she goes on to recount the struggles she experienced as an african american woman, which affected her musical career. however, she generally spoke positively about the camaraderie with and support from male musicians. liston also dealt with larger issues of inequity in the music industry. one writer has said, "it was clear that she had to continually prove her credentials in order to gain suitable employment as a musician, composer, and arranger. she was not paid equitable scale and was often denied access to the larger opportunities as a composer and arranger."