Dorothy Ashby: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Videos
• Photos
• Groups/Boards
• Fan Sites

• Dave Brubeck
• Bill Evans
• The Modern Jazz Quartet

• George Shearing
• Billy Taylor
• Oscar Peterson

• Corky Hale
• Deborah Henson-Conant

• Chuck Findley
• Steve Madaio
• David T. Walker
• Rollice Dale
• George Bohannon
• James Gadson
• Paulinho Da Costa

Birth Name:

Dorothy Jeanne Ashby

Born:

Aug 6, 1932 in Detroit, MI

Died:

Apr 13, 1986 in Santa Monica, CA

Genres:

Bop Jazz Music, Cool Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1950's|1960's|1970's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

There have been very few jazz harpists in history and Dorothy Ashby was one of the greats. Somehow she was able to play credible bebop on her instrument. As a pianist she studied at Wayne State University, and in 1952 she switched to harp. Within two years, Ashby was gigging in jazz, and in 1956 she made her first recording as a leader. Between 1956-1970, she led ten albums for such labels as Savoy, Prestige, New Jazz, Argo, Jazzland, Atlantic, and Cadet, guested on many records, and was firmly established as a top studio and session player. She moved to the West Coast in the 1970s and was active up until her death.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide