Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train (Rare Live Performance)

[@VintageMusicHub]

The beautiful "Noah" by The Jubalaires has been remastered in 4k, please let us know what you think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hanIiKKgr8xsiZY

[@sidneybarrett8941]

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

[@restlessascension3260]

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

[@hectorgrande8000]

@@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]

Elizabeth >>>>>>Jerry.

[@Medic6581]

You're not wrong. She's beautiful

[@edeledeledel5490]

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]

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]

Same as Jimi Hendrix.

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

Thanks for pointing this out.

[@MAarshall]

@@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]

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

[@tombarclay7108]

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]

I think she was on Johnny Carson

[@kenwittlief255]

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]

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

[@SuperAnimelover100]

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

[@eemoogee160]

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

[@ruggerobelloni4743]

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]

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

[@janebrown7231]

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

[@ArthurOwen-pz8fc]

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]

Awesome

[@ruggerobelloni4743]

@@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!.

[@mikeohagan2206]

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

[@myoldmate]

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]

🎯💯

[@Navigator2166]

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

[@Lisa_Evers]

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]

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

[@j_anneg]

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

[@collegiate2k798]

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]

@@j_anneg that’s a beautiful thing

[@julienguillaume5010]

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

[@georgestevens1502]

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]

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]

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

[@georgestevens1502]

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

[@Expedient_Mensch]

@@step4798 and she plays it upside down!

[@JulieStJohn-jb4cy]

I’ve heard her doing this song on some of my NPR weekend programs, but first time I’ve ever seen her. I was having those same feelings about her. Very sweet!

[@desirewhitefire]

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]

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

[@Imdone13Gaming]

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

[@sibusisogumede]

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]

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]

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.

[@_Majunior]

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

[@bertpar68]

And she makes it look so easy

[@odonovan]

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

[@thegreyfolk]

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

[@tombeers5636]

Jimi Hendrix did that....

[@vdavis4785]

@@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.

[@CrampedGrampy]

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]

she wrote it

[@YoYo-gt5iq]

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

[@terrytwotoes3225]

She wrote it as a kid

[@rob919ful]

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

[@kesmarn]

@@deandugas1591 Seriously? Awesome.

[@nancyletterneau6239]

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]

Çok şanslısın.Seni kıskandım.

[@Dmitryaroslav]

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

[@odonovan]

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

[@armedinbama]

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]

God knows

[@bumsharvest5493]

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

[@marcopalenzona8652]

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

[@BrockBarr]

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]

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

[@TheDungeonDive]

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

[@margaretdaugherty1182]

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

[@GildedEntertainmentGroup]

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

[@mikeweir3680]

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]

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

[@peacemonger766]

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

[@DrMontague]

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

[@bethewalt7385]

Look up sister Rosetta Tharpe

[@kosmokritikos9299]

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

[@trueaussie9230]

Impressive, but not unique.

[@kathrynwebster6307]

@@trueaussie9230 Regardless, it's still amazing.

[@trueaussie9230]

@@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]

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]

@@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.

[@robertaxel]

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.

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

[@Sj27m]

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. "

[@sleuthentertainment5872]

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]

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.

[@jonflowers8823]

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

[@treebeard431]

Well, she got some love from Jerry Garcia, who performed her 'Sugaree' for years. When Jerry found out that she was still alive, he told her he couldn't get her royalties from that song, but he performed and recorded a different song and sent 100% of the royalties to her in her later years. Apparently it was a fair bit of money, and her friends would always ask her "where you getting money to buy all this new stuff?" She would reply "oh, some dead people up in San Francisco are sending it to me. "

[@TerrorFront.]

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

[@stereodreamer23]

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!

[@williamfelter7953]

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]

she wrote that song

[@StaceJohnson]

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

[@cjones547]

Rendition? Mate, that’s her ol’tune!

[@rjburn]

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

[@odonovan]

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

[@philjones6054]

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

[@grindfreakmike5754]

She sounds like crap, your deaf.

[@barrypowell829]

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

[@lapinebob]

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]

Did too it hurts when you pick wrong😂

[@lailawatson9861]

❤💙 Beautiful @lapinebob

[@southworthfamily4937]

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]

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]

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

[@gregj.gotham4402]

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!

[@mkworkman]

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."

[@mikemorris5074]

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.

[@rozebones]

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

[@janetfraser7869]

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.

[@aileenwagner2576]

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!!!! ❤️

[@gregoryhunter753]

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

[@tincat2173]

Her music and style of playing is fantastic!

[@sidd5938]

The best.. my fav song if all time..

[@dougmackenzie5976]

I had the rare privilege and opportunity to sit in Libba's living room one several occasions as she played with and for myself and a few friends. She was living in Syracuse, NY, back then. Mid 1980s. She was a sweet little old lady, full of laughter and music. It was almost impossible to learn from her, as she played a regular right-handed guitar upside down and backwards, using her left hand for picking and her right for fretting chords. Since it was all upside down, her chord forms were completely different than what our fingers were doing. But, it was a rare treat to play with her, and listen to her play in her favorite element; her living room. RIP, Libba. You gave the world beautiful little wonders. May your music live forever....

[@UKISOCIETY]

What a wonderful story. You lucky so-and-so!

[@bosswomen6315]

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]

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

[@paulpflaumer4941]

I.heard her many, many years ago I loved her picking stylé. It took me a long time to learn by watching and listening. Great lady Freight Train and Railroad Bill still give me great memories Gracias Sra Cotton

[@Kuraujia]

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]

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!".

[@StaceJohnson]

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

[@bethhart7033]

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

[@JimDavidson-FingerpickinGood]

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

[@nomadpi1]

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.

[@fredfloyd68]

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

[@jamesarchibald852]

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

[@ravingcyclist624]

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

[@kennethmoles4643]

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

[@joe56474]

This song brings me to tears within the first few notes. Such a beautifully simple melody, although I'm sure its not simple to play!

[@erepsekahs]

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.

[@toppjimi7776]

My great aunt Jenny picked up the guitar in her 70s and though nowhere as skilled as Ms Cotten this video brought those sweet memories back 💖

[@michaelleeannspringer3247]

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

[@johnboys4697]

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

[@ruggerobelloni4743]

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

[@billyhall53]

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.

[@robinlogan8099]

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

[@TipplerMario]

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

[@dariaschooler]

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.

[@elsenored562]

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.

[@robertrockwell7581]

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]

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

[@gogglesfpv7986]

this almost makes me want to cry, the history, the personal experience shes gone through, the talent of the picking, and everything involved , I don't care if her voice it out because of age, this whole thing is genuinely beautiful...

[@VintageMusicHub]

Thank you for watching, please check out our playlists or subscribe for more if you enjoyed

[@penguinista]

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.

[@josephmaher1350]

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

[@irpacynot]

Still so beautiful. Can't believe how she plays like that, with the strings inverted. So moving.

[@mickvictor]

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

[@fbales]

Saw Elizabeth Cotton at a San Diego folk festival in the mid to late 70s. She played and sang this song. Good memory. She was held in awe by everyone.

[@gordonmitchell729]

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

[@suzmaca650]

Thank you for posting…she played from her soul

[@mckennalynn1916]

It's amazing the sounds that she's making with the guitar it sounds like a full band. Great song!

[@kevinwhitaker119]

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.

[@citywombat9481]

Same!

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

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

[@sidd5938]

Listened to this at my father's at my father's funeral...

[@michaelbyrne9385]

Elizabeth Cotton lives on in Muireann Bradley. Check her version out. You'll love it!

[@janeclarkson8471]

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]

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

[@paulsolon6229]

Lovely

[@mizzbea1346]

She played that guitar wow beautiful song 🌹🌹🌹

[@justmeva]

Beautiful!! I have never heard of Mrs. Cotten nor her music: I am so glad to have found this.

[@MetismanInBC]

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. 😍😍🌹🌹💖💖👌👌👏👏👍👍

[@kndvolk]

Great job on the restoration. Thank you.

[@janebrown7231]

Takes me right back - Freight Train was the first guitar piece I learned. "Libba" was around 12 when she wrote it - I was around 12 when I learned it. I loved playing it, it's so beautifully constructed. Rhythmically quite complex, but with such a simple sound. Great upload and I love the remastering - thanks for all your effort.

[@georgemelvin7187]

Smiles, hello Jane 🌺 😊

[@janebrown7231]

@@georgemelvin7187 😊🌷

[@georgemelvin7187]

@@janebrown7231 feels really great listening, how are you doing?

[@janebrown7231]

@georgemelvin7187 Good - hope you enjoyed the music. 🎶

[@georgemelvin7687]

​@@janebrown7231I did, thanks. It's really nice hearing from you, where are you chatting from?

[@SW-qq5fl]

I always come back and watch this video. I love her.

[@HWR71]

So do I. 😉 Still impressed.

[@bobblowhard8823]

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]

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.

[@BrendaCharity]

May 7, 2023 today. I had never heard Elizabeth Cotten perform. Wow! I certainly enjoyed Freight Train. I will do more research. Thanks to KZbin. 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."

[@winonamassingill7895]

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

[@AmyWhoLovesFlowers]

I heard this song for the first time ever yesterday on my local classical radio station (KUSC 91.5 FM Los Angeles) on their theme of music and trains and I cannot stop singing it to myself! 💛 I thought she had another guitarist with her, but NO, it was all Ms. Cotten! She sounds like more than one person playing! Magical! 😍🥰 🛤️

[@forrestl5597]

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

[@gothicwriter9897]

I love this and I Elizabeth's voice is so beautiful.

[@rockhead69]

The upside down picking technique is simply fantastic !

[@walterevans1338]

Such a great performance by this lovely lady.

[@aroundhedleybc7483]

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!

[@heenimenehira3480]

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

[@ritahorvath8207]

. a true artist . ♡

[@paulmartin8212]

wow, what a great treasure to have a clip of this. She shows how if you put your mind to it you can do anything. upside-down, left-handed and by ear. how cool that this has been preserved.

[@ritaparker478]

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

[@davidholton9667]

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

[@JozJag]

I have no words.. only a few tears…❤️

[@alfredkowsky7374]

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

[@lesaalexander7386]

Beautiful playing!!

[@coletteolah6378]

Gave me goosebumps. Did not expect that.

[@georgemelvin7187]

Smiles, hi Collette 🌺 😊

[@taniastott112]

Heartbreakingly good! I'm mesmerised. I just saw a clip on Facebook reels and searched for this artist. Her musical expression is just soooo good.

[@Imdone13Gaming]

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

[@robwhite6386]

Superb, beautiful guitar picking. Thank you Elizabeth, and the poster.

[@ABlanketAndACuppaTea]

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

[@rogeralsop3479]

So beautiful.