
      Bye bye. Take care

  • @mikeohagan2206
    @mikeohagan2206 Před 2 lety +391

    this alone is reason enough for having the internet. timeless classic.

    • @myoldmate
      @myoldmate Před 8 měsíci +9

      I fully agree.
      There's a lot not to like about digital media, but the fact that content like this is immortalised makes it almost tolerable.
      Beautiful video.❤

    • @gking1879
      @gking1879 Před 7 měsíci

      🎯💯

    • @Navigator2166
      @Navigator2166 Před 5 měsíci +3

      We must keep and honor our artistic heritage. Ms. Cotton is a jewel who will always gleam. Thank you for sharing. 🫶☮️🙏

  • @ruggerobelloni4743
    @ruggerobelloni4743 Před rokem +229

    When She played in San Diego She made everyone smile with a story about a kind neighbour Who gave children "something delicious like....an Apple or a pear".After the show She stood at the Door and shook hands with everybody (a strong grip at 87) and when I told her I once had played this Song with Peggy Seeger She replied in her sweet drawl "Well she plays It like I do 'cause I taught her!".

    • @leftylou6070
      @leftylou6070 Před 11 měsíci +8

      You can't one up 'Lizabeth, she one up you!

    • @janebrown7231
      @janebrown7231 Před 10 měsíci +2

      So envious of you meeting 'Lizbeth - and playing with Peggy Seeger! What memories. ❤️

    • @ArthurOwen-pz8fc
      @ArthurOwen-pz8fc Před 10 měsíci +2

      Of course she did,she was a natural teacher on top of whatever other duties she had i the Seeger household.They got a bargain when they hired her. Arthur Owen,Cardiff Wales

    • @lorettasanchez1790
      @lorettasanchez1790 Před 3 měsíci

      Awesome

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@janebrown7231 Now that
      I'm 73 they are precious. When
      I thanked Ms Seeger for lending
      me her Guitar She replied "Thank
      you for honouring It with your fine
      playing". I was 21 and,in the words
      of the great Gilda Radner, I thought
      I was gonna die!.

  • @philjones6054
    @philjones6054 Před měsícem +10

    This woman is a bloody genius. That was truly beautiful.

  • @georgestevens1502
    @georgestevens1502 Před rokem +429

    This song has been a standard part of finger picking instruction for decades. So, not only did Ms. Cotton write a timelessly beautiful, deeply soulful song, she has helped innumerable guitar players learn how to finger pick and enjoy how sweet an instrument the guitar can be. Her spirit is infused in any guitar that is playing this song. In that sense, she is constantly present. A guardian angel of the guitar.

    • @step4798
      @step4798 Před rokem +9

      Also her life story is incredible! She played guitar young then stopped and came back to it many, many years later and the time gap made no difference to her ability to just pick up a guitar again and be magnificent. If I don't play guitar for 6 months I feel like I lost 2 years playing. I bow down to her.

    • @williamauld4083
      @williamauld4083 Před 11 měsíci +3

      It's just so pure! Gets me as well!

    • @boojay111
      @boojay111 Před 11 měsíci +5

      such lovely words George how kind.

    • @georgestevens1502
      @georgestevens1502 Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@boojay111 Thanks. Kind of you to say so.

    • @Expedient_Mensch
      @Expedient_Mensch Před 11 měsíci +3

      @@step4798 and she plays it upside down!

  • @CrampedGrampy
    @CrampedGrampy Před 11 měsíci +216

    I'm now 84 and sincerely regret never having seen and heard this talented lady. A wonderful rendition of Freight Train, easily the best of any other rendition enjoyed in my past. One might suggest Elizabeth is an overlooked four-leaf clover. Thank you for the presentation.

    • @deandugas1591
      @deandugas1591 Před 10 měsíci +26

      she wrote it

    • @YoYo-gt5iq
      @YoYo-gt5iq Před 10 měsíci +4

      You're here now, and maybe this is when you were meant to be.

    • @terrytwotoes3225
      @terrytwotoes3225 Před 10 měsíci +6

      She wrote it as a kid

    • @rob919ful
      @rob919ful Před 10 měsíci +5

      An overlooked four leaf clover... That's precious ❤

    • @kesmarn
      @kesmarn Před 10 měsíci

      @@deandugas1591 Seriously? Awesome.

  • @GildedEntertainmentGroup
    @GildedEntertainmentGroup Před 2 lety +277

    Oh wow, Elizabeth Cotten is one of the greats. Such an unsung hero, incredible guitar player (lefty too) and songwriter. Talent and grace!

    • @mikeweir3680
      @mikeweir3680 Před 2 lety +9

      Not just a "Lefty".... She is actually playing a right handed strung guitar Left handed....almost an impossibility today with the way everything is done...I personally have never seen this before!!! Been playing over 40 yrs!!!

    • @JESL_TheOnlyOne
      @JESL_TheOnlyOne Před 2 lety +5

      Believe it or not, it's called "upside down and backwards". I play, myself, and I've heard that expression ( mostly down South).

    • @peacemonger766
      @peacemonger766 Před rokem +1

      Not only left handed, but she has the strings put upside down from what a lefty would normally put the strings on.

    • @DrMontague
      @DrMontague Před 11 měsíci +2

      Not just left handed the guitar is upside down, bass strings are at the bottom! her thumb is playing the thin strings!

    • @bethewalt7385
      @bethewalt7385 Před 10 měsíci

      Look up sister Rosetta Tharpe

  • @_Majunior
    @_Majunior Před 2 lety +212

    Finger picking so incredibly all while the guitar is upside down. She's so incredible

    • @bertpar68
      @bertpar68 Před rokem +3

      And she makes it look so easy

    • @odonovan
      @odonovan Před rokem +11

      Majunior, actually she is playing it the proper way. Everyone else plays it upside down. 😉

    • @thegreyfolk
      @thegreyfolk Před rokem +3

      She's a left -handed player - like Jimmy Hendrix and many others.

    • @tombeers5636
      @tombeers5636 Před rokem +1

      Jimi Hendrix did that....

    • @vdavis4785
      @vdavis4785 Před rokem +10

      @@tombeers5636 Jimi played right-handed guitars, but reversed the strings so that they were in the same position as for a rightie (bass strings on top, high strings on bottom). Cotten and some others (like Dick Dale did) not reverse the strings, so the bass strings are on the bottom.

  • @robertaxel
    @robertaxel Před rokem +28

    My ex and I were privileged to see her perform in a converted firehouse in Rochester NY circa 1975..I still remember her sitting on a wooden chair on a small stage and everyone beaming as she played on her guitar.

  • @barrypowell829
    @barrypowell829 Před rokem +42

    She doesn’t even glance at her strings as she plays. 😮 beautiful

  •  Před 5 měsíci +13

    She lived a long life of 94 years. This is a wonderful video of her playing Freight Train.

  • @kosmokritikos9299
    @kosmokritikos9299 Před rokem +102

    Elizabeth did not only learn how to play left handed, but also upside down. That's amazing.

    • @trueaussie9230
      @trueaussie9230 Před rokem +1

      Impressive, but not unique.

    • @kathrynwebster6307
      @kathrynwebster6307 Před rokem +4

      @@trueaussie9230 Regardless, it's still amazing.

    • @trueaussie9230
      @trueaussie9230 Před rokem +2

      @@kathrynwebster6307
      Many people are 'amazed' by the most mundane things.
      It's no more 'amazing' than playing the instrument the 'right' - ie conventional - way.
      The instrument is tuned exactly the same and chords are formed exactly the same regardless of how the guitar is held.
      As with the conventional method, one needs simply to learn where and how to place one's fingers to achieve the desired sound.
      Playing a guitar with one's feet would be truly 'amazing'.

    • @misspearltaylor
      @misspearltaylor Před rokem +11

      Goodness why the negativity? This lady was a wonderful musician and if she penned this song, she is more talented than a lot of people. Sure the upside down guitar has been mastered by many left handed people, so maybe it’s no big deal. But I’ll tell you what, if you think about how many devices are designed for right handed individuals ( like regular scissors, car stick shifters, etc etc), you can say with certainty that left handed individuals have had to make many adjustments to use things. Gee, just thing about writing in a notebook in school with the rings of the binder constantly in the way of your hand - what a hassle. I hear some of you Aussies are not too keen on black folks. I don’t like to assume, but I wonder if this is your real issue…

    • @trueaussie9230
      @trueaussie9230 Před rokem

      @@misspearltaylor
      Oh goodness Miss Pearl Taylor.
      Is 'negativity' the new 'buzz word' for the puerile?!
      While you've lacked the strength of character to directly address me, it's abundantly clear - from your presumptious racist slur - that I am the target of your puerile attack.
      FYI - 'true Aussies' ARE "black folks". Clearly your bigotry leads you to ASSUME I'm NOT "black folks". Isn't it funny how assumptions ("wondering") can make one look sooooo foolish?! 😉😊🤣
      To quote Lou Reed - believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see.
      If you want a reliable, unbiased insight into how Aussies feel about "black folks", read and / or watch interviews with American negro servicemen who were stationed here during WWII. There are several on YT.
      Now, Miss Pearl Taylor.
      Your comment is nothing more than a pretentious ill-informed and personally insulting diatribe from one who's clearly too puerile, too delicate and too 'entitled' to comprehend and accept that stating FACTS does not equate to 'negativity'.
      Just because the FACTS don't please YOU doesn't make them 'negative'.
      But, clearly you subscribe to the 'every child wins a prize' school of thought that promotes doling out excessive praise where little is due.
      I'm not given to assuming, but the available evidence strongly suggests that your pampered childhood, obvious bigotry and paucity of education and basic knowledge is likely at the centre of your personal difficulties.
      Gee "just THING about" that. 🤔🤣🤣🤣
      Muppet.
      BTW - for reasons that are understood by most people, MANY things are 'designed' favouring right-handed people. A guitar is not one of them. A guitar can be played ANY way one chooses. It's convention (and lack of imagination) that moves most people - especially 'educated white folks' - to play them the same way.
      In my 70+ years I've known MANY people - mostly self-taught true Aussie "black folks" - who've shunned convention and developed their own - truly unique - 'style'.
      I've said NOTHING negative OR positive about the musical ability of Elizabeth Cotton.
      She was popular in her time and accomplished in that 'primitive' style of music. (BTW - she is credited with writing 'Freight Train'.)
      However, just because YOU are overly impressed by her talent that doesn't mean she's a virtuoso.
      Perhaps, before making any judgement, you should experience some REAL guitar virtuosos. 🤣🤣
      Tip - since you're so impressed by the 'unconventional', watch some videos of Django Reinhardt - and notice how many working fingers he had.

  • @Sj27m
    @Sj27m Před 10 měsíci +7

    That's an unexpected treasure that just popped up out of nowhere.
    It reminds me of what my dear old Dad used to say .
    We grew up by the tracks and he would say something like,
    " When I die I want to be buried by the railroad track where the train will shake my old bones when it goes by. "

  • @nancyletterneau6239
    @nancyletterneau6239 Před 2 lety +333

    My aunt became friends with her. On a visit she played this for us. I was very young and didn't appreciate it enough. I never forgot her story of being bilked into giving up her rights for this song.

    • @hatay982
      @hatay982 Před rokem +7

      Çok şanslısın.Seni kıskandım.

    • @Lancehorshby
      @Lancehorshby Před rokem +6

      @@hatay982 yorumlar arasında Türk gölmek süper bir şey. Elizabeth cotten hep dinlediğim gitaristtir.

    • @odonovan
      @odonovan Před rokem +69

      Fortunately, thanks to the Seeger family, the rights to the song were returned to her.

    • @armedinbama
      @armedinbama Před 11 měsíci +13

      It's part of being young. I never realized that my next door neighbor was a WWII hero until they made a documentary about him when I was in my 50s. 😢

    • @debbymichalowski7372
      @debbymichalowski7372 Před 11 měsíci +7

      God knows

  • @desirewhitefire
    @desirewhitefire Před 2 lety +381

    I started playing the guitar at 12 years old and my dad told me it was ok to play left handed (I am a leftie). All the rock stars played right though, and I thought I HAD to play that way. But my dad told me all about this lady, so thanks to Elizabeth Cotten I’ve been playing for 25 years.
    She really does play beautifully. I could sit and watch her all day.

    • @sand3882
      @sand3882 Před 2 lety +14

      Yes, but she is playing a regular right-handed guitar left-handed, so the strings are upside down for her! Amazing!

    • @Imdone13Gaming
      @Imdone13Gaming Před 2 lety

      I’ve tried this technique and it’s so difficult compared to normal.

    • @sibusisogumede
      @sibusisogumede Před 2 lety +6

      Wrong,Jimi Hendrix plays rock and is a leftie 🙃😝🤪.Left handed people are extremely talented though most are artists not just in music.You're lucky and exceptional dude 👏 👌

    • @humanbeing2420
      @humanbeing2420 Před rokem +1

      I am a leftie. When I started guitar lessons at age 12, I wanted to play leftie, but my guitar teacher urged me very strongly to play righty. I'm very glad he did. It's more difficult for lefties to find guitars because so few lefty guitars are manufactured.

    • @Kohntarkosz
      @Kohntarkosz Před rokem +4

      Do you play "upside down" or do you have the guitar strung like a proper left handed instrument? My first guitars were right handed instruments, and I just never knew you could just flip the guitar play upside down, the way Elizabeth Cotton, Albert King, Otis Rush, Doyle Bramhall II, and Coco Montoya did/do.

  • @TerrorFront.
    @TerrorFront. Před 2 lety +103

    The tones and chords progression are so ahead of its time. I didn't knew this wonderful lady. What a great discovery.

  • @sleuthentertainment5872
    @sleuthentertainment5872 Před 8 měsíci +13

    The essence of Carolina flows from her fingers right through the heart: the wind over the Blue Ridge Mountains, the waters of the French Broad River...her voice breathes the old but always powerful nature...
    You can't discover artists like this today...

    • @RoryGFan-39
      @RoryGFan-39 Před 3 měsíci

      Doc Watson and Blind Boy Fuller are two other NC guitarists that honestly make me feel the same way and I love that Elizabeth was really a creator of the Piedmont blues fingerpicking guitar style that artists like Fuller made popular. I’m from Winston Salem and Fuller lived and played here in the 30s and Doc Watson died here in 2012.

  • @bumsharvest5493
    @bumsharvest5493 Před 2 lety +386

    It's nice to hear a human being playing from the heart, not quantized or auto tuned.

    • @marcopalenzona8652
      @marcopalenzona8652 Před 2 lety +4

      from the heart!! I completely agree and thanks for writing this, "Bums Harvest" (ok, your "name" is funny.....)

    • @BrockBarr
      @BrockBarr Před rokem +2

      If you listen to the original Album version you can hear what sounds like an analog metronome clicking away. I guess she did still play to a click track 🤣🤣🤣

    • @ah4902
      @ah4902 Před rokem +6

      Sorry you haven’t expanded your music taste past the top 40.

    • @TheDungeonDive
      @TheDungeonDive Před rokem +2

      People do this every single day, it's not some rare thing.

    • @margaretdaugherty1182
      @margaretdaugherty1182 Před 11 měsíci +1

      I close my eyes and listen to her, feeling like I’m being pulled back to a
      hundred year ago .

  • @mikemorris5074
    @mikemorris5074 Před 11 měsíci +53

    It's amazing to be able to see this historic footage of Elizabeth Cotton, what a talented Lady and a beautiful song..Thanks for sharing this.

  • @user-tu8lt1ke3h
    @user-tu8lt1ke3h Před 2 dny

    I discovered this amazing musician just today. I'm happy to have found you, Miss Cotton. It's like looking for a shiny rock on the beach and finding a bar of gold.

  • @stereodreamer23
    @stereodreamer23 Před 9 měsíci +13

    The way she bends that one one note is so stylish and elegant. What a talent. I'm glad someone captured her delightful playing and singing on a film all those years ago, so her talent can live on forever!

  • @gregj.gotham4402
    @gregj.gotham4402 Před 11 měsíci +6

    I watched her play years ago in Syracuse Ny school I got her autograph 80-81. She talked about her life an family her early life what a sweet lady a National Treasure!

  • @rozebones
    @rozebones Před 8 měsíci +6

    Sheer brilliance humanity at its finest.. left handed and played her OWN style..
    LEGEND 💓

  • @aileenwagner2576
    @aileenwagner2576 Před rokem +29

    I don't understand how or why I have not heard of this fantastic lady until now, but I'm so glad I have found her!!!! What tremendous talent and heart shines thru here!!!! Luv this!!!! ❤️

  • @williamfelter7953
    @williamfelter7953 Před 2 lety +76

    I know she's long gone, but Doll you get my standing ovation ... what a talent with a finger style technique that doesn't reflect a hint that the instrument is upside down.
    Sweet rendition of that ol' tune!

    • @hectorgrande8000
      @hectorgrande8000 Před 2 lety +9

      she wrote that song

    • @StaceJohnson
      @StaceJohnson Před 2 lety +7

      ... when she was in her early teens. 😳

    • @cjones547
      @cjones547 Před 2 lety +9

      Rendition? Mate, that’s her ol’tune!

    • @rjburn
      @rjburn Před rokem

      You get my standing ovation for your comment *stands up * * loud round of applause *

    • @odonovan
      @odonovan Před rokem +2

      William Felter, actually she is playing it the proper way. Everyone else plays it upside down. 😉

  • @bethhart7033
    @bethhart7033 Před rokem +16

    That cameraman really had a good eye for photography plus the artist herself performed stunningly.

  • @janetfraser7869
    @janetfraser7869 Před rokem +8

    This song was the first song and picking style I learned, when I was 13. I idolized her and finally got to see her play at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in around 1979 or 80. I was four rows back and it was very emotional for me. She was quite old.

  • @WayOfHaQodesh
    @WayOfHaQodesh Před 2 měsíci +2

    Kinda music that puts my soul at ease... HalleluYAH

  • @robertrockwell7581
    @robertrockwell7581 Před rokem +4

    she is a National Treasure. she never made a dime got ripped off. her Family should reap the rewards for her. R.I.P. Mrs. Cotten.

    • @darlenehaley3949
      @darlenehaley3949 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Family should use the people that force her to sign away her rights

  • @gregoryhunter753
    @gregoryhunter753 Před 2 lety +39

    I love this. First time hearing this performance. Peaceful.

  • @mickvictor
    @mickvictor Před 9 měsíci +3

    God is amazing! He blessed this lady to be able to play lefthanded, upside down, and beautifully!

  • @lapinebob
    @lapinebob Před 11 měsíci +60

    I remember this tune from my childhood. The melody will stick in your brain as it has in mine. I was born in 1942. This is a brilliant rendition. I picked a lot cotton by hand when I was a kid.

    • @darlenehaley3949
      @darlenehaley3949 Před 11 měsíci +5

      Did too it hurts when you pick wrong😂

    • @lailawatson9861
      @lailawatson9861 Před 11 měsíci +2

      ❤💙 Beautiful @lapinebob

    • @southworthfamily4937
      @southworthfamily4937 Před 11 měsíci +1

      An older brother of mine used to pick that way back in the early 50s. I had not heard it in a very long time.

    • @mariaorourke5236
      @mariaorourke5236 Před 10 měsíci

      My partner loved rhythm and blues. White, private school educated, he loved black music. He liked vinyl records Sound track recorded in someone's kitchen way back whenever, with all the immediacy and the crackles. He was horrified when 'digitally remastered' CDs came out. He loved 'real' raw music. He was a loving and genuine man. By day he was an accountant, but so was Franz Kafka. My partner could add up an endless column of figures in his head in no time. No calculator. Music and maths are closely linked. Music, connection, respect, equality and freedom, equally.

    • @bruceb5481
      @bruceb5481 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Born 6-6-42 never picked cotton but I love Libby Cotton's pickin' . 😊😊😊

  • @tincat2173
    @tincat2173 Před 2 lety +29

    Her music and style of playing is fantastic!

  • @jamesarchibald852
    @jamesarchibald852 Před rokem +20

    WOW! That was AWESOME! That was pure GOLD 🥇.

  • @michaelleeannspringer3247
    @michaelleeannspringer3247 Před 11 měsíci +4

    She has such young looking and graceful hands. Just wonderful!

    • @johnboys4697
      @johnboys4697 Před 6 měsíci +2

      I was just thinking the same thing as I was reading down the remarks

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 Před 2 měsíci

      Graceful but strong , She was
      87 when I shook hands with her and the firm grip was that
      of a hard worker and a very
      straightforward lady

  • @kevinwhitaker119
    @kevinwhitaker119 Před 2 lety +14

    Gotta agree with everyone here ..I discovered Elizabeth cotton's music 30 yrs ago and this song..!! Normally back then I was into PUNK / SKA AND REGGAE, BLUES, 😊) Then again I'm still into all that . BUT back to Elizabeth cotton her music always cheers me up ,and her guitar 🎸 playing is just magic...!!! A TRUE MUSICAL INSPIRATION and MUSICAL TREASURE TO ALL...🍺😊👍☮️❤️🇺🇸🌎🌍🌏 R.I.P.

  • @StaceJohnson
    @StaceJohnson Před 2 lety +35

    What a treasure of a video! Her playing style was unique, and the closeups show it beautifully!

  • @stubmandrel
    @stubmandrel Před rokem +16

    That bend at 1:24, shows how her skill is way beyond what this song demands.

  • @Kuraujia
    @Kuraujia Před rokem +23

    As soon as the first accord started, a teardrop came from my eye. What a mesmerizing experience is to hear this, decades later. Can't wait to meet her and tell her how her song comforted my troubled soul in a difficult time

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 Před 2 měsíci

      Don't be in such a hurry, you'll
      have Eternity together. Just
      before spending a month with
      COVID (early on) in a hospital
      I was visiting my Granny 's
      grave. In my brain I heard her
      call my name twice and say:
      " I'm up here, you can come too
      but not now!".

  • @TheTexasJimmy
    @TheTexasJimmy Před 8 měsíci +1

    I've been fingerpicking this song for over 50 years. I never get tired of it.

  • @hajeevibes
    @hajeevibes Před měsícem +1

    For many GREATS especially those from oppressed peoples there is the understanding that they may be disenfranchised here on this planet but the true reward is not in this dream but in the reality of the hereafter. This woman brought and continues to bring joy through her gift and service to the collective. A TRUE "Star". God Bless Your Soul. 🎉🙏🏾💚💫

  • @erepsekahs
    @erepsekahs Před rokem +6

    Rucking brilliant, and a tremendous pleasure to see and hear. We are blessed by modern technology to witness, not quite the beginning of the beginning, but not the end of the end.

  • @winonamassingill7895
    @winonamassingill7895 Před 11 měsíci +4

    I’ve heard that she was only 12 years old when she wrote that beautiful song 🎶. An all time favorite of mine.

  • @forrestl5597
    @forrestl5597 Před rokem +5

    my dad played this song for me as a young child. i miss that feeling

  • @mizzbea1346
    @mizzbea1346 Před 2 lety +10

    She played that guitar wow beautiful song 🌹🌹🌹

  • @gordonmitchell729
    @gordonmitchell729 Před rokem +3

    I remember this from over 70 years ago. Loved it then and now.

  • @MetismanInBC
    @MetismanInBC Před 11 měsíci +8

    I love this song. I remember hearing it many years ago, and fell in love with the tune then. I heard it again when Elizabeth Cotten performed it on a tv show. It's been one of my favorites ever since. It is such a beautiful, haunting melody. I can't believe that it is over one hundred years old now. 😍😍🌹🌹💖💖👌👌👏👏👍👍

  • @josephmaher1350
    @josephmaher1350 Před 11 měsíci +5

    Brilliant; such integrity.Bless this amazing woman/ artist.

  • @ritahorvath8207
    @ritahorvath8207 Před rokem +3

    .
    a true artist
    . ♡

  • @TipplerMario
    @TipplerMario Před rokem +8

    Always get goosebumps listening to this gorgeous song. Long live Ms. Cotten.

  • @nomadpi1
    @nomadpi1 Před 10 měsíci +4

    Fabulous. A human singing as if she was simply sitting on her front porch, an acoustic guitar. no electronics and a rendition of pure delight. Playing left-handed in major chord harmony.

  • @lesaalexander7386
    @lesaalexander7386 Před dnem

    Beautiful playing!!

  • @kennethmoles4643
    @kennethmoles4643 Před 11 měsíci +3

    I love this Woman and her beautiful memory! Her playing style blows me away every time I watch her play her guitar.

  • @Imdone13Gaming
    @Imdone13Gaming Před 2 lety +5

    This made me tear up, such an old wholesome old lady.

  • @kenvelickoff4275
    @kenvelickoff4275 Před 10 měsíci +4

    This what I'm talking about, We need to bring these early pioneers to the forefront, history needs to be told

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 Před 2 měsíci +1

      When I visited John Jackson in
      Virginia in 1977 he told me the
      finest people he met during the
      Folk Revival were Elizabeth,
      John Hurt, Fred MC Dowell , Mance Lipscomb and Doc
      Watson. Of himself he said:
      "I am uneducated but my simple philosophy Is I love
      everybody.

  • @fredfloyd34
    @fredfloyd34 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Beautiful simply Beautiful..Grandmon you are a superstar.Lovely singing voice and song.

  • @aroundhedleybc7483
    @aroundhedleybc7483 Před rokem +8

    I’ve known about Elizabeth Cotton for nigh on 50 years and learned to play Freight Train from tablature transcribed from one of her recordings; but, to my shame, until just now watching this video I had no idea that she was left-handed and that she played the guitar UPSIDE DOWN!

  • @rockhead69
    @rockhead69 Před 7 měsíci +3

    The upside down picking technique is simply fantastic !

  • @alfredkowsky7374
    @alfredkowsky7374 Před 11 měsíci +4

    There is an honesty & purity to this lady's voice 🤩.

  • @user-mw9hk4pn4f
    @user-mw9hk4pn4f Před rokem +2

    May 7, 2023 today. I had never heard Elizabeth Cotten perform. Wow! I certainly enjoyed Freight Train. I will do more research. Thanks to CZcams. WOW! What an Original Voice. I really don't know my History. This is just a reminder for me and all; "We Must Continue to Research Our History."

  • @bobblowhard8823
    @bobblowhard8823 Před 11 měsíci +9

    The amazing thing is that she's playing a right-handed guitar, left handed! And still sounds amazing! That means that the strings are in reverse order from standard. Incredible woman.

    • @maeylamoy8148
      @maeylamoy8148 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Paul McCartney was a leftie too but he modified his guitar to accommodate the left hand until he could afford to buy a real leftie one. I love to hear these old time singers, though. They just make me feel happy.

  • @dariaschooler
    @dariaschooler Před rokem +5

    This is a video to come back to many times. It projects grace and serenity. We need more that is so good, so true, so beautiful.

  • @robinlogan8099
    @robinlogan8099 Před rokem +6

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful performance by this talented lady.

  • @JozJag
    @JozJag Před 11 měsíci +1

    I have no words.. only a few tears…❤️

  • @jamesmiller510
    @jamesmiller510 Před měsícem

    Love it! Haven’t heard this song since my youth!!!!

  • @janeclarkson8471
    @janeclarkson8471 Před 11 měsíci +4

    So wonderful. Has an ethereal quality of a long time ago. So haunting! I love this song and the style. Thank you from UK 🇬🇧 👌❤️🙏🏻

    • @georgemelvin7187
      @georgemelvin7187 Před 10 měsíci

      Smiles, hello Jane, greetings from the States, how are you doing? 🌺 😊

  • @suzmaca650
    @suzmaca650 Před 11 měsíci +6

    Thank you for posting…she played from her soul

  • @mkworkman
    @mkworkman Před 5 měsíci +1

    Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten (January 5, 1893 - June 29, 1987) was an American blues and folk musician, singer, and songwriter.
    A self-taught left-handed guitarist, Cotten developed her own original style. Her approach involved using a right-handed guitar (usually in standard tuning), not re-strung for left-handed playing, essentially, holding a right-handed guitar upside down. This position required her to play the bass lines with her fingers and the melody with her thumb. Her signature alternating bass style has become known as "Cotten picking."

  • @Shift2Movies
    @Shift2Movies Před 8 měsíci +1

    I first saw 'Freight Train' by Nancy Whiskey, which was charming! But when I saw this version, it brought me to tears!

  • @coletteolah6378
    @coletteolah6378 Před 11 měsíci +6

    Gave me goosebumps. Did not expect that.

  • @ravingcyclist624
    @ravingcyclist624 Před rokem +16

    Absolutely wonderful ! She picked that Martin upside down and left-handed !

  • @timothygreen7708
    @timothygreen7708 Před 4 měsíci

    Chet Atkins also played this song this wonderful lady is a great guitar picker it is harder than you would ever think. And to have all the rhythm to sing it as well is another story in itself. Thank you for posting 💯

  • @lharris9924
    @lharris9924 Před 2 měsíci

    Just learned about her today… And I’m oh so glad I did

  • @annhale6382
    @annhale6382 Před 2 lety +5

    Play it Mama. 🙏☮️🌹 Resting Peacefully.

  • @azureflametarot
    @azureflametarot Před 10 měsíci +14

    What’s amazing is how good this guitar sounds even though she’s playing it “wrong” - she’s amazing

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 Před 10 měsíci +1

      no she is playing it perfectly
      the guitar is wrong, she compensates

    • @DavidShort-ov5vb
      @DavidShort-ov5vb Před 5 měsíci +1

      It can’t be wrong. She is the one who wrote the song 🎶, if I understood correctly, that she wrote the song.🎶 who’s to say that the way she plays the guitar is not the correct way?

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@DavidShort-ov5vbMany folks play correctly and yet
      wrong, because they play notes and She played Music

  • @heenimenehira3480
    @heenimenehira3480 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Love this classic song. Respect to this great lady Elizabeth Cotton.

  • @ogechiinternational8025

    Some great country music.

  • @nikkih8690
    @nikkih8690 Před 2 lety +16

    Being inducted in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame...finally

  • @ritaparker478
    @ritaparker478 Před rokem +3

    When times were simpler, not easier but freer and friendlier. The memories bring tears to my eyes.

    • @davidholton9667
      @davidholton9667 Před rokem +1

      Hello how are you? So sorry for the infringe on your privacy. Beautiful song

  • @elsenored562
    @elsenored562 Před 10 měsíci +1

    I don't know why I'm tearing up. I learned this song on my first guitar 50 years ago. Thank you so much, my dear sister.

  • @cadmanwatching
    @cadmanwatching Před 10 měsíci +1

    I had Sister Rosetta Tharpe pop up a year ago and now Elizabeth Cotton. Love it! Love, love, love it ❤

  • @bosswomen6315
    @bosswomen6315 Před 2 lety +33

    Tears are falling listening to her play and sing. This is very rare footage, I've only heard her once before. This reminds me of how our elders loved and played music from their souls. Just beautiful such magic to hear her sing in 2021.

    • @bertpar68
      @bertpar68 Před rokem +2

      So true, it's a real shame we don't have talent around like that today

  • @normazarr3106
    @normazarr3106 Před 10 měsíci +3

    Loved the performance! God Bless. NZ., 🙂🤗👍🙏 2:59

  • @margmckay3257
    @margmckay3257 Před rokem +2

    Wow that was incredible. I could have listened to this lady sing more songs. Love the cotton pickin guitar playing. Simple but effective and with a
    mellow sound. I hope she is playing in heaven⭐️😊💚🧤

  • @charlesarnold8337
    @charlesarnold8337 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Beautiful!

  • @davidjuson5608
    @davidjuson5608 Před rokem +4

    The first time I've herd this played by the composer. Fabulous song. And she never got the credit for it.

  • @alkapone4614
    @alkapone4614 Před 7 měsíci +3

    Amazing

  • @penguinista
    @penguinista Před 10 měsíci +2

    Masterful! What a blessing to the future that she sat for that video recording.
    It conveys a sense of her stage presence and dignified demeanor as well has her skill.
    Easy to see why she was so popular and famous.

  • @rescuelover7891
    @rescuelover7891 Před 5 měsíci +1

    She made a simple song into something special. What a wonderful woman❤

  • @cjsmith8319
    @cjsmith8319 Před 11 měsíci +3

    Her voice sounds so haunting yet comforting at the same time.

  • @568843daw
    @568843daw Před rokem +3

    Wow, applause. That was fabulous.

  • @joerocker8784
    @joerocker8784 Před měsícem

    WOW WOW SHE'S GIFTED

  • @paulsolon6229
    @paulsolon6229 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Lovely

  • @samlupo100
    @samlupo100 Před 2 lety +6

    Just so you understand. The name is my husbands and this is his platform. But what happened to me that I met Libba in person was a gift I got from the Lord. She did not play her guitar for me but told me her life’s story. I was around 35 or 36 at that time. I am in my 70’s now.

  • @ABlanketAndACuppaTea
    @ABlanketAndACuppaTea Před 2 lety +23

    This is actually a really nicely made remaster, doesn’t look scary and robotic - but not too pixely or Lo Fidelity either. Nicely done!

  • @rustyaxelrod
    @rustyaxelrod Před 10 měsíci +2

    Nice! People music from a simpler time. Thanks for posting, this video is a treasure. 👍