On April 15, 1984, Cotten won a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording.
Elizabeth Cotten's musical journey culminated in a significant accolade on April 15, 1984, when she was awarded a Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording for her album 'Elizabeth Cotten Live!'. This recognition was pivotal not only in honoring her individual body of work but also in elevating the standing of traditional music categories within the mainstream musical awards framework. The Grammy celebrated Cotten's extraordinary talent and her unique "Cotten Style"—a left-handed guitar technique that had captivated audiences worldwide. This late-in-life honor acknowledged Cotten's dedicated contribution to the music industry, bringing her craft to the forefront of traditional arts and reinforcing her influence on subsequent generations of musicians. It symbolized the industry's recognition of her genius and artistry that defied conventional musical norms.