As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's important to be reminded that there weren't many opportunities for women to pursue music back in the day. Specially for black women, who mostly came from unprivileged backgrounds. This was the case for Elizabeth Cotten. While her name may not be as widely recognized as figures like Bob Dylan or Taj Mahal, her influence on them and many other musicians is undeniable. Elizabeth Cotten's contributions to the musical landscape, though often overlooked, are indispensable in shaping the fabric of the music we appreciate today.
@loogguitars Ever heard of Elizabeth Cotten? She was a self-taught folk musician who actually invented a whole new way of playing guitar. Even though she influenced countless musicians with her style, her name and story remain largely obscure. As it’s #WomensHistoryMonth we want to set the record straight and shine a light on Elizabeth’s musical contributions 🪕 🎶 #womeninmusic #folkmusic #guitartok #guitarists #femaleguitarist #womenempowerment #blackwomen #blackhistory #blackmusic #guitars ♬ original sound - Loog Guitars
Elizabeth "Libba" Cotten's music transcends generations, making it the perfect introduction to folk and blues for kids. The simplicity and beauty of her melodies resonate with young ears, fostering an early appreciation for different musical genres. Libba's journey from a self-taught musician to an influential figure in the folk and blues scene is nothing short of inspiring, so we wanted to take a moment to not only foster a love for music but also instill important lessons about creativity, perseverance, and the invaluable contributions of women throughout history.
You can download a 3-string guitar tab for "Freight Train" right here, and don't forget to dwell in Libba's soulful melodies here, by checking out our specially curated Spotify Playlist.
Listen to our specially curated "Elizabeth Cotten for Kids" Spotify Playlist right here. And learn to rock "Freight Train" on your Loog guitar, by downloading the 3-string tab right here! Don't worry - it's beginner friendly! 😉
Did you miss our previous Musicians for Kids series? We’ve covered The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Queen, The White Stripes, Prince, David Bowie, Joan Jett, Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Madonna and Regina Spektor in a fun way for your little one to get familiar with these music staples. Also, don't forget to stay tuned to our Instagram for more. See you next time! 🎸