Cotten was highlighted at the 1984 Grammy ceremony for her left-handed guitar style on April 15, 1984.
The 26th Annual Grammy Awards, held on April 15, 1984, saw Elizabeth Cotten celebrated not only for her Grammy win but also for her revolutionary left-handed technique—playing a right-handed guitar upside down. At the ceremony, attention was given to this distinctive aspect of her performance that had long set her apart from her peers. This public acknowledgment during one of the highest platforms for music amplified the uniqueness of her "Cotten" style, framing her narrative within an evolution in guitar playing and folk music. Her technique not only captivated personal audiences but also stood as an emblem of authenticity in her expansive discography. The Grammy ceremony underlined Cotten’s role in shaping interpretations and adaptations of traditional vernacular, preserved through her singular sound.