Elizabeth Cotten - Freight Train (Rare Live Performance)

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  • Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
  • 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

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @VintageMusicHub
    @VintageMusicHub  3 роки тому +186

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

    • @sidneybarrett8941
      @sidneybarrett8941 2 роки тому +3

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

    • @restlessascension3260
      @restlessascension3260 2 роки тому +4

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

    • @hectorgrande8000
      @hectorgrande8000 2 роки тому +9

      @@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 Рік тому +3

      Elizabeth >>>>>>Jerry.

    • @Medic6581
      @Medic6581 Рік тому +7

      You're not wrong. She's beautiful

  • @tombarclay7108
    @tombarclay7108 Рік тому +592

    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 Рік тому +4

      I think she was on Johnny Carson

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 Рік тому +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 11 місяців тому +2

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

    • @SuperAnimelover100
      @SuperAnimelover100 11 місяців тому +2

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

    • @eemoogee160
      @eemoogee160 8 місяців тому

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

  • @edeledeledel5490
    @edeledeledel5490 Рік тому +845

    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 Рік тому

      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 Рік тому +43

      Same as Jimi Hendrix.

    • @YoYo-gt5iq
      @YoYo-gt5iq Рік тому +19

      Thanks for pointing this out.

    • @MAarshall
      @MAarshall Рік тому +70

      @@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 Рік тому +8

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

  • @mikeohagan2206
    @mikeohagan2206 2 роки тому +411

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

    • @myoldmate
      @myoldmate 11 місяців тому +10

      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 10 місяців тому

      🎯💯

    • @Navigator2166
      @Navigator2166 8 місяців тому +3

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

  • @Lisa_Evers
    @Lisa_Evers 2 роки тому +936

    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 Рік тому +116

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

    • @j_anneg
      @j_anneg Рік тому +32

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

    • @collegiate2k798
      @collegiate2k798 Рік тому +57

      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 Рік тому +20

      @@j_anneg that’s a beautiful thing

    • @julienguillaume5010
      @julienguillaume5010 Рік тому +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

  • @ruggerobelloni4743
    @ruggerobelloni4743 Рік тому +240

    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 Рік тому +9

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

    • @janebrown7231
      @janebrown7231 Рік тому +2

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

    • @ArthurOwen-pz8fc
      @ArthurOwen-pz8fc Рік тому +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 6 місяців тому

      Awesome

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 5 місяців тому +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!.

  • @georgestevens1502
    @georgestevens1502 Рік тому +442

    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 Рік тому +11

      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 Рік тому +3

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

    • @boojay111
      @boojay111 Рік тому +5

      such lovely words George how kind.

    • @georgestevens1502
      @georgestevens1502 Рік тому +1

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

    • @Expedient_Mensch
      @Expedient_Mensch Рік тому +3

      @@step4798 and she plays it upside down!

  • @jonflowers8823
    @jonflowers8823 4 місяці тому +24

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

  • @sidd5938
    @sidd5938 4 місяці тому +3

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

  • @GildedEntertainmentGroup
    @GildedEntertainmentGroup 3 роки тому +278

    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 2 роки тому +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 2 роки тому +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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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 Рік тому

      Look up sister Rosetta Tharpe

  • @bumsharvest5493
    @bumsharvest5493 3 роки тому +390

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

    • @marcopalenzona8652
      @marcopalenzona8652 3 роки тому +4

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

    • @BrockBarr
      @BrockBarr 2 роки тому +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 2 роки тому +7

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

    • @TheDungeonDive
      @TheDungeonDive 2 роки тому +2

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

    • @margaretdaugherty1182
      @margaretdaugherty1182 Рік тому +1

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

  • @CrampedGrampy
    @CrampedGrampy Рік тому +220

    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 Рік тому +26

      she wrote it

    • @YoYo-gt5iq
      @YoYo-gt5iq Рік тому +3

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

    • @terrytwotoes3225
      @terrytwotoes3225 Рік тому +5

      She wrote it as a kid

    • @rob919ful
      @rob919ful Рік тому +5

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

    • @kesmarn
      @kesmarn Рік тому

      @@deandugas1591 Seriously? Awesome.

  • @desirewhitefire
    @desirewhitefire 2 роки тому +383

    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 2 роки тому +14

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

    • @Imdone13Gaming
      @Imdone13Gaming 2 роки тому

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

    • @sibusisogumede
      @sibusisogumede 2 роки тому +7

      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 2 роки тому +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 Рік тому +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.

  • @nancyletterneau6239
    @nancyletterneau6239 3 роки тому +339

    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 Рік тому +7

      Çok şanslısın.Seni kıskandım.

    • @Dmitryaroslav
      @Dmitryaroslav Рік тому +6

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

    • @odonovan
      @odonovan Рік тому +70

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

    • @armedinbama
      @armedinbama Рік тому +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 Рік тому +7

      God knows

  • @_Majunior
    @_Majunior 2 роки тому +215

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

    • @bertpar68
      @bertpar68 Рік тому +3

      And she makes it look so easy

    • @odonovan
      @odonovan Рік тому +11

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

    • @thegreyfolk
      @thegreyfolk Рік тому +3

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

    • @tombeers5636
      @tombeers5636 Рік тому +1

      Jimi Hendrix did that....

    • @vdavis4785
      @vdavis4785 Рік тому +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.

  • @kosmokritikos9299
    @kosmokritikos9299 Рік тому +102

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

    • @trueaussie9230
      @trueaussie9230 Рік тому +1

      Impressive, but not unique.

    • @kathrynwebster6307
      @kathrynwebster6307 Рік тому +4

      @@trueaussie9230 Regardless, it's still amazing.

    • @trueaussie9230
      @trueaussie9230 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +12

      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 Рік тому

      @@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
    @robertaxel Рік тому +29

    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.

  • @philjones6054
    @philjones6054 4 місяці тому +15

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

  • @TerrorFront.
    @TerrorFront. 2 роки тому +104

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

  • @Sj27m
    @Sj27m Рік тому +9

    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. "

  • @barrypowell829
    @barrypowell829 Рік тому +42

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

  •  7 місяців тому +14

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

  • @sleuthentertainment5872
    @sleuthentertainment5872 10 місяців тому +15

    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 6 місяців тому +1

      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.

  • @stereodreamer23
    @stereodreamer23 Рік тому +16

    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!

  • @mikemorris5074
    @mikemorris5074 Рік тому +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.

  • @lapinebob
    @lapinebob Рік тому +61

    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 Рік тому +5

      Did too it hurts when you pick wrong😂

    • @lailawatson9861
      @lailawatson9861 Рік тому +2

      ❤💙 Beautiful @lapinebob

    • @southworthfamily4937
      @southworthfamily4937 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +1

      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 Рік тому +1

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

  • @williamfelter7953
    @williamfelter7953 2 роки тому +78

    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 2 роки тому +10

      she wrote that song

    • @StaceJohnson
      @StaceJohnson 2 роки тому +7

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

    • @cjones547
      @cjones547 2 роки тому +10

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

    • @rjburn
      @rjburn Рік тому

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

    • @odonovan
      @odonovan Рік тому +2

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

  • @stubmandrel
    @stubmandrel Рік тому +20

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

  • @MetismanInBC
    @MetismanInBC Рік тому +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. 😍😍🌹🌹💖💖👌👌👏👏👍👍

  • @gregj.gotham4402
    @gregj.gotham4402 Рік тому +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!

  • @aileenwagner2576
    @aileenwagner2576 Рік тому +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!!!! ❤️

  • @mickvictor
    @mickvictor Рік тому +4

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

  • @rozebones
    @rozebones 10 місяців тому +7

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

  • @bethhart7033
    @bethhart7033 Рік тому +17

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

  • @janetfraser7869
    @janetfraser7869 Рік тому +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.

  • @gregoryhunter753
    @gregoryhunter753 3 роки тому +39

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

  • @WayOfHaQodesh
    @WayOfHaQodesh 4 місяці тому +2

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

  • @StaceJohnson
    @StaceJohnson 2 роки тому +35

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

  • @jamesarchibald852
    @jamesarchibald852 Рік тому +20

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

  • @Kuraujia
    @Kuraujia Рік тому +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 5 місяців тому

      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!".

  • @tincat2173
    @tincat2173 2 роки тому +29

    Her music and style of playing is fantastic!

  • @kevinwhitaker119
    @kevinwhitaker119 3 роки тому +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.

  • @ravingcyclist624
    @ravingcyclist624 Рік тому +16

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

  • @robertrockwell7581
    @robertrockwell7581 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +1

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

  • @JimDavidson-FingerpickinGood
    @JimDavidson-FingerpickinGood 10 місяців тому +1

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

  • @aroundhedleybc7483
    @aroundhedleybc7483 Рік тому +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!

  • @bosswomen6315
    @bosswomen6315 3 роки тому +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 Рік тому +2

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

  • @winonamassingill7895
    @winonamassingill7895 Рік тому +4

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

  • @hajeevibes
    @hajeevibes 3 місяці тому +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. 🎉🙏🏾💚💫

  • @forrestl5597
    @forrestl5597 Рік тому +5

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

  • @paulsolon6229
    @paulsolon6229 5 місяців тому +1

    Lovely

  • @ritahorvath8207
    @ritahorvath8207 Рік тому +3

    .
    a true artist
    . ♡

  • @michaelleeannspringer3247
    @michaelleeannspringer3247 Рік тому +4

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

    • @johnboys4697
      @johnboys4697 9 місяців тому +2

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

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 5 місяців тому

      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

  • @erepsekahs
    @erepsekahs Рік тому +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.

  • @mkworkman
    @mkworkman 8 місяців тому +2

    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."

  • @TipplerMario
    @TipplerMario Рік тому +8

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

  • @JozJag
    @JozJag Рік тому +1

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

  • @kennethmoles4643
    @kennethmoles4643 Рік тому +3

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

  • @Warp9pnt9
    @Warp9pnt9 14 днів тому

    What an absolutely lovely woman and a charming performance. Given the context of the history of this country, it must have been a neafly constant struggle throughout her life just to be treated as a human being. I am grateful that she was able to surroumd her with enough people to help her sing, to shine, and to capture a sliver if that radiance, that we might be forever enriched by her memory.

  • @azureflametarot
    @azureflametarot Рік тому +14

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

    • @kenwittlief255
      @kenwittlief255 Рік тому +1

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

    • @DavidShort-ov5vb
      @DavidShort-ov5vb 7 місяців тому +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 5 місяців тому

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

  • @gordonmitchell729
    @gordonmitchell729 Рік тому +3

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

  • @nikkih8690
    @nikkih8690 2 роки тому +16

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

  • @fredfloyd68
    @fredfloyd68 Рік тому +2

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

  • @robinlogan8099
    @robinlogan8099 Рік тому +7

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

  • @mizzbea1346
    @mizzbea1346 3 роки тому +10

    She played that guitar wow beautiful song 🌹🌹🌹

  • @bobblowhard8823
    @bobblowhard8823 Рік тому +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 Рік тому +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.

  • @rockhead69
    @rockhead69 10 місяців тому +3

    The upside down picking technique is simply fantastic !

  • @nomadpi1
    @nomadpi1 Рік тому +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.

  • @kenvelickoff4275
    @kenvelickoff4275 Рік тому +4

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

    • @ruggerobelloni4743
      @ruggerobelloni4743 5 місяців тому +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.

  • @josephmaher1350
    @josephmaher1350 Рік тому +5

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

  • @dariaschooler
    @dariaschooler Рік тому +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.

  • @Imdone13Gaming
    @Imdone13Gaming 2 роки тому +5

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

  • @thurayya8905
    @thurayya8905 Рік тому +2

    It takes a minute for her to loosen up and get past the stage to uncertainty, then she just flows like a fountain. I wish I could hear what she played next.

  • @ABlanketAndACuppaTea
    @ABlanketAndACuppaTea 3 роки тому +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!

  • @fbales
    @fbales Рік тому +1

    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.

  • @suzmaca650
    @suzmaca650 Рік тому +6

    Thank you for posting…she played from her soul

  • @heenimenehira3480
    @heenimenehira3480 8 місяців тому +1

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

  • @annhale6382
    @annhale6382 3 роки тому +5

    Play it Mama. 🙏☮️🌹 Resting Peacefully.

  • @irpacynot
    @irpacynot 5 місяців тому

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

  • @flobeeonekinobee2353
    @flobeeonekinobee2353 Рік тому +5

    Left handed, guitar upside down

  • @cadmanwatching
    @cadmanwatching Рік тому +1

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

  • @dougmackenzie5976
    @dougmackenzie5976 Рік тому +7

    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
      @UKISOCIETY 7 місяців тому +2

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

  • @user-mw9hk4pn4f
    @user-mw9hk4pn4f Рік тому +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 UA-cam. 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."

  • @alfredkowsky7374
    @alfredkowsky7374 Рік тому +4

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

  • @rescuelover7891
    @rescuelover7891 7 місяців тому +1

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

  • @janeclarkson8471
    @janeclarkson8471 Рік тому +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 Рік тому

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

  • @charlesarnold8337
    @charlesarnold8337 Рік тому +2

    Beautiful!

  • @ritaparker478
    @ritaparker478 Рік тому +3

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

    • @davidholton9667
      @davidholton9667 Рік тому +1

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

  • @randymack2222
    @randymack2222 Рік тому +1

    Wow playing a right hand strung guitar, LEFT handed and upsidedown!!!

  • @coletteolah6378
    @coletteolah6378 Рік тому +6

    Gave me goosebumps. Did not expect that.

  • @elsenored562
    @elsenored562 Рік тому +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.

  • @cjsmith8319
    @cjsmith8319 Рік тому +3

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

  • @rogeralsop3479
    @rogeralsop3479 27 днів тому

    So beautiful.

  • @davidjuson5608
    @davidjuson5608 Рік тому +4

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

  • @billyhall53
    @billyhall53 2 місяці тому

    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.

  • @VintageMusicHub
    @VintageMusicHub  3 роки тому +16

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

  • @Bucket3
    @Bucket3 9 днів тому

    Am from the Movie Astroid City , it brought me here man this song is something ❤

  • @alkapone4614
    @alkapone4614 9 місяців тому +3

    Amazing

  • @walterevans1338
    @walterevans1338 Рік тому +1

    Such a great performance by this lovely lady.

  • @janebrown7231
    @janebrown7231 Рік тому +3

    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
      @georgemelvin7187 Рік тому

      Smiles, hello Jane 🌺 😊

    • @janebrown7231
      @janebrown7231 Рік тому

      @@georgemelvin7187 😊🌷

    • @georgemelvin7187
      @georgemelvin7187 Рік тому

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

    • @janebrown7231
      @janebrown7231 Рік тому

      @georgemelvin7187 Good - hope you enjoyed the music. 🎶

    • @georgemelvin7687
      @georgemelvin7687 Рік тому

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