Born in Detroit, Ashby's innovative approach to the harp combined elements of jazz, soul, and R&B. She recorded a series of influential albums, such as "Hip Harp" and "Afro-Harping," exhibiting her virtuosic playing and original compositions. Ashby also wrote scores for theatre, for her husband’s production company the Ashby Players of Detroit. Later in her career, Ashby moved to the west coast, where Bill Withers recommended her for studio sessions and she collaborated with more pop-oriented acts, including Stevie Wonder.
