Dorothy Ashby, the pioneering jazz harpist, revolutionized the role of the harp in music, transforming it from a classical instrument to a dynamic force in jazz, funk, and beyond. Born in Detroit in 1932, Ashby's career spanned from the 1950s to the 1980s, during which she collaborated with legends like Louis Armstrong, Woody Herman, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers. Her groundbreaking albums, such as "The Jazz Harpist" (1957) and "Afro-Harping" (1968), showcased her unique blend of jazz, soul, and world music, earning her the title "The Queen of Harps." Ashby's innovative approach to the harp and her theatrical productions left an indelible mark on the music world, inspiring generations of musicians and promoting cultural awareness through her work in Detroit and Los Angeles.
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