American folk music legend who recorded more than 6,000 song during his career, more than 300 of which have been covered by other artists. He won several Grammys, including one for Song of the Year for "The Battle of New Orleans" in 1960. He learned to play guitar on a homemade instrument given to him by his grandfather. He began a career as a teacher shortly after earning a degree in education from Arkansas State Teacher's College.
