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.

Question: Did he perform by himself or did he have a group at this point?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Duke Ellington perform by himself or did he have a group at the point he earned his first hit record Creole Love Call?