Dorothy Ashby (August 6, 1932 – April 13, 1986) was a pioneering American jazz harpist, singer, and composer who transformed the harp from a background orchestral instrument into a vital voice in jazz. Recognized as one of the most innovative and underappreciated musicians of her era, she proved the harp could match the improvisational energy of traditional jazz instruments like the saxophone and piano. As an African-American woman in a male-dominated field, Ashby overcame significant challenges, expanding both the possibilities of her instrument and the diversity of jazz itself. Her music, rooted in jazz, also explored R and B, world music, and featured groundbreaking work with the Japanese koto, especially on her acclaimed album The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby. Ashby’s work opened new doors for both the harp and for other musicians who followed in her footsteps.