Monday, September 28, 2009

"Freight Train"

The Beatles covered "Freight Train" in their live act from 1957-1959, when they were known under various names. They undoubtedly learned it from the top 5 UK single of The Chas McDevitt Skiffle Group (featuring Nancy Whiskey). Though the songwriting credit on the single was listed as "James/Williams," the song had been written by the American folk musician Elizabeth Cotten. Cotten wrote "Freight Train" at age 11 when she saw a train pass by her house on Lloyd Street in Carrboro, North Carolina.



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