Folk Music Legend Elizabeth Cotten Wins First Grammy at 90

Self-taught guitarist and songwriter finally recognized after decades away from music

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Elizabeth Cotten, a pioneering folk musician known for her unique upside-down guitar playing style, won her first Grammy Award in 1985 at the age of 90. Cotten had initially started playing music as a child, but gave up her musical career to raise a family. Decades later, she was rediscovered working as a housekeeper for the Seeger family, who helped revive her music career in the 1960s. Cotten went on to receive major accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, before passing away at 94.

Why it matters

Cotten's story highlights the resilience and longevity of folk music legends, many of whom were overlooked or underappreciated in their prime. Her late-in-life recognition and continued influence on contemporary artists demonstrates the timeless appeal of her distinctive sound and songwriting.

The details

Born in 1893, Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten taught herself to play guitar as a child, developing a unique upside-down playing style as a left-handed musician. She wrote her most famous song, "Freight Train," around age 12, but gave up music to raise a family. Decades later, Cotten was rediscovered working as a housekeeper for the Seeger family, who helped revive her career in the 1960s. Cotten went on to perform at major folk festivals and record albums, winning a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1985 at the age of 90.

  • Cotten was born in January 1893.
  • She wrote "Freight Train" around age 12, in the early 1900s.
  • Cotten resumed her music career in the 1960s, after working for the Seeger family.
  • She won a Grammy Award in 1985 at the age of 90.
  • Cotten passed away in 1987 at the age of 94.

The players

Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten

A pioneering folk musician known for her unique upside-down guitar playing style and influential songwriting, including the classic "Freight Train."

Ruth Crawford Seeger

The mother of the Seeger family, who hired Cotten as a housekeeper and helped revive her music career in the 1960s.

Charles Seeger

The father of the Seeger family, who along with his wife Ruth, provided a supportive environment for Cotten to rediscover her musical talents.

Mike Seeger

A member of the Seeger family who began recording Cotten and helping to promote her music in the 1960s.

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What they’re saying

“I've heard 'Freight Train' so much, that's not my favorite any more. I've had to play it so much. I wrote that song when I was living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I was ten or eleven and I didn't have a guitar yet.”

— Elizabeth Cotten (San Diego Reader)

“We recorded her whole album with her on the second floor of her house, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all hanging around while we were recording late at night. It was very homey.”

— Mike Seeger (San Diego Reader)

The takeaway

Elizabeth Cotten's remarkable late-life resurgence and recognition as a folk music pioneer demonstrates the enduring power of authentic, self-taught artistry. Her story inspires hope that great talents can be rediscovered, even after decades away from the spotlight.