Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten was a remarkable American folk and blues musician, born on January 5, 1893, in North Carolina. She was a self-taught guitarist who played left-handed, using a guitar strung for right-handed players, which created her unique sound. Cotten’s signature style, known as “Cotten picking,” involved playing bass lines with her fingers and melodies with her thumb. Her most famous song, “Freight Train,” was written in her teens and later became influential in folk music. In 1958, Cotten released her album, Folksongs and Instrumentals with Guitar, which was recognised for its cultural significance. At age 90, she won a Grammy Award for her live album, Elizabeth Cotten Live! Cotten’s music has inspired many artists across various genres, showcasing her lasting impact. Despite retiring from music for many years, she was rediscovered in her 60s by the Seeger family, leading to a successful later career. Cotten passed away on June 29, 1987, but her contributions to music continue to resonate today, influencing generations of musicians.