The Lady Swings: Memoirs of a Jazz Drummer

Dottie Dodgion was a jazz drummer who played alongside the very best in the business. A true survivor, she had already lived a lifetime's worth of experiences before even reaching seventeen. Undaunted by numerous hardships, she defied expectations and carved out a place for herself as a woman within the traditionally male-dominated world of jazz. Her journey as a musician, paying her dues along the way, took her from early collaborations with the legendary Charles Mingus to being hired by Benny Goodman at Basin Street East on her very first day in New York City.

From that point, she broke new ground as a woman playing what was often considered a "man's instrument" in top-tier, all-male jazz bands in New York. Her inspiring memoir speaks frankly about her music, the significant challenges she encountered, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant jazz scene of the 1960s and 1970s.

Vivid and consistently entertaining, The Lady Swings recounts Dottie Dodgion's remarkable story with the same energy and straightforward honesty that characterised her drumming. Recognised as a Variety Best Music Book of 2021, this memoir is a compelling testament to talent, resilience, and the breaking down of barriers in the world of music.