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.

Question: Who was Elmer Snowden?
Self-contained rewrite: Who was Elmer Snowden and how does he relate to Duke Ellington?