Experience the Legend: Join Us at Carrboro’s Freight Train Blues Concert Series Celebrating Elizabeth Cotten’s Legacy!

Elizabeth Cotten, born in 1893 in Carrboro, faced restrictions around music growing up. Despite this, she found ways to express herself. Sneaking her brother’s guitar and banjo, she played them upside down to suit her left-handedness. This innovative technique gave rise to a style known as “Cotten picking,” which would influence many musicians.

Today, Carrboro cherishes her legacy with the Freight Train Blues Concert Series. This event showcases various artists, largely inspired by the Southern folk traditions Cotten embraced. Concerts are held every Friday from mid-May to mid-June at the Carrboro Town Commons, offering free entry and food trucks for a delightful community experience.

The most recent concert featured Conjunto Breve, a salsa band that fuses Cuban rhythms with American flair. Attendees of all ages danced joyfully, celebrating Cotten’s memory with a banner honoring her near the stage.

Cotten’s life was challenging. She left school at just nine to support her family as a domestic worker, reflecting the limited opportunities for Black girls in the Jim Crow South. Despite these hardships, she bought her first guitar and wrote “Freight Train” by twelve. This song captured both her struggles and her dreams, echoing the railroad tracks that ran near her childhood home.

The Freight Train Blues Concert Series is organized by the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Founded in 1994, the foundation is dedicated to supporting traditional musicians in the American South. Tim Duffy, the co-founder, emphasizes the importance of honoring Cotten’s artistic contributions. “It makes sense to honor her legacy,” he said.

The foundation assists hundreds of artists, offering grants and social services. They’ve become a vital resource for many vulnerable musicians, ensuring their day-to-day needs are met. Cotten’s influence continues to inspire new generations, celebrating the rich tapestry of Southern music.

For more information about the Music Maker Relief Foundation and their initiatives, check their official website.

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