Duke Ellington's early success as a band leader can be partially credited to his great skill as a booking agent. In his hometown of Washington D.C., his primary job was, probably, more running his small business as a booker than actually playing the piano. He'd organize groups, bands and orchestras for social functions and play as needed.
Duke Ellington performed occasionally with The Washingtonians, a D.C. orchestra led by banjo player Elmer Snowden. When Snowden moved his orchestra to New York, they could not get a booking. He called for Ellington to join the group and help them get their bearing in the city. It was only a matter of time until Ellington became the band's leader, and Snowden would leave soon after.
Snowden made a second career for himself in New York as a session musician throughout the thirties, but when the banjo fell out of favor as a jazz instrument, his fortune faded and he faded into obscurity. When interest in early jazz obscura peaked in the late fifties via crate digging and festivals, Snowden was rediscovered. He recorded his only album as a band leader Harlem Banjo! in 1960 on Riverside Records.
Here is Elmer Snowden's complete discography:
Happy Rhythm (1929 single by Musical Stevedores)
Jazz Collection - Volume 12 (compilation album)
Harlem Banjo! (featuring Cliff Jackson)
Paris Guitar Jazz Festival (1967 live compilation)
Berlin Festival Guitar Workshop (1968 live compilation)
"Lazy River" by Elmer Snowden
"Happy Rhythm" by Musical Stevedores
Pass the Headphones!!
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