Atlantic’s First Female A&R Exec Dorothy Carvello Releases #MeToo Story In Book, ‘Anything For A Hit’

Dorothy Carvello has come a long way from her first post as secretary for Ahmet Ertegun, Atlantic Record’s co-founder and president, who signed such notable acts as Aretha Franklin and Led Zeppelin, negotiated distribution deals with Mick Jagger, and added Neil Young to Crosby, Stills & Nash. Carvello’s career led her to becoming the first female A&R executive at Atlantic Records, and one of the few women ‘in the room’ at RCA and Columbia.

In her book Anything For A Hit: An A&R Woman’s Story of Surviving the Music Industry, released in September, Carvello speaks her truth regarding the daily abuse and harassment she faced working under Ahmet Ertegun, as well as other kingmakers of the music industry.

The book claims to feature never-before-heard stories about artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Steven Tyler, Bon Jovi, INXS, Marc Anthony, Phil Collins, and others. It touts its release as a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered what it’s really like to be a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Carvello penned the book before the #metoo movement launched, and recounts personal stories about her experience as a woman in a male-saturated music industry. She specifically focuses on the sexual harassment and abuse she received daily while working as Ertegun’s secretary.

Carvello’s book is available now for purchase on Amazon.

• Author
• Recent Posts

LB Cantrell

LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. She is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.

Latest posts by LB Cantrell (see all)

• Warner Chappell Music Signs Elizabeth Nichols To Global Publishing Deal - October 20, 2026
• ‘Clancy’s Tavern’ By Toby Keith Gets A Vinyl Release - October 19, 2026
• BREAKING: Mike Sistad, Evyn Mustoe Johnston Exit ASCAP - October 15, 2026