“Carvello’s memoir is wild, sexy, bold, honest, and brave. If you don’t know about the music business it is illuminating; if you do, it is sure to be revelatory. It is an amazing testament to her experience as a woman in the complicated, fast-moving, abusive, and compelling world of business and rock ’n’ roll. An important read in today’s climate in the workplace.”—Maury Sterling, actor, Homeland
Dorothy Carvello knows all about the music biz. She was the first female A&R executive at Atlantic Records, and one of the few in the room at RCA and Columbia. But before that, she was secretary to Ahmet Ertegun, Atlantic’s infamous president, who signed acts like Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin, negotiated distribution deals with Mick Jagger, and added Neil Young to Crosby, Stills & Nash. The stories she tells about the kingmakers of the music industry are outrageous, but it is her sinuous friendship with Ahmet that frames her narrative. He was notoriously abusive, sexually harassing Dorothy on a daily basis. Still, when he neared his end, sad and alone, Dorothy had no hatred toward him—only a strange kind of loyalty.
Reviews
“No matter how sleazy you might have heard the music industry is, this memoir suggests that it was worse.”
“Dorothy leaves out nothing from her past experiences. She was there and has told her story unfiltered.”
“This book is hardcore. I wanted to put it down a thousand times but I just had to keep reading it. It is not only timely but necessary. Dorothy is a survivor and a success in spite of all the bullshit she faced as a woman in the music business. A sobering read.”
“Dorothy’s book lays out the music industry from a woman’s eyes. I applaud her courage and humor. It is a must-read for any woman thinking of entering the business. ”
The Author
Dorothy Carvello began her career in 1987 as secretary to Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary Atlantic Records founder, and went on to become the label’s first female A&R executive. She worked for many of the biggest names in music—Morris, Azoff, Galante, Buziak, and Ienner—at Atlantic, Giant, RCA, Relativity, and Columbia. Dorothy has been a speaker at SXSW, Mondo, Philadelphia College of the Arts, MTSU, and YORK College of PA.
Photo: Mia McDonald
