Does ecouter take a direct object?

Bonjour Nels !

Indeed, you are right.

The verb “ écouter” takes a direct object with it. The fixed expression is -> 

1. Écouter quelquechose - To listen to something.

Example - J’ai écouté la radio hier. 

( I listened to the radio yesterday)

2. Écouter quelqu’un - To listen to someone.

Example - Les étudiants écoutent leur professeur pendant le cours. 

( The students listen to their professor during the class)

So, “I listened to her” would be -> 

Je l’ai écoutée

Hope this helps !