Conversation so far:
What was Duke Ellington's first gig?
Duke Ellington started to play gigs in cafés and clubs
Where was Duke Ellington's first gig?
Duke Ellington's first gig was around Washington, D.C.
How long did Duke Ellington play in Harlem?
For almost fifty years Duke Elllington toured the world as a band leader and piano player.
What did Duke Ellington do in Washington D.C.?
Duke Ellington played throughout the Washington, D.C. area for private society balls and embassy parties.

Question: Was he successful?
Self-contained rewrite: Was Duke Ellington successful?