Gail Ann Dorsey: Full Life Interview

In this oral history Gail Ann Dorsey talks about growing up in Philadelphia, her mother, her early connection to music, and teaching herself the guitar and bass. Dorsey discusses the impact of seeing other women play the electric guitar and how this inspired her to play music. She recalls her time as a student at the California Institute of the Arts as the only female member of her class, and why she left school to return to music. Dorsey details her experience working under multiple major labels and her experience recording and producing her third album herself. Dorsey talks about her experience working with David Bowie and what she learned as an artist while noting the difficulties of touring. She discusses how her identity as a Black woman has impacted her career, her thoughts on gender as a category, and experiences witnessing sexism in the industry. The interview concludes with her thoughts on her role in music history, working with Olivia Newton John, and what she is most proud of.
Gail Ann Dorsey is a singer, songwriter, and legendary bassist. Best known for her work in David Bowie’s band from 1995 to 2016, Dorsey has played with The National, Lenny Kravitz, Boy George, the Indigo Girls, Gwen Stefani, and Ani DiFranco. She currently lives in upstate New York.
Learn more at: WomenofRock.org
Gail Ann Dorsey interviewed by Tanya Pearson for the Women of Rock Oral History Project on July 20, 2016 in Boston, MA
The Women of Rock Oral History Project is a collection of digital interviews and written transcripts, housed at the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College-one of the oldest women’s history archives in the United States. Started by Tanya Pearson in December, 2014, WOROHP documents the lives and careers of women in rock whose work and careers have been underrepresented or omitted from rock journalism and historical scholarship. With a collection of publicized and accessible primary source documents, the Women of Rock Oral History Project seeks to facilitate a more comprehensive, inclusive, and accurate cultural history.
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