Black Women In Folk Music
Elizabeth Cotten
Rhiannon Giddens
Elizabeth Cotten born in Bassetts, North Carolina was a Folk Music Pioneer. Ms.Cotten was a left-handed guitarist, famous for cultivating and popularizing a ‘Cotten Picking’ widely known as fingering picking. Elizabeth Cotten’s musical journey began as a child fiddling with her brother’s 5-string banjo. Little did he know this would be the catalyst for her being one of the most influential folk musicians in history. Her music gained wider recognition when it was included in the folk music revival of the 1960s, leading to performances at folk festivals and recordings. She received several accolades, including a Grammy Award, and continued to influence musicians with her innovative playing style until her death on June 29, 1987. Above is Elizabeth Cotten performing her #1 song, ‘Freight Train’, which she wrote as a teen.
Rhiannon Giddens is a singer, and songwriter known for her deep connection to traditional folk music and her innovative approach to blending genres. She first gained prominence as a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a Grammy Award-winning group that revived and reimagined traditional African-American string band music. Since then, Ms.Giddens has embarked on a successful solo career where she explores themes of history, identity, and social justice, and she has been praised for her storytelling and her commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices in American music. Above is Rhiannon Gidden performing at ‘Tiny Desk’ a youtube series that highlights talented artists.
Nia-Simone's Commentary
As a black women in the music indutry it is inspiring to follow the footsteps of women who paved the way for me to succeed. Elizabeth Cotten’s ingenuity, creativity and chrisma motivate me to push the bounds of my muscianship on bass. Rhiannon Giddens strong sense of self and passion for social change, reminds that music serves as an anchor bridging people from all walks of life together. It is imparetive that recognize the contrubtion of Black Women and individuals in American Music. There would be no such thing as folk,rock, disco, hiphop, jazz,blues, country,and pop etc with out these beatiful people.
