ELIZABETH COTTEN Meaning and
Definition
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Elizabeth Cotten was an American folk musician and songwriter, born on January 5, 1893, and died on June 29, 1987. She is best known for her distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and her unique contributions to the folk and blues genre.
Cotten started playing guitar at a young age and developed her own self-taught technique, known as "Cotton picking," which involved playing the guitar upside down and left-handed. Her playing style was characterized by intricate fingerpicking patterns and a delicate, melodic touch.
Despite her early talent, Cotten took a break from music while raising a family and working as a domestic servant. However, in the 1950s, she gained recognition after performing for the folklorist and musician Mike Seeger, who recorded her music and reintroduced her to a wider audience.
Her most well-known song is "Freight Train," which she wrote as a teenager but recorded when she was in her 60s. The song, characterized by its simple yet poignant lyrics and catchy melody, became a folk music standard and is often associated with Cotten's unique guitar style.
Elizabeth Cotten's music had a significant influence on the folk revival movement of the mid-20th century. She was celebrated for her intricate guitar playing, gentle voice, and timeless songs. Cotten's distinctive style continues to inspire and influence musicians today, and she is regarded as an important figure in American roots music.
Etymology of ELIZABETH COTTEN
The name "Elizabeth Cotten" does not have an etymology as it is a proper noun, consisting of a first name "Elizabeth" and a last name "Cotten". However, the etymology of individual components can be explored.
The name "Elizabeth" is of Hebrew origin and means "God is my oath" or "consecrated to God". It is derived from the Hebrew name "Elisheva" which was borne by various biblical figures.
The surname "Cotten" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "cot(e)n", which means "dweller at the cottage". It was used to identify someone who lived in or near a small cottage or hut. Over time, variations of the name such as "Cotton" or "Cotin" have also been used.
