Conversation so far:
How did Duke Ellington get his start early in his career?
Duke Ellington built his music business through his day job: when asked to make a sign for a dance or party, he would ask if they had musical entertainment
What was Duke Ellington's first big break?
One side in particular, Creole Love Call, became a worldwide sensation and gave both Ellington and Hall their first hit record.
Did Duke Ellington perform by himself or did he have a group at the point he earned his first hit record Creole Love Call?
Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.
Who was Elmer Snowden and how does he relate to Duke Ellington?
The group was initially called Elmer Snowden, They renamed themselves The Washingtonians. Snowden left the group in early 1924 and Ellington took over as bandleader.
Did Elmer Snowden and Duke Ellington create any songs during the period of their cooperation during the Washingtonians?
Elmer Snowden sent for Duke Ellington, who was with the group when it recorded three test sides for Victor that remain unissued and are, presumably, lost.

Question: Were any of the records successful?
Self-contained rewrite: Were any of the records Duke Ellington recorded with the Elmer Snowden orchestral band successful?