This webpage was created and is maintained by David Palmquist, with considerable help from fellow researchers.

It is now in two parts, Part 1 running from 1891 to the end of 1945, and Part 2 from 1946 with Ellington's death in 1974.\
Please go here for navigation tips and for technical details.

Last updated 2023-11-13



Useful references:


http://Ellingtonweb.Ca
 
Ellington on CD
  The Dooji Collection
(Ellington record labels)
TDWAW
home page


The Duke – Where and When

A Chronicle of Duke Ellington's
Working Life and Travels

Part 1   1891 to 1945

Click here for Part 2 (1946 - 1974) on the Canadian server
or
Click here for Part 2 (1946 - 1974) on the DESUK server


1891 to 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945



( Click here to skip the introduction )

The musical lives of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, Otto ("Toby") Hardwick and Arthur ("Artie" or "Chiefy") Whetsel began in Washington, D.C., where they met Elmer Snowden and then Sonny Greer in 1919.   In 1923, Sonny and Toby talked Duke into joining them in New York to play in Wilbur C. Sweatman's vaudeville show.

Not enjoying vaudeville work, they quit, couldn't find other work and went home.  Later that year, Thomas A. ("Fats") Waller told them of another New York job, and back they went.  When that job didn't pan out, they struggled to survive.  With Ada ("Bricktop") Smith's help, they were hired at the Exclusive Club, with Elmer as leader, their first known night club residency.

The group made its first record and appeared on radio in 1923, and were soon working at the Hollywood.  After Whetsel left to go to university, James Wesley ("Bubber") Miley and Charlie Irvis joined.  Snowden left that winter and Ellington soon became the leader.  Fred Guy was hired on banjo in 1924 and the band began record-making in earnest later that year, even appearing in a silent film in 1925. In 1926 and 1927 they played in musical theatre pits on top of their club work and in the fall of 1926 Ellington met Irving Mills, who was so important in developing Ellington's career. Harry Carney joined in mid-1927 and stayed the rest of his life; in 1927 string bassist Wellman Braud replaced tubist Mack Shaw and Rudy Jackson came in.  They even had a violinist, Ellsworth Reynolds, to conduct them in pit work and at the Cotton Club in late 1927.  Freddie Jenkins and Johnny Hodges joined in 1928, Cootie Williams replaced Miley in 1929, and Juan Tizol was added that year too.  In 1929 Duke and his band played a prestigious Ziegfeld musical by George and Ira Gershwin, and they made Black and Tan, their first sound movie at Gramercy Studios in New York, using the new Photophone technology.  They left the Cotton Club in the summer of 1930 to tour the northeast and midwest states en route to Hollywood to be in the Amos 'n' Andy movie Check and Double Check.  They did a short theatre run back in New York in September, before relieving Cab Calloway at the Cotton Club in the middle of the month. In early 1931, they checked out of the Cotton Club to begin an 18 week theatre tour, and never looked back. 

Duke travelled the world with his sidemen and singers, many being stars in their own right, until he died in 1974.  He once told his grand-daughter home is where the work is, on the road.  His life reflects that. His working life and travels are both fascinating and mind-boggling, something I first became aware of when I purchased Dr. Klaus Stratemann's comprehensive and well-documented Duke Ellington, Day by Day and Film by Film, ("Stratemann"), covering Ellington's life from 1929 until his death.

People study Ellington's life for many reasons, and a time line provides context.  French record collector and researcher Klaus Götting consolidated the itineraries of several researchers into his own The Duke - Where and When, made for his own use, but generously shared that document with the Ellington community.  At the urging of Swedish record producer and researcher Carl A. Hällström, Klaus kindly allowed me to use his itinerary as the basis for this webpage, which is intended to be a research tool so the community does not duplicate work already done by others.  I am grateful to our small international team, for their participation, help and encouragement in this project, and in particular Ken Steiner and Steven Lasker for sharing their extensive research and for the work they've put into checking and clarifying our entries. Ken has checked at least 95% of the Stratemann citations (Downbeat, Variety, The Billboard, the New York Times, Chicago Defender, Baltimore African American, Pittsburgh Courier, New York Amsterdam News, and the Duke Ellington Scrapbooks at the Smithsonian), and almost all of the Stratemann dates against local sources, in the process uncovering numerous additions, corrections, and refinements for the years 1923-41. His finds were contributed to DEMS through its last issue in December of 2012. Dr. Stratemann relied a great deal on Steven's research and assistance when writing his book, and both Ken and Steven have been very involved with developing this webpage, identifying mistakes and offering a great many new entries and clarifications. Their research has been printed in many DEMS bulletins right up to the final one in December 2012.

This "evergreen" project will never be complete, but it's ready to be used by researchers and anyone else interested in Duke's life.  New information, additional references and corrections are welcome.  While submissions in the format suggested here are easiest for me to work with, I am happy to receive them any way they come.

TDWAW will tell you what Ellington was doing and where he was on a particular date and guide you to more detailed information in the DEMS Bulletins, Stratemann, New Desor and other resources. Entries in this colour are events listed in the August 2011 version of Mr. Götting's TDWAW, and entries from all other sources are in black.

Session information is primarily from New Desor or http://ellingtonia.com which is mostly taken from New Desor, but often modified after comparison to other hard copy and electronic sessionographies. I have not checked all the TDWAW title listings against all the hard copy discograaphies, since my eyesight has deteriorated since I started this project and the hard copy is often difficult for me to read. I generally list song titles only once per session or event. This may be a problem with Take the A Train, for example, because there was a short "theme" version and a longer performance verson, and sometimes they were both played during the same event. The reader is advised to check the discographies rather than relying on TDWAW's titles.

Session times were provided by Steven Lasker, either directly or by reference to his comprehensive discography in the book for the monumental RCA Victor CD box set 09026-63386-2, The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition. In several cases, the studio files only showed the start and end times, without saying if they were day or night. Where a.m. or p.m. was stated, they are restated on a 24-hour clock. Where I can't tell if the session was in the a.m. or p.m., they are simply stated as written. Mr. Lasker suggests using other groups' session times could help if the masters have adjacent matrix numbers to Ellington's.

Many references in this webpage use the acronyms SI-NMAH and DEC301. These stand for "Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History" and "Duke Ellington Collection #301" respectively. The Smithsonian's Archive Center includes the following Ellington-related collections. Clicking a collection number will take you to a fuller description of the collection.

SI-NMAH
Collection
Number
Collection nameSize
(cu.ft.)
AC.0301The Duke Ellington Collection #301 (papers acquired
from Mercer Ellington in 1988 arranged in 16 categories)
310.00
AC.0327Rutgers University NEA Jazz Oral History Project4.50
AC.0328Rutgers University Collection of Radio Interviews about Duke Ellington1.50
AC.0368Duke Ellington Oral History Project15.00
AC.0385Annual International Conference of the Duke Ellington Study Group2.00
AC.0386Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera and Related Audiovisual Materials3.20
AC.0388Robert Udkoff Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera1.33
AC.0390New York Chapter of the Duke Ellington Society Collection1.10
AC.0391Earl Okin Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera0.40
AC.0415Ruth Ellington Collection of Duke Ellington Materials33.00
AC.0424Guide to the Rex Stewart Papers2.40
AC.0422Carter Harman Collection of Interviews with Duke Ellington3.00
AC.0429Naomi Huber Brown Papers (Documenting Duke Ellington's Concert Tour of Asia)0.15
AC.0430Archives Center Collection of Music Transcriptions of Duke Ellington Compositions0.12
AC.0431Jazz Oral History Collection0.40
AC.0472Don Brown Collection of Duke Ellington Recordings.
AC.0494Betty McGettigan Collection of Duke Ellington Memorabilia2.00
AC.0502Dr. Theodore Shell Collection of Duke Ellington Ephemera1.75
AC.0630William "Cat" Anderson Collection5.00
AC.0652Tom Whaley Collection1.50
AC.0704Edward and Gaye Ellington Collection of Duke Ellington Materials9.50
AC.0740Andrew Homzy Collection of Duke Ellington Stock Music Arrangements1.5
AC.0763John Gensel Collection of Duke Ellington Materials1.5
AC.1240Al Celley Collection of Duke Ellington Materials2.5
AC.1222Floyd Levin Jazz Reference Collection
(incl. Barney Bigard's personal papers)
42.5

Most events are only briefly described or summarized, but the references given should allow you to look them up. Where I have reproduced an entire article, it is because I felt it was important to do so. While this webpage is based on Mr. Götting's TDWAW, it has room for more information, so I've included important events in the lives of Ellington and his sidemen. An item marked as an update may be a major change to Mr. Götting's information, or it may simply be an added reference, change of spelling, or another minor change.

Personnel changes are dated as shown in New Desor Volume II unless otherwise noted. Where New Desor relied on a musician's presence in a recording session, the actual dates are likely a little different. New Desor dates before 1943 may instead be from Steven Lasker's research, which he shared with Dr. Stratemann, who in turn provided it to the New Desor authors. Some musicians (including singers) left the band and came back, sometimes after a long absence, and I have usually not determined if their departures and returns were meant to be temporary or permanent. I also don't know which, if any, short-term members were just hired to fill in, or were hired on a permanent basis and didn't work out.

Extended Engagements and Early Nightclub Work

This chronology shows each date of multi-day events separately, with a reference to the beginning of the engagement. This allows you to see all the known activity on any particular day and to more readily track extended engagements - other Ellington chronologies either have just a single entry showing the duration of the engagement, a single entry at the beginning of each month, or even one entry for each of the first and last days of the gig, with nothing in between. I try to show the known times of the events, and unless otherwise noted, a late night event starting after midnight will be shown as occurring the previous day - for example, a dance starting at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday will show as Monday night rather than early the next morning.

Night club and cabaret closures and curfews (see 1926 06 08 below)
Steven Lasker:
The 3 a.m. curfew, effective from 08:00 hrs. on 1927-01-01 (per the NY Morning Telegraph, 1927-01-01, courtesy Ken Steiner), was strictly enforced at first, but desultorily thereafter. The earliest Cotton Club printed program of which I have knowledge (earlier programs may exist in Jimmie McHugh’s scrapbooks, which I am told survive to this day) is that for “Hot Chocolate,” which opened 1928-10-07. That program shows two shows nightly, at 12:15 and 2:15 a.m. Subsequent printed programs through 1930 (recreated in Stratemann) show revues at 12:15 and 2:00. Cotton Club Programs for Ellington’s appearances in 1932, 1933 and 1938 omit show times, but that for 1937 shows three shows nightly at 7:30 p.m., midnight and 2:00 a.m.

Victor's file sheet for Ellington's session of 1928-11-10 notes:

'Orchestra men had worked through the night up until 5:00 A.M. at the Cotton Club and were too tired to play. Mr. Mills suggests that he be given an afternoon date.'

Chicago Defender, nat. ed., 1929 05 11. p. 6:

'The Cotton club, Small's Paradise and Connie's inn are not complaining, but all of them might enjoy heavier profits had the police commissioner not put the night life into the almost forgotten curfew law. The clubs are dismissing customers 15 minutes before 3 a.m., preferring no misunderstanding with the patrolmen, who call promptly at 2:55 and look officious. The entertainers at these late places are happy over the enforcement of the statute at any rate. '

Chicago Defender, nat. ed., 1929 11 09, p. 6:

'Harlem Clubs Take Broadway Business
     New York, Nov. 8--(CNS)--The wise Broadway money is withdrawing its support from the pleasure palaces of the 42nd St. zone, and is flowing into the night clubs of Harlem. It won't be long until Harlem is the after midnight show place of the world.
     There are several reasons why the night life of New York is abandoning its old abode in the bright lights region, but probably the most important reason for Harlem's rise is that New York still refuses to go to bed. On Broadway the curfew tolls the knell of parting at the inopportune hour of 3 a.m., but in Harlem the merriment lasts until the rising of the sun.'

Lee Posner ("Clubs Around the Town," NY Morning Telegraph, 1930 04 13 p. 4, courtesy of Ken Steiner), noted that two Harlem clubs, Ye Olde Neste and the Lenox Club, stay open all night.

Contract wording

The Associated Booking Corporation used contract blanks modelled on that of the American Federation of Musicians. They bear the AFM logo and title, as well as ABC's own headers. Many of the Ellington's ABC contracts have additional terms, which are either typed, rubber-stamped, or attached as a contract rider. These "standard clauses" are generally:

While I did not note these in most instances, many of the Associated Booking contracts have the date a deposit was received written on them, and some bear a rubber-stamped approval from the A.F. of M.

I have not repeated contract detail duplicating what is already shown in the entry, such as the date, time, place of the engagement, or its nature, unless I felt there was a nuance worth seeing (or unless I wrote the entry before deciding I didn't need to show redundant information).

Cautions

Where I have not named a source, the information is from Mr. Götting and has not been checked by me. Most DEMS references were provided by him, and I have looked up many, but not all. Some lead to significant discussions, some refer to a hard-to-find brief notation in a lengthy document. The DEMS bulletins are listed in reverse chronological order for each event, and I have not attempted to sort them by relevance.

The reliability of any entry in this webpage should be judged by its supporting documentation. Ellington's plans frequently changed on short notice, so post-event reviews or reports are better evidence that the event occurred than advertisements or advance publicity. Where an event is only supported by advance publicity (previews) or by advertisements, you should consider it to unconfirmed, although ads on the day of the event are more likely to be reliable than those that ran a week or two beforehand.

When relying on a reference book such as a biography, look for the references the author cites. Some authors draw on what has been written by earlier biographers, so if the earlier writer made a mistake, it may be reported as fact by subsequent authors. While this chronology occasionally draws on A. H. Lawrence's "Duke Ellington and His World" as a source, noted Ellington authority Steven Lasker disagrees strongly with relying on that book, describing its flaws in DEMS 01/2-4.

Newspapers often printed several editions the same day and some weeklies printed local and national editions. TDWAW does not say which edition the page number given for an ad, article, review, etc. refers to so you may find the same item on a different page number of another edition with the same date.

Dating events based on announcements in the black (Afro-American) press is difficult. I believe many of these newspaper were published early in the week but dated the following Saturday. This seems to be confirmed in The New York Age 1945-12-29 which had an “important notice” to its readers saying the usual Tuesday was a holiday so the paper would be on newsstands Monday, so all news copy must be received by Saturday morning. Extrapolating from this, the 1946-01-19 edition was printed and hit the streets 1946-01-15 and its reference to "last Saturday" means 1946-01-05, not 1946-01-12. Some black weeklies were two or three weeks behind because stories originating in one of the Associated Negro Press member papers would be sent to ANP in Chicago, which sent twice-weekly packages to its member newspapers. Thus a Week 1 story might not reach other ANP member newspapers until Week 2, and then might not reach the reader until Week 3 or even Week 4. As a result, many black weeklies were vague about dates of events, sometimes announcing upcoming events that have already occurred, an example being NYA 1945-12-15 which announced Ray Nance would be playing a week beginning 1945-12-10. The ambiguity is also illustrated in The Omaha Guide 1946-01-05 which announced a concert to be played that evening in the past tense: Duke Ellington brought his famous orchestra to Hampton Institute on this weekend, appearing in Ogden Hall Saturday evening January 5th…The concert was sponsored by the local committee….” Even an event in the same city can lag – Joya Sherrill married in Detroit 1946-02-16, but the Detroit Tribune 1946-03-09 announced Joya Sherrill...is reported to have married in the city last week....

DEMS Bulletins:
Until the end of 2019, DEMS bulletins were hosted on Peter MacHare's now closed A Duke Ellington Panorama website. They are now on the TDWAW server, with new filenames. If you cannot access the links in this web page, look for the bulletin you want in this DEMS index. While Peter's website is cloned at http://desguin.net/DukeEllingtonPanorama/www.depanorama.net/, as at 2022-01-24 its DEMS hyperlinks don't seem to work.

The TDWAW web page was too large for some browsers so I have divided it into two web pages. Part 1 runs from 1891 to the end of 1945, and Part 2 picks up with 1946 and ends with Ellington's death in 1974. Please go here for navigation tips and for technical details about it. 

And now,

Onward! Through the fog:






The Duke – Where and When

Duke Ellington's Working Life and Travels



Back to Navigation List

1890s–1922

Date of event Ending date
(if different)
City/
Other place
Venue Event/People Primary/
reference
New
Desor
reference
DEMS
reference
Other
references
Contact
person
Date added
/ updated

1890s

1891 01 25
.St. James Parish, La..Birth of Wellman Braud (1891 01 25 - 1966 10 29), bass player with Ellington from 1927 to 1935. His surname was pronounced "Bro."

As a young man, Braud played violin and string bass in the Storyville district of New Orleans before moving to Chicago. Later, in London, England, with the Plantation Orchestra, he doubled bass and trombone.

Braud played with Wilbur C. Sweatman in New York before joining Ellington. With Ellington, he doubled string bass and tuba.

Harvey Pekar writes

'Ellington and Braud demonstrated that the string bass, when properly miked, had a more explosive, incisive quality than the tuba - Ellington credited Braud with "crowding the microphone." Duke made sure Braud was placed so he would be prominent on records, and the innovation was so successful that Duke - and later pretty much everyone else - gave up using tuba in jazz rhythm sections.'

Ellington:

'Tuba was supposed to be better for recording the low notes in the days before microphones, but Braud always made sure he could be heard. He used to stand up so close, we would have to pull him away from the horn. He had great flavor.'

Highlights from Braud's 1958 oral history:
  • Born on a rice farm owned by his father in St. James Parish, New Orleans. Family is farmers and brickmasons, living in Brookstown, La.
  • Surname originally spelled Breaux.
  • Played violin when he was 12.
  • Moved to New Orleans at age 16 or 1911.
  • Began professional career playing drums.
  • When he left New Orleans at age 20, Wellman was a fiddle player, also mandolin, and he played guitar before leaving New Orleans at age 20.
  • In Chicago he played trombone until his lip went bad in 1916 or 1919 and he took up string bass. Hadn't studied or read music until he started playing trombone. Studied with a Professor Jackson in Chicago.
  • Played a year with Kid Ory.
  • In 1919 was in the 17 piece Creole Band, led by Charles Elgar.
  • Went to Europe with Will Vodery's Plantation Orchestra in a Blackbirds revue with Florence Mills, returned in 1923.
  • Saturday Night Function was his first recording. It used no drums so he played percussively. (Elsewhere he remembers other records being his first, including something in 1919.)
  • Played sousaphone on some Ellington recordings.
  • Bass Edwards was a tuba player and didn't play string bass; Braud came into the band on string bass, so it should be easy for researchers to identify the bassist on early Ellington records.
  • Claims to have written Double Check Stomp
  • Denies there were two basses when he was with Ellington.
Steven Lasker:
  • 'I found it interesting that Wellman says his dad changed Breaux to Braud because so much mail was addressed to Breaux it got mixed up. The pronunciation [of Breaux] was "bro" and Wellman pronounced Braud the same way.
  • There is no recording of Saturday Night Function with Ellington and without drums. Braud first recorded with Ellington on 1927 10 06. The earliest known recording of Saturday Night Function is the 1929 01 16 Victor recording. The only recordings listed in discographies by Braud that predate his joining Ellington are four sides by Thomas Morris and His Seven Hot Babies recorded for Victor on 1926 11 12 & 24 on which Braud plays string bass.'
  • We can prove that Billy Taylor played bass and tuba alongside [Braud] in late 1934 and early 1935.'
  • 'The label of Victor V-38129 credits Double Check Stomp to "Bigard-Brand[sic]-Hodges," while that of Brunswick 4783 credits "Bigard." ASCAP's Ace title search credits DCS to Bigard and Irving Mills and shows the publisher as EMI Mills Music Inc., but the copyright and the sheet music credits Albany Bigard and Irving Mills and show the publisher was Gotham Music Services, Inc. Given Braud's statement in the interview that "I wrote Double Check Stomp," don't we wish we could go back to 1930 and ask Bigard and Braud exactly who wrote what?'
  • 'I heard the interview with Braud in the 1990s when I visited Tulane. Since then I've bought a copy of "New Orleans Style" by Bill Russell (compiled and edited by Barry Martyn & Mike Hazeldine), Jazzology Press, 1994, a book that condenses Russell's interviews with many of the most significant New Orleans musicians. In the book, Wellman makes the statement (which I suppose we'll find somewhere in the audio interview) that "I think I'm the first person to start the walking bass." This is to me the most significant statement to be found in the interview and HIGHLY inclusion-worthy in TDWAW.'
Lasker:
  • 'Braud, paraphrased at p.112 of "New Orleans Style":

    "I always played for tone, just like when I'm playing sousaphone on The Mooche. I was always curious about things in music. Always asking questions. Anyhow, one day I went over to the Rochester Theater and got talking to the sousaphone player. He was hitting four tones at once on his horn. He said that he had been first brass bass with John Phillip Sousa for twenty-five years. I knew he had to know what he was doing and in fact, he made that horn sound like a string bass. You have to take the dumb side if you want to learn with a professional, so I asked him how he got that tone. He told me it came from the strike of the tongue and so I went home and practiced on that for a long while. That's how I got the effect on The Mooche with Duke's band." '

...djpNew
added 2014-10-13
updated
2015-07-18
2015-09-10
2018-08-15
2021-03-08
2021-08-27
2022-09-29
2023-11-10
1891 09 14.Georgia, U.S.A..Birth of newspaperman, publicity agent and booking agent Floyd Grant Snelson Jr. (1891 09 14 - 1956 01 09) who often wrote about Ellington and reviewed his performances in the black press.
Snelson advertisement
Snelson advertisement
Click to Enlarge


Courier managing editor William G. Nunn, Sr:

"Floyd G. Snelson, 66, whose life was snuffed out recently in an explosion in a French rooming house, was one of journalism's most colorful figures during the roaring twenties and early thirties.
     After more than one hundred Atlantic ocean crossings, Snelson had retired three months ago to spend the rest of his life in his beloved France...with its rare beauty and his nostalgic reflections.
     Son of a Methodist minister, Snelson (more than any other person) glamorized the sun-tanned show girls of twenty-five years ago. First as editor of the Pictorial Tattler... and later as theatrical editor of this paper...he discovered talent, interviewed the stars, and helped to "make" the big names of his era.
     During his heyday he knew more showfolk...colored and white...than any other writer. He created the fabulous theatrical contests which gave readers an opportunity to select the top artists in the field. His 'brainchild' is now universally recognized.
     Oldtimers in the wings...and on the stge...always will remember Floyd Snelson...a genius born twenty-five years ahead of the time!"
(ellipses in original)

  • American Foreign Service Report of the Death of an American Citizen, Nice, France, 1956-02-01
  • The Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh, Penn.
    • 1956-02-04 p.4
    • 1956-01-21 p.3
...djpNew
added
2021-09-30
2021-10-19
1892 05 18
Wednesday
died 1986 09 05Boston, Mass..Birth of Thomas Le Roy ("Tom") Whaley, composer, pianist, arranger,conductor best remembered as Duke Ellington's chief copyist from 1941 to 1971.
Annie Kuebler:

'Tom Whaley - Footnotes and Whole Notes in Jazz History
If Billy Strayhorn was the "shadowy figure" of the Duke Ellington organization, then Tom Whaley operated under deep cover. When mentioned at all in the annals of jazz, he typically appears in the footnote as Tom Whaley 1892-1986, chief copyist for Duke Ellington 1941-1968 [recte 1971].
  ...Whaley was a trained musician and pianist who began his career in 1912; ... He recalls meeting Ellington in New York in 1923... By the late '20s, Whaley began orchestrating as a musical director for various New York theatres. His duties included rehearsing acts and vocalists for popular amateur nights. ... he rehearsed [Ella Fitzgerald] for a Lafayette Theatre amateur night and recalls that he ... introduced her to Chick Webb and his wife. Whaley remembers introducing Sarah Vaughn to Earl Hines while working ... as director of the Harlem Opera House. In 1931 [recte 1935], he began a long association with the Apollo Theatre.
 ... The music manuscripts in the Ellington Archives tell many tales. Scattered throughout are many scores in Whaley's hand...
 ...I believe Tom Whaley, who considered himself "Head Librarian" of the Ellington organization...
 ...Ellington reportedly displayed disregard for his own music manuscripts... It is my personal notion that Ellington could afford such a casual public stance because he was well aware that Tom Whaley was behind the scenes documenting Ellington's role in 20th century American music... '


Whaley's interactions with Ellington:
  • Circa 1923: met at Robinson's Restaurant in NYC where Tom was playing the piano
  • 1941 - 1950: Hired by Ellington as copyist, taking over from Juan Tizol
  • 1950: Left Ellington in a dispute over money, returning in 1951.
  • Circa 1965: Became choirmaster for the Sacred Concerts
  • 1969: Conducted Ellington band at White House for Medal of Freedom Award and birthday celebration
..
.djpNew
added
2014-11-17
updated
2014-11-22
1892 05 21.Chicago, Ill..Birth of Ellington's first songwriting partner, Joseph Hannibal (Jo.) Trent.

Trent is referred to variously as Jo Trent, Jo. Trent, and Joe Trent. Many sources refer to "Jo Trent," without the period, but the record label for Blue Disc T1003-B names the performers as JO. TRENT AND THE D C'NS.
Steven Lasker observes that except for Choo Choo (I Gotta Hurry Home) and Rhapsody Jr., every one of Ellington's song copyrights prior to 1927 02 10 shows Ellington in collaboration with Trent.
Trent died 1954 11 19 at Hotel Gales, Av. Gral. Mitre, 120, Barcelona, Spain from "cardiac collapse." He was interred at Barcelona Southwest Cemetery, Niche 6731, "Columbario" B, 6th floor, Via Santisima Trinidad 11a.
  • S. Lasker in DEMS 04/3-56 citing The ASCAP Biographical Dictionary, third edition, ASCAP, NY 1966, p.739
  • MIMM p.70
  • Amercian Foreign Service REPORT ON THE DEATH OF AN AMERICAN CITIZEN dated 1955-02-14
.DEMS
04/3-56
.djpNew
added
2015-02-28
updated
2017-12-18
2020-02-01
1892 10 20
Tuesday
.Dallas, Texas.Birth of Charles Leslie ("Jack") Boyd (1892 10 20 - 1966 10 11), who joined the Ellington organization in 1933 as its electrician after working with Cab Calloway for some months. He became Ellington's road manager at the end of 1935, remaining until 1943 or 1944 and was replaced by Al Celley. Steven Bowie:

'Attached is the 1940 census, which shows his occupation as orchestra manager. Also attached is a copy of his death certificate. Even though it says he was a lifelong resident of Dallas, the Social Security Death index shows he obtained his card in New York... Here's a link to his headstone'


Ken Steiner:

'You don't hear much about Boyd but reviews of Ellington stage performances during the '30s laud the dramatic effects of the stage lighting, highlighting the band's soloists in different colors.'

See also 1933 09 27
  • Steven Bowie, email 2015-03-20 with
    • 1940 census excerpt
    • death certificate
    • Find-a-grave reference
  • Ken Steiner, email 2015-03-20 citing
    • Dallas Morning News 1933-09-23
..
.djp/ks/sbNew
added 2015-03-21
1894 01 16
Tuesday
1985 04 21
Sunday
Odessa, Russia.Birth of Irving Harold Mills (born Isadore or Isaac Minsky), who discovered Ellington, guiding and managing his musical career until early 1939 (see 1939 03 23 and 1939 05 00 below).

On July 25, 1896, the family (parents Hyman [Chaim] and Sophia (nee Schifre) Minsky, older brother Jack or Jacob, and Irving) arrived in New York to settle in Manhattan. The boys held various jobs after their father died in 1905 and began their first music publishing company in 1919.

Their fascinating joint biograpy can be read at http://www.perfessorbill.com/pubs/jmills.shtml

Sonny Greer:

'Irving Mills began managing us when we were in the Kentucky Club. It was imperative that we have a man like that, a front man, because I don't think we could have done it alone without his guidance. When anything important pertaining to Ellington came up, he was there in person. He didn't send someone else out. When he made the second European trip with us, he was so sick he had to have a doctor in attendance twenty-four hours a day, but he made it every step of the way. He was a businessman, sure, but he always saw to it we had the best in transportation. The band didn't know what a bus looked like in the early days. We had private Pullman cars, with 'Duke Ellington' on the side, and a private baggage car, through every state of the union, and we were the only band in the country, white or colored, that had that. On one-nighters, we lived out of the train, and everybody had a lower berth. We parked the cars in a station, and there was no running around looking for rooms, north, south, east, or west. That was the Mills regime. When it ended, we came to the covered wagon – the bus.
  You could be so comfortable in that parlor car. If Duke wanted to get up and write music, all he had to do was put his robe over his pajamas. You could rest all day if you wanted to, and that meant you arrived at the next engagement in good shape. Duke liked to rest, but this way of traveling also gave him such isolation. He wasn't bothered with people worrying him about a hundred different things all day long. When we played a long engagement, we gave up the cars, but closing night the Pullmans would be back in the station.'

  • perfesserbill website
  • Email S. Lasker-Palmquist
    • 2016-06-30
  • Sonny Greer as quoted by Stanley Dance, The World of Duke Ellington, Da Capo Press, 1970, pp.69-70
...SLaskerNew
added 2016-06-30
updated
2016-07-01
2016-07-04
1894 07 20
Friday
1939 12 24
Sunday
Ithaca, N.Y..Birth of Max (or Mack) Shaw, tubist in The Washingtonians. Shaw replaced Henry "Bass" Edwards in May 1926. His tuba is usually called a brass bass by discographers. Mr. Shaw was in turn replaced by Wellman Braud in 1927. Steven Lasker describes Shaw as an essential member of the band that first preserved "The Ellington Effect" on wax.

TDWAW supplementary web page,
Max or Mack Shaw
...K.Coffee, S.LaskerNew
added
2022-10-15
circa
1895 12 13
Friday
.Long Branch, N.J..This is the earliest suggested birth date of drummer William Alexander ("Sonny") Greer, Jr. (1895 12 13 - 1982 03 23). Various sources suggest dates from 1895 to 1902. Sonny told interviewer Stanley Crouch he was born December 13, 1902."
  • Chilton's Who's Who of Jazz shows Greer as born circa 1895-12-13.
  • Steven Lasker:
    • [This webpage showed Sonny's] birthdate as 1902-12-03, the date Greer gave to Balliet in the 1974-12-23 New Yorker interview Tucker republished in the Ellington Reader.
    • ...Per Mark Tucker, [the] most recent State Dept. passport found for Greer, dated 3/21/39, shows 12/13/02.
    • The 1933 Majestic passenger list gives his birthdate as 1902 12 13, consistent with the 1939 passport.
    • Brooks Kerr, who you will recall knew and gigged regularly with Greer for many years, says Greer told him his actual date of birth was 1895-12-13, and Brooks heard the same date from Greer's wife Millie (born in Brooklyn, 1892-01-14 according to Brooks).
    • In 1931, Wellman Braud (b. 1891) was the band's oldest member [but per] the Chicago Defender profile of Greer by Chester Nerges from the Chicago Defender (reprinted in A Cotton Club Miscellany), Greer [at 36] was the oldest member of the band, and began his musical career at Chattel High School in Long Branch in 1914.
  • William A. Greer is listed on page 356 of the 1902 Index of Births in New Jersey:

    NAME OF CHILD   NAMES OF PARENTS              NUMBER
    William A. Greer Alexander & Elizabeth 28332

    The page is handwritten on ruled paper, with all writing except Sonny's entry being in the same hand. Sonny's entry is in a different hand and a much darker ink, and is the only entry that's squeezed between lines.
  • Greer is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery. While Find-a-grave shows his date of birth as 1895-12-13, its picture of his gravestone says 1902-1982.
  • Census records don't give birth dates but do show ages:
    • The 1905 New Jersey state census has [Greer] Alexander Jr. born Dec. 1900 and age 4, with parents Alexander and Lizzie born in February 1871 and May 1876 respectively. Other children shown are Sarah, Mollie and James Edward.
    • The 1910 census has a William A. Greer, age 14, living in Long Branch, in Monmouth County, N.J., but the place of birth is South Carolina.
    • The 1915 New Jersey state census has [Greer] Alexander Jr. born Dec. 1901 and age 13, with parents Alexander, age 42, and Elizabeth, age 36, born in February 1873 and May 1888 {sic} respectively. Other family memebers are Loretta (b.Mar. 1898), Madeline (b.Dec. 1900) and James Edward (b. Oct.1905).
    • The 1920 United States census gives Alex Jr.'s age as 19, suggesting a birth in 1900, and it says he was a musician. The other members of the household are Greer, Alex (46), Elizabeth (41), Madelaine (20) and Loretta (22)
    • The 1930 census gives Sonny's age as 29, suggesting birth in 1899 or 1900.
    • The 1940 census gives his age as 39, again suggesting he was born in 1899 or 1900.
    • Greer's oral history names his parents Elizabeth and William Alexander, and says he had two sisters and a brother, one sister being Madelyn {sic).
  • William Greer is one of the kindergarten pupils listed as having perfect school attendance in April 1902 and in second grade in February 1905 in the Long Branch Daily Record. [As an aside, Willie Greer was one of 13 boys arrested in November 1913 fora Hallowe'en prank. They were accused of breaking into a bottling plant and stealing a wagon owith thirteen cases of soda and five cases of syphons, and either drinking or emptying the bottles, breaking them.]

Discussion:
  • The Majestic 1933 passenger list gives Sonny's age as 30 and his date of birth as 13th December 1902.
  • The Île de France passenger list May 3, 1939 has William Greer, age 39, indicating birth in 1899 or 1900.
  • The Associated Press 1982 announcement of Sonny's death gives his age as 78. The New York Times News Service gave his age as 78 and his year of birth 1903.
  • The source of the Find-A-Grave entry is not disclosed.
  • The Long Branch [Daily] Record, Long Branch, N.J.
    courtesy S.Bowie, Oct. 2022:
    • 1902-03-09
    • 1905-03-08
    • 1913-11-04
  • Interview - Whitney Balliett/Sonny Greer, Mark S. Tucker, The Duke Ellington Reader, p.488
  • Interview - Stanley Crouch/Sonny Greer, Institute of Jazz Studies oral history audio files and manuscript.
.. .djpNew
added 2012-10-11,
updated 2014-06-15
2017-01-25
2019-07-05
2021-03-08
2021-08-08
2023-04-08
1896 11 03
Tuesday
.Council Bluffs, Iowa.Birth of Ned Williams (1896 11 03 - 1981 08 06), creator of the Mills Dance Orchestras 1931 advertising manual for DUKE ELLINGTON and His Famous Orchestra(see 1931 11 00 below).

According to Hasse, p. 194, when Williams left Mills Artists in August 1935, Ellington's publicity suffered.

His obituary says he was press agent for Ellington, Jean Harlow, Marlene Dietrich, Cab Calloway, Trini Lopez, Ina Ray Hutton and others. Until he retired in 1961, he was executive secretary of the Chicago chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which he helped organize. In the 1920s he was drama critic for the Omaha Bee-News, and was editor of Down Beat from 1942 to 1952. Additional aspects of his career can be read in his obituary.

Steven Lasker:

'In "Duke Ellington in Person" (pp. 34-41) Mercer Ellington describes Ned's role in Ellington's career at length, with precise dates and details, such that one might reasonably suspect these pages were in part ghost-written by Ned himself.'

Email, Lasker/Palmquist,
  • 2019-08-24
    with obituary,
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Ill.
    1981-08-08- p.W10
    (available through ProQuest)
  • 2020-03-20
...djpNew
added
2019-11-22
updated
2020-03-20
1896 12 17
Thursday
1969 06 06
Friday
..Birth of Joe Glaser, who would form Associated Booking Corporation, Ellington's booking agent from July/August 1951 to the end of Duke's life.

In his column widely published June 12, 1969, syndicated columnist Jack O'Brian wrote that Glaser had more than 1,000 clients.

Cohen describes a rather acrimonious relationship between Ellington and Glaser.
  • Jack O'Brian's Voice of Broadway, The Jersey Journal and Jersey Observer, 1969-06-12 p.29
  • Email S. Lasker-Palmquist 2016-06-30
  • Harvey G. Cohen, Duke Ellington's America, University of Chicago Press, 2010, pp.362-364
...S.LaskerNew
added 2016-06-30
updated
2016-07-02
1897 05 23
Sunday
.Burkeville, Va..Birth of Fred Guy (1897 05 23 - 1971 11 22) who would join Ellington on banjo in 1924 and later switch to guitar. Mr. Guy was in the band from 1924 until the beginning of 1949, leaving because his wife was seriously ill (she died a year later).

The 1925 New York State Census, enumerated June 1, has Fred Guy and Edward Ellington rooming at 137 127th St., New York City, and the 1930 federal census has them in the same apartment building on Edgecombe Ave.

He attended the White House birthday party for Ellington in 1969 and took his own life in 1971. While the reports of his death in the Chicago Daily News and by UPI (Columbus Dispatch) said he left the band in 1946 and 1947 respectively, he was still in the band until January 1949.

Ellington's sideman should not be confused with a Fred Guy of Lacona, N.Y. The latter is named in several northern New York newspaper reports as playing banjo, guitar, xylophone and drums on the radio and at various functions. In 1925 he advertised as a milk retailer and he was Lacona's assistant fire chief. The 1925 New York State Census lists this Fred Guy in Sandy Creek, N.Y..
  • Ellington's sideman:
    • List of United States Citizens, p.9,Passenger list, S.S. Ile de France, arriving New York 1939 05 10
    • Chicago Daiy News, Chicago, Ill.
      1971-11-23 p.18
    • UPI wirestory, Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, Ohio
      1971-11-26 p.14B
  • Lacona's Fred Guy:
    • Sandy Creek News, Sandy Creek, N.Y.
      • 1924-07-10 (xylophone)
      • 1924-08-08 p.5 (banjo solos in Lacona)
    • Oswego Daily Palladium
      • 1925-03-05 p.9 (recent broadcast with banjo and trap drums)
      • 1925-03-26 p.5 (Lacona milk retailer)
      • 1925-04-29 p.5 (Lacona milk retailer)
      • 1925-04-09 p.5 (assistant chief, Lacona fire department)
      • 1925-04-23 p.5 (WFBL broadcast with banjo solos)
      • 1925-08-06 p.4 (banjo in blackface in minstrel costume)
...djpNew
added
2016-08-09
updated
2021-10-04
1987 10 09
1900 10 09
Friday
.Baltimore, Md..Possible date of the birth of Elmer Chester Snowden, banjoist and first leader of The Washingtonians.

David Hill:

'It appears the birth date for Elmer Snowden may also be incorrect as well. My first clue was the 1910 census, where despite the fact the ages of the people listed often contain inaccuracies, Elmer was listed as being age 11. This continued in the 1920 census (age 21), the 1925 New York census (age 27), the 1940 census (age 41) and the 1950 census (age 51), all pointing to a birthdate earlier than 1900.

To complicate matters, Elmer's World War 1 Draft Registration Card lists his birth date as 9 Oct 1897 (attached), while his 1973 obituary lists his age as 72. Elmer married a woman named Gertrude in 1920, which ended in divorce in 1926 after two separate indictments for non-support, but I could find no mention of his age or birth date in those documents. '

  • Email Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-10
  • Email Hill-Palmquist 2022-11-18

.
..slNew
added
2017-06-10
updated
2021-12-29
2022-11-19
1898 01 03
Monday
.Washington, D.C..James Edward Ellington married Daisy Kennedy, who would be 19 years old the next day. Their marriage licence is one of several listed in the Washington Evening Star, 1898-01-04, p.2.

Tucker reports they had a child before Duke, and who died in infancy.There is an unattributed "memorial" for Baby Boy Ellington at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/204235838/baby_boy-ellington showing he was born in 1898 and died 1898 05 25, but there is no supporting information provided.

Duke's son Mercer wrote that while she was pregnant with Duke, Daisy survived a ferryboat sinking.
  • Mark S. Tucker, Ellington, the Early Years, University of Illinois Press, 1991, ("Early Years") p.16
  • Mercer Ellington, Duke Ellington in Person, An Intimate Memoir, Da Capo Press, Boston, 1979 ("DEIP"), p.7
  • Email Lasker-Palmquist 2023-02-24
...djpNew
added
2013-10-05
updated
2015-04-18
2023-02-25
1899 04 19
Wednesday
. Birmingham, Ala..Birth of Leonard Harper (d.1943 02 10)

Harper was a dancer, choreographer, stage director, and producer who pioneered the revue type of musical floor show.
  • Library of Congress Performing Arts Database:
    • His monopolistic dominance as a creator of black floor shows for nearly every colored nightclub in New York City throughout the 1920s and 1930s was matchless...
    • Between 1920 and 1943, Harper produced some 2000 shows. ... When the Cotton Club first opened ... as the Club DeLuxe ... Harper directed the first uptown Cotton Club revue. He was instrumental in helping to establish the Cotton Club as the most prestigious showcase for black musical talent in New York...
  • Ellington was Harper's rehearsal pianist at Connie's Inn in New York and Duke and Edna rented a room in his house.
The Library of Congress Performing Arts Databases, Leonard "Hotfeet" Harper [biography]
If the link is dead, copy
http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.music.tdabio.104/default.html into the search field of the
Internet Archive Wayback Machine
...djpNew
Added
2020-06-28
2021-07-27
2022-05-19
Circa
1898 08 00
.Washington D.C.Ward PlaceLife event
Birth of Edna C. Thompson, who would marry Ellington in 1918.

Edna Ellington
EDNA ELLINGTON
Click to Enlarge
  • Ruth Ellington:

    '[Edna] came out of a family that were all professionals. Her mother was head nurse in surgery. Her mother's brother was a doctor, sister was a principal in school and another sister was a teacher. They were all professionals. She was one of the society girls in Washington.'

  • Edna and Duke had two babies, son Mercer, in March 1919 and a boy Edna said was "born too close to the first and died." The second baby is not listed in the January 7, 1920 census enumeration.
  • U.S. Federal censuses:
    • 1900 shows Edna Thompson, age 1, born August 1898, grandaughter to Dyons Lynch, living at 716 23rd Street N.W., approximately half a mile southwest of the Ellington home on Ward Place. Her mother appears to be Lula Thompson, age 28, one of the Lynch daughters.
    • 1910 has Edna Thompson, age 11, at 1314 S Street, Ward 8, Washington, D.C., over a mile northeast of the Ellington home.
    • 1920 shows Edna Thompson in Edward H. [sic] Ellington's household, with Mercer K. Edna's and Edward's ages were 21 and 20 respectively.
  • Separated, probably in 1927, they were never divorced – see Duke and Edna Thompson Ellington Permanently Separate at circa 1927 09 00 below.
  • According to her March 1959 interview in Ebony:
    • Edna was born at Ward Place, across the street from Ellington.
    • Ebony said she was his earliest playmate and a classmate for 12 years.
    • Still married but separated for nearly 30 years.
    • In 1959 she lived in an 11-room apartment in Northwest Washington.
    • She was a pianist (played her baby grand piano during the interview
    • 'I taught Ellington and Mercer how to read music... We were going to Armstrong High School then. Duke wanted to be a commercial artist, I wanted to be a music teacher....
           It was at Armstrong that Ellington and I fell in love. He had just learned the difference between girls and boys. Shortly before we were 20, we got married and before we were 21, Mercer came. Ellington was working in music then and he was a messenger in the Treasury Dept. He also painted backdrops at the Howard Theater. Those were hard days. But even then he had hitched his wagon to a star. He knew he would be great.
           Then the second baby came. It was too close to the first and died. We were very young then. Kids, really. I think we both thought Mercer was a toy. We left Mercer in Washington and went to New York. I was one of Ellington’s show girls, though really all I had to do was walk around and lend atmosphere. Those were the days when we lived in one room and beans were only 5 cents a can. Some days we didn't have the 5 cents.
           Like all things, times began to get better. But I was young and jealous and didn't want to share him with the public. I couldn't stand around waiting until the public had their fill of him before he could give me some of his time. If there was something important I wanted to say to him, I wanted to rush up and tell him then. But I had to wait. Then came the big breakup. Ellington thought I should have been more understanding of him. I guess I should have been, I guess I've regretted – I know I've regretted it. You see, I'm still hooked on Ellington...
           Why didn't we divorce after the breakup? I love Ellington and I'm going to stick my neck out and say I don't think he hates me. I don't want a divorce and neither does he. We're proud of the way we get along. He has always provided for me through the years. I was hurt, bad hurt when the breakup came, but I have never been bitter. Any young girl who plans to marry a man in public life, a man who belongs to the public, should try to understand as much about the demands of show business first and not be like I was...
           I see Ellington sometimes. Whenever anything happens he'll call me or I'll call him. .. I have as much of him as he could have given of himself to any woman. Other women may have him, but I'll always have the Ellington. It was mine the day Mercer was born. We'll never be together again. The public's still there and I'm still jealous.'
  • Ruth Ellington, interviewed by "Blue" (full name not known), 1989 02 09, unpublished transcript, p.141:
    courtesy S. Lasker 2023-04-09
  • Ebony, March 1959, pp.134-138
...djpNew
added
2021-09-19
2021-09-21
2023-09-29
1899 04 02
Sunday
.Aiken, Elko or Charleston, S.C..Possible birth date of trumpeter James Wesley ("Bubber") Miley (1903? - 1932) who was so influential in creating Ellington's sound.

See the discussion on TDWAW supplementary webpage http://tdwaw.ca/BubberMiley.html
....djp/slNew
added
2023-04-08
1899 04 29
Saturday
. Washington, D.C.Grandparents' home
2129 Ward Place N.W.
Duke Ellington in 1929
Duke Ellington in 1929
Click to enlarge
Birth of Edward Kennedy ("Duke") Ellington.
Duke's birth certificate
Duke's Birth Certificate
Click to Enlarge


Duke's family tree, including descendants and long-term liaisons, was shown in the website of the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts but now is only available from the Internet Archive.

Several biographies report mother Daisy played piano well and father James Edward Ellington played by ear and sang excerpts from operas and operettas. JE would also lead his friends in singing, arranging the music himself, humming individual parts and conducting from the piano.

Lawrence reports that when he was a child, Ellington's home had two pianos, which I have not yet seen reported in other biographies.

  • Birth certificate from Facebook "Duke Ellington Society"
    credited to Felix E. Grant Jazz Archives,
    University of the District of Columbia
  • Family tree from Duke Ellington Center for the Arts.
  • A.H.Lawrence, Duke Ellington and His World, A Biography, Routledge, 2001 ("Lawrence"), p.3
  • Tucker, Early Years, p.20
.
.djp(New)
Added
2011-12-28
updated
2012-03-15
2015-02-14
2019-04-29
2020-12-07
2021-06-05
2022-07-15

1900 – 1903

1900 01 22
Monday
.San Sebastian, Puerto Rico.Birth of Juan Tizol Martinez (1900 01 22-1984 04 23), valve trombonist, composer, copyist, arranger.
  • Some sources give his birthplace as Vega Baja or San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • Tizol migrated to New York in 1917 but didn't stay. His Oct. 1918 draft registration card ("Tarjeta de Inscripción") gives his address as Cruz 31, S.Juan, Porto Rico, and shows his birthdate as Enero 22 1900, and his occupation Musico, employed by Manuel Tizol in S.J., Porto Rico
  • He returned to New York 1920 09 21,, living there for a short while before settling in Washington.
  • Tizol and Ellington met in late 1920 when Tizol played the Howard Theatre with Marie Lucas' Puerto Rican Orchestra.
  • Patricia Willard interviewed Juan and Rose Tizol for the Oral History Project. Their interview can be read or listened to at https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/61531/.
  • Draft registration card, 1918 10 26
  • Basilio Serrano, Juan Tizol-His Caravan through American Life and Culture,Xlibris, 2012 ("Caravan")
  • Kurt R. Dietrich, Duke's 'Bones: Ellington's Great Trombonists, Advance Music, Germany, 1995 (Dukes Bones"), p.51
  • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2021-05-08
...djpNew
added
2012-10-10
updated
2014-09-01
2020-07-23
2021-03-08
2021-05-15
1900 09 20
1900 01 11
Thursday
.Crawfordsville, Ind..Birth of Wilbur de Paris, trombone

Several sources including New Desor and Scott Yanow's Wilbur DeParis: Profiles in Jazz give his birthdate as January 11, 1900 but David Hill's research suggests September 20 that year.

David Hill:

'...he was born on 20 September 1900 (not 11 Jan), according to multiple sources, including documents he submitted, such as his 1942 Draft Registration Form.

Second, his full name was actually Wilbur Dumont Paris. I'm unsure why he took on the surname "DeParis," but obviously he was in collusion with his younger brother and professional trumpet player Sidney, who also used it. The earliest document I could find using the surname DeParis was in 1945, when he and his brother Sidney returned from a trip to Montreal, presumably to play with a band. And on that document, the first two letters in "DeParis" were actually crossed out for Wilbur and his brother, so as to perhaps not cause confusion regarding identity, I guess. Surprisingly, I found another document from October of 1944, regarding another trip from Montreal, without Sidney, where Wilbur was merely listed as "Wilbur Paris."

Later, on a similar trip, returning this time from Toronto in May of 1946, Wilbur was finally listed as "De Paris," though I also found a July 1960 Passenger List regarding a return flight from Paris in which he was still referred to as "Wilbur D. Paris." He was Wilbur DeParis in the 1950 Census, and in several newspaper articles from the late 1950's and early 60's that I found from reviewers of his gigs. He was also, finally, listed as Wilbur DeParis in the Social Security Death Index after he had passed away in January of 1973... '

Wire services reported de Paris died either 1973-01-02 (UPI) or 1973-01-03 (AP). His lengthy obituary in the Boston Sunday Globe, 1973-01-07 p.111 said he died Wednesday [Jan. 3} at Beekman Downtown Hospital, New York, the funeral was to be January 9 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in New York, and he was surived by two sons and two daughters.

In the 1910 federal census the family used the surname Paris. The head of the household was Paris, Sidney, age 44, his wife was Fannie, age 40, and the children were Wilber D., Nannie E., and Sidney G.

In the 1930 census, he is Paris, Wilbur and was married to Paris, Thelma [consistent with his 1942 draft registration]. It says he was 19 when they married and she was 16.The 1910 census
  • Email Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17
  • Email Hill-Palmquist 2022-11-17
...djpNew
added
2012-10-11
updated
2017-06-18
2022-11-18
1902 06 07
Saturday
.Portsmouth, Va. .Birth of reed player (clarinet and tenor sax) Prince Robinson (1902-1960). He joined Ellington's band in April 1925. According to New Desor, he left in the summer of 1926 but Steven Lasker believes he plays on Ellington's records at least until 1927 03 22. He died 1960 07 23 in New York.
Email Lasker-Palmquist
  • 2021-11-19
  • 2021-12-29

.
..slNew
added
2021-12-29
1902 12 03.Long Branch, N.J..This is the date drummer William Alexander ("Sonny") Greer, Jr. (d.1982 03 23) claimed to have been born.
1902 New Jersey birth registry page
New Jersey birth registry
Click to Enlarge


Other sources suggest he was considerably older, possible born as early as 1895 12 13.

December 1902 is supported by his name appearing in the register of New Jersey births.

See the discussion at 1895 12 13 above.
... .djpNew
added
2012-10-11
updated
2014-06-15
2017-01-25
2019-07-05
2021-03-08
2021-05-15
1903 04 03
Friday
.Aiken, Elko or Charleston, S.C..This is the widely reported birth date of trumpeter James Wesley ("Bubber") Miley (1903? - 1932) who was so influential in creating Ellington's sound.

See the discussion on TDWAW supplementary webpage http://tdwaw.ca/BubberMiley.html
....djp/slNew
added
2012-10-10
updated
2019-03-17
2019-09-07
2021-01-22
2022-12-03
2023-04-08
1903 07 30
.Danbury, Conn..Birth of Hilton Jefferson (1903 07 30 - 1968 11 14), alto sax in Ellington orchestra in 1952-53 and briefly in 1963.Jan Evensmo's Hilton Jefferson solography
www.jazzarcheology.com/hilton-jefferson
...djpNew
added
2017-10-31
2021-03-09
1903 12 23
Wednesday
.Savannah, Ga. .Birth of actress Fredericka Carolyn ("Fredi") Washington (1903-1994).

  • Fredi co-starred with Ellington in the 1929 film Black and Tan and would marry Ellington trombonist Lawrence Brown in 1933 (separated 1948, divorced 1950), then married dentist Anthony Bell in 1952. Gossip abounds that Brown disliked/hated Ellington because of an affair Duke had had with Fredi.
  • Miss Washington began her career as a dancer in New York, toured with Shuffle Along, and danced at Club Alabam. In 1926 she co-starred with Paul Robeson in the stage play Black Boy under the stage name Edith Warren (her photograph under that name is in the Oct. 7 1926 New York Sun review of the play. She formed a dance team, Moiret and Fredi, which went to Europe, and she returned to the United States in December 1928.
  • The 1929-08-01 Standard Union reported the team had joined the Waller, Brooks and Razaf revue "Hot Chocolates," but this may not have lasted long, since Black and Tan, her first movie, was filmed that August.
  • She would go on to make several films and perform on the stage, co-found the Negro Actors Guild and become active in the civil rights movement, participating in boycotts and demonstrations and writing for the weekly newspaper published by Isabel's husband, civil rights leader Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
  • While her 1994 obituary in the Baltimore Afro-American says she sang and danced at the Cotton Club with Ellington, Steven Lasker observes:

    'Despite what we read in Fredi's BAA obit,... I've found no evidence she ever worked at the Cotton Club with Duke Ellington. '

  • Question: Did Fredi Washington work at the Cotton Club with Ellington?
    • Fredi's early career is outlined in an article about her and her sister Isabel (or Isabelle), also an entertainer, in the 1931-09-28 New York Evening Post. That article did not mention either the Cotton Club or the film.
    • Two collections of Miss Washington's papers are held in New Orleans (Amistad Research Center, Tulane University, and New York (New York Public Library Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
    • Amistad's Reference Archivist L. C. Moore advises:

      '    I've reviewed the Fredi Washington papers, 1925-1979, and did not find any correspondence involving Fredi Washington and Duke Ellington, nor Fredi Washington and her first husband, Lawrence Brown. I did find a telegram from Duke Ellington to Fredi Washington in Box 1, folder 3; he sent his best wishes for a successful performance of Lysistrata (1946)...
          Fredi Washington's resume mentions working at Club Alabam (not the Cotton Club), and also "a nightclub" between 1924 and 1926, but said nightclub is not named (Box 1, folder 6)...'

      Additional information might be found in NYPL, but is beyond the scope of this webpage.
David Berger advises Miss Washington was present at her first husband Lawrence Brown's memorial service at St.Peter's in New York (Brown died in Los Angeles Sept. 5, 1988).
...djpNew
added
2016-10-11
updated
2018-10-28
2019-08-11
2019-08-19

1902

1902 02 26
Wednesday
1963 02 17
Sunday
Washington, D.C. Birth of Jerry (Jerome) O. Rhea (1902-1963), described in his obituary as Ellington's personal assistant, secretary and personal assistant.

Evening Star:

'...A former singer and singing coach, he made his debut in 1918 at the Howard Theater in the days of the supper shows. In 1922 he bacame Duke Ellington's personal assistant and held this post for 25 years. He had a singing engagement also in these early years with CBS on the "Majestic Radio Hour" show.
In 1947 Mr. Rhea became semi-retired from entertainment activities. Since then he has had jobs as distillery and brewery representative in this area...'

Rhea surfaces from time to time in the Ellington chronology, but he was born in Washington D.C. and seems to have been based there. His 1940 draft registration card gives his birth place as Washington, D.C. and his place of residence at 58 Que St. N.W., Washington, although it shows his place of business as 545 Edgecomb Ave. NYC, N.Y.
The Evening Star, Washington, D.C.
1963-02-20
...djpNew
added
2022-10-17

1904

1904 00 001908 00 00Washington, D.C.Garnet Elementary SchoolAHL says Daisy Ellington listed her son's age as 6 so he could start school at age 5.

While this would place him in school in 1904, Vail places Ellington's school entry in 1905 without providing support.

Mercer Ellington:

'Going through grade school, Duke Ellington was far from outstanding. He wasn't really a dud, because his life could easily have run parallel to that of Einstein, whose grades, I understand, were terrible, too. But what can definitely be said of Duke Ellington is that he was born an artist and that he had the typical ways of an artist from birth. Basically, anything that didn't move or inspire him didn't exist, regardless of how it could be explained in philosophical terms. '

Tucker says Ellington's "first brush with formal music education" was at about 7 years old, but AWL says "about a year later" (after beginning school), his mother put him into piano lessons with Mrs. (Marietta) Clinkscales after he was hit in the head by a baseball bat. This suggests Duke may have started piano lessons as early as age 6, which would be 1905, but Vail, consistent with Tucker, says he started lessons with Mrs. Clinkscales in 1906
  • Lawrence, p.4
  • M. Ellington, DEIP, p.8
  • Tucker, Early Years, p.23
  • Vail I
...djp(New)
Added
2011-12-28
updated
2012-12-29
2015-04-18
1904 01 31
Sunday
.New York, N.Y..
Nanton in 1929
Joe (Tricky Sam) Nanton in 1929
Click to enlarge
Birth of trombonist Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton

Wikipedia, at the time of writing, says he was born February 1, consistent with his entry in the New York marriage license index, but his draft registration card shows January 31, 1904.

He died the night of July 20, 1946, the night before the band was to leave Los Angeles on tour.
Draft registration card, 1942-02-16...djpNew
added
2012-10-10
2020-07-18
2020-12-07
2021-07-20
1904 05 31
Tuesday
.Washington, D.C..Birth of Otto J. "Toby" Hardwick or Hardwicke (1904 05 31-1970 08 05)
  • Many sources spell Otto's surname "Hardwicke," the spelling he used when autographing a Carnegie Hall programme for the concert 1943 01 23.
  • His biography in American National Biography Online and his Jet Magazine obituary spell his surname Hardwick, is the spelling used on the List Of United States Citizens arriving in New York 1939 05 10 on the S.S. Île de France and 1928 09 10 on the S.S. Rochambeau passenger lists.
  • The 1910 census has him as Hardwick Otto J.; the 1920 census has his father as Hardwick James W. and the lad's given name (hard to read) looks like Ato. In the 1940 census, Otto and his wife Gladys are listed in New York; and his name is spelled Hardwick.
  • This webpage uses "Hardwick" unless quoting directly from a source that adds the "e."
...djpNew
added
2012-10-11
Updated
2014-12-03
2017-06-18
2019-03-11
2021-03-08
2021-05-07
1904 07 10
Sunday
.Bossier Parish, La..Birth of singer/entertainer Ivie or Ivy Anderson

Ellington's first regular female vocalist was well-established in show business before he hired her temporarily on February 13, 1931 and permanently a month later.
Ivie not only sang, she entertained her audiences with a comedic routine and would engage in a comic dialogue with Sonny Greer. She received star billing in Ellington advertisements throughout her years with the band and announcements of the band's arrival in town often featured her.

Ivie made 71 Ellington records and appeared in five films with Ellington and one with the Marx brothers, without the Ellington orchestra.

Ivie and her soon-to-be second husband opened Ivie's Chicken Shack in 1941 and she retired from Ellington in August 1942. She continued singing professionally from time to time, and died December 28, 1949.

Contrary to some reports, she was born in 1904, not 1905, she joined Ellington in 1931, not 1932, and she appears to have been born in Louisiana rather than California. See our Ivy Anderson webpage for details of her life and career.


Ivie Anderson web page http://tdwaw.ellingtonweb.ca/IvieAnderson.html...SL,KS,djpNew
added
2012 10 10
updated
2015-08-19
2015-10-07
2017-09-26
1904 11 01
Tuesday
.Louisville, Ky..Birth of trumpeter/vocalist Louis Bacon (1904 11 01-1967 12 08)Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17...djpNew
added
2012-10-10
updated
2017-06-18
2021-03-08
2021-12-28
1904 11 212001 09 18Boston, Mass..Birth of Mildred Teresa Dixon (1904-2001), who would be Ellington's common-law wife from around 1930 through to 1938.

See our Mildred Dixon webpage for details of her life and seven photos.
...djpNew
added
2016-04-17
updated
2021-07-12
2022-02-27

1905

1905 02 22
Wednesday
1940 05 01Punta Gorda, Flor..Birth of Arthur Parker Whetsel, trumpet (1905-1940).

Arthur Whetsel, 1924 passport photo
1924 passport photo
Click to Enlarge
Arthur Whetsel  spring 1929, extract from Apeda Studios band photo
Arthur Whetsel, early 1929(Crop from Apeda Studios band photo)Click to Enlarge
Undated photo of Arthur Whetsel from Facebook
Undated photo from Facebook
Click to Enlarge
  • Whetsel's surname is often misspelled "Whetsol", but his 1924 passport application, the 1933 S.S. Olympia passenger list, and his headstone say "Whetsel," as do the samples of his signature reproduced in DEMS 02/2.
  • Arthur's friends called him Artie and Chiefy (derived from "Sheafe," spelled "Schiefe" in Tucker. His 1924 passport application described him as 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall, medium forehead, brown eyes, short straight nose, moustache, small (illegible) mouth, round small chin, black hair, colored complexion, and either a pale or dull face.
  • Various sources suggest Whetsel played with Ellington as early as 1917. This seems unlikely; he would have been only 12 years old, and he appears to have lived in southern California and in Florida from 1915 through at least 1918:
    • Arthur's parents, Lucy W. (nee Parker) and Rev. Oscar N. Whetsel appear to have had two children, Marguerite, born in Tennessee in 1902, and Arthur.
    • After Rev. Whetsel died in 1906, his widow married the influential clergyman, Reverend Lewis Charles Sheafe in Huntsville, Ohio in March 1911. Their daughter Doris was born in in 1914. The 1914 Washington D.C. city directory (p.1162) has Lewis C. Sheafe and Mrs. Lucy P. Sheafe at 1223 S St. NW; he is shown as the pastor at People's S.D.A. (Seventh Day Adventists)
    • The Sheafe "timeline" suggests that from December 1914 to sometime in late 1915, the Sheafes did church work in Los Angeles, but the Savannah Tribune, 1916-05-13 (p.1) announced Elder Lewis C. Sheafe and family left Washingon in the fall of 1913.
    • In 1917, the Sheafes opened a school in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville 1918 city directory lists the Sheafes at 2537 Evergreen Ave., describing them as principal and teacher, respectively, of Mission Industrial School. The 1919 Jacksonville street directory p.127 lists L.C. Sheafe at 2537 Evergreen; the relevant page of alphabetical list of individuals is missing.
    • The Sheafe "timeline" has Rev. Sheafe returning to Washington in 1918 to lead the People's S.D.A. church, but Mrs. Sheafe does not appear to have moved back at the time. The 1919-12-20 Washington Bee (p.5) carried a request for donated cast-off clothing, shoes or any wearing apparel by the Ebenezer Industrial School in Jacksonville, Mrs. L. P. Sheafe, principal. Elder Lewis C. Sheafe, 529 U Street northwest was to send for anything donated. The 1920 Jacksonville city directory shows Lucy P. Sheafe as the principal of Ebenezer Ind. School, living at 2160 Evergreen Ave. while the 1920 Washington D.C. city directory (p.1315) has Rev. L.C. Sheaf at 529 U nw. The 1921-08-27 Washington Bee (p.7) announced a meeting at their home in Washington on August 27 that year.
    • The 1920 U.S. census for Washington D.C., enumerated in January 1920, has Lewis C. Sheafe, Arthur P. Whetsel, 15, and Doris C. Sheafe, 7, as roomers at 529 You [sic] St. N.W.
    • Preliminary conclusion:
      It seems unlikely Whetsel played with Ellington's early orchestra until 1918 or 1919.
  • Whetsel went with Ellington, Snowden, Hardwick and Greer to New York and remained in the orchestra until August or September 1923.
    • Hasse:

      '[Miley] replaced Arthur Whetsol [sic] in the fall when he returned to Washington to finish at Armstrong High School.'

    • Tucker:

      'Most accounts state that Whetsol [sic] left to attend medical school at Howard University. But Dennette Harrod, president of the Washington chapter of the Duke Ellington Society, has searched Howard's records without turning up Whetsol's name. Moreover, trombonist Lawrence Brown, who roomed with Whetsol in the 1930s, told Harrod he had never heard anything to suggest that the trumpeter had received medical training. In his memoirs, Ellington wrote simply that Whetsol left "to continue his studies at Howard university," thus skirting the issue of whether Whetsol actually did so.'

    • Lasker:

      'The 1933 Ellington press book produced by Mills Artists notes that Whetsel was "educated at public schools in California and Washington D.C., and Howard University, Washington." Some years ago, Dennette Harrod contacted Howard University to request records of Arthur's attendance, but no results were obtained. Given that Whetsel's name was mispelled as Whetsol in most print sources ... it's conceivable that Harrod requested records using the incorrect spelling, which would account for the lack of results. '

  • How long Whetsel remained in Washington is uncertain. Steven Lasker suggests he returned to New York by early 1924:

    'Whetsel likely worked in New York during the spring and early summer of 1924. International Musician, the official journal of the American Federation of Musicians, reported that Whetsel, then a member of Washington D.C. local 710, deposited his transfer with New York local 802 (per the June 1924 issue), and withdrew it later that year (per the August 1924 issue). The transfers likely preceded the dates of the journals by a month or two.'

    • Whetsel applied for a passport November 12, 1924, to go to eight South American countries for Professional Work (Musician) at the Peruvian Centennial Exhibition at Lima, Peru. He expected to depart New York November 13 aboard the Santa Teresa, returning within a year. His address and occupation on his passport application were "148 W. 129 St., N.Y. City" and "Musician."
    • The State Department required a letter from his parents since he was 19 years old, but arranged for him to pick his passport at the American Consulate in Lima when he provided the letter.
    • The passport was issued Dec. 6, 1924.
    • That letter, written by Mrs. Lucy P. Sheafe and dated Dec. 18, 1924, showed her return address as State College, Dover, Del.
    • Arthur's application included an identification certificate signed by musician Norwood A. Penner of New York who reported knowing him for ten years.
  • Whetsel returned to the United States January 12, 1925, having left Callao, Peru on the S.S. Santa Ana on December 31, 1924. The U.S. Immigration List of United States Citizens gives his U.S. address as 905 R. Street N.W., Wash. D.C.
  • Whetsel rejoined the Ellington orchestra at the Cotton Club in early 1928, and other than two absences for illness, remained with the band until February 18. 1938, when he left due to health.
  • Steven Lasker, DEMS 04,2-55:

    When Whetsel rejoined Ellington early in 1928, he replaced violinist Ellsworth Reynolds (per Reynolds, quoted in Jazz Monthly, Feb67p6). He stayed with the band continuosly thereafter, with only two absences prior to his retirement that I know of, the first between mid-June and early August 1935 when he was replaced by Charlie Allen. The April 1937 issue of Metronome reported he was always on the job even when not well. When the band went on the road in early November 1937, Whetsel stayed in New York; Melody Maker (13Nov37) reported his absence from the band will probably be permanent because of serious illness. Whetsel was nevertheless back with the band at its 30Nov37 Birmingham engagement (per International Musician, Feb38). Whetsel's final engagement with the band was a dance at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey on 19Feb38 [recte 18Feb38]...

  • Sjef Hoefsmit DEMS 04,3-13:

    'I found in Ken Vail's first volume a newspaper clipping titled "Whetsol is forced to leave Duke", written by Billy Howe,[recte Rowe] dated 3Mar, referring to Whetsel's most recent shock from his prolonged illness during the band's engagement at Rutger's [sic] University "Saturday [recte Friday] Night" '
    (emphasis added)

  • The Pittsburgh Courier (1938-03-05 p.20):

    'ART WHETSOL [sic] IS FORCED TO LEAVE DUKE
    By BILLY ROWE
         NEW YORK CITY, Mar.3 – Arthur Whetsol, trumpet player with the Duke Ellington orchestra, is scheduled to leave the profession he loves so well as the result of a brain disorder from which he has been suffering many months.
         Whetsol, who is in his thirties, received his most recent shock from his prolonged illness during the band's engagement at Rutgers University Saturday night. At that time it became apparent that he could no longer walk in active circles in a world of music of which he in the past was a most contributing factor....'

    • Whetsel's last performance with Ellington was at Rutgers Friday, 1938 02 18, not Saturday, four days shy of his 33rd birthday.
    • Vail and thus Hoefsmit spelled Billy Rowe's surname incorrectly. Billy Rowe was the author of Billy Rowe's Notebook column but the quoted passage is not from his column.
  • The Baltimore Afro-American 1938-03-12 includes a severely edited and unattributed version of the Howe/Rowe article, just saying Art Whetsol [sic] was forced to leave this week
  • Juan Tizol, interviewed 1978-11-15 by Patricia Willard for NEA Jazz Oral History Project (p. 63 of transcript):

    '[We learned] he was getting bad because he used to go there and play whatever he had to play, and he was shaking and everything, and could hardly make sense. We start finding out, when it was getting awful bad, he'd get very nervous. And I never did realize what he died of. I know I heard something that his hair turned white completely.'

  • Whetsel was enumerated in the 1940 U.S. census as an inmate in Central Islip State Hospital (Insane), where he died May 1 that year, reportedly of a brain tumour, and was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery. Steven Lasker reports the cemetary's archives do not include his death certificate, but the internment order says he died of encephalitis.
  • Washington Bee, Washington, D.C.
    1911-04-29
  • Mark S. Tucker, Ellington, the Early Years, University of Illinois Press, 1991, pp.101, 293
  • John E. Hasse, Beyond Category, Simon & Schuster, 1993, p.75
  • Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians, A Miscellany, p.14
  • https://www.lcsheafe.org/timeline.html
  • City directories, Jacksonville, Fla. and Washington, D.C.
  • United States censuses as noted.
  • Email, Susan Olsen-Steven Lasker, 2013-10-18 with attachments:
    • U.S. passport application dated Nov.12, 1924 with related correspondence
    • S.S. Ile de France passenger list, page 19, New York arrivals from Le Havre, 1927 09 27
    • S.S. Olympic passenger list, alien passengers arriving in Southampton from New York, 1933 06 09
  • Email Lasker-Palmquist
    • 2014-08-13 "Whetselania" documents)
    • 2014-08-25
    • 2021-05-21
    • 2021-06-30
    • 2022-01-20
    • 2022-01-21
    • 2023-07-29
  • Grave marker, Woodlawn Cemetery
  • United States census: 1920 (Washington D.C.), 1930 (Manhattan), 1940 Central Islip).
. DEMS
.djp

Email Lasker-Palmquist
New
added 2014-08-13
updated
2015-02-23
2021-06-03
2021-07-03
2021-07-07
2022-01-21
2023-07-29
1905 02 28
Tuesday
.Webster Grove, Mo..Birth of Louis Metcalf (1905 02 28-1981 10 27), trumpet. His is the cover photo for Record Research magazine, Oct. 1962. See the discussions found at 1926 11 29 and 1928 10 00.Record Research 1962-10...djpNew
added
2012 10 11
2016-08-14
2021-03-08
2021-08-11

1906

1906 03 03
Saturday
.New Orleans, La..
Publicity shot, Barney Bigard
Barney Bigard
Click to Enlarge
Birth of clarinetist Albany Leon "Barney" Bigard (d.1980 06 27) who will join Ellington's band on or about 1927 12 30 and stay until mid-1942 (see 1942 07 00).
....djpNew
added
2012 10 10
updated
2014-10-04
2015-09-10
2022-01-03
1906 03 16
Friday
.Birmingham, Ala..Birth of trumpeter Shelton Hemphill....djpNew
added
2012-10-11
1906 10 10
Wednesday
.New York, N.Y..Birth of Fred Douglas (Freddie or Freddy) Jenkins (1906 10 10 - 1978 07 12), nicknamed Posey or Little Posey. Supplementary webpage Freddie Jenkins ...djpNew
added
2015-02-24
updated
2015-10-08
2015-11-26
2015-11-27
2021-06-05
2022-11-04
2022-11-14

1907

1907 02 22
Friday
.Philadelphia, Penn..This is the date of cornetist Rex Stewart's birth in Pennsylvania, according to his death registration and various other sources.

Claire Gordon, his friend, cowriter/editor of his Downbeat and LA Times articles, and editor of his posthumous autobiography "Rex Stewart Boy Meets Horn," University of Michigan Press, 1991, believes the correct date was February 12. She recalls he used to speak of having a president's birthday.
Palmquist comments:

I have been unable so far to find any record of Stewart's birth. The sources listed to the right say February 22, but none cite a documentary source. Further research is warranted.
...djpNew
added
2012-10-10
Updated
2014-11-08
2018-03-11
1907 05 01
Wednesday
. Chicago, Ill. . Birth of bassist Hayes Julian Alvis (1907 05 01 -1972 12 29).

California Eagle column Dec.19, 1936
Hayes Alvis
Click to Enlarge
  • The 1920 census shows his parents were Hayes and Mary Lou Alvis; he had a brother Winfrey, then just over a year old. His father was a waiter in the steam railroad industry and his mother was a dressmaker working at home.
  • A 1953 New York Age feature quotes him discussing his life. His musical training began at the Chicago Music School and with the Chicago Defender Band, which included Lionel Hampton, Big Sid Catlett, Billy Taylor and Billy Franklin, and later, Nat (King) Cole.
  • Alvis joined the union in 1924, started playing professionally as a drummer but switched to tuba and bass, played with Jelly Roll Morton in 1927-1928 before joining Earl Hines, for whom he played tuba from 1928 to 1930.
  • He played with the Mills Blue Rhythm Band from 1931 to 1934, where he was also its manager and occasionally played baritone sax. Discographies show him in two late 1936 MBRB recording sessions. The Baltimore Afro-American 1932-12-17 p.8 has him on bass in MBRB, known on the radio as Baron Lee's Band, and says the organizer and true owner of the band was Edgar Hayes.
  • Mr. Alvis joined Ellington May 31, 1935 and left in 1938 to form his own band, apparently taking Freddy Jenkins with him. While he was with Ellington, Duke used two basses (the other was Billy Taylor). Hayes doubled on drums when Sonny Greer was absent.
  • He met his wife, a milliner, in 1938 and would sell her hats while on tour. He toured with a bicycle in the baggage car, so he could get around various towns to take pictures.
  • His October 1940 draft registration card says he was employed by Benny Carter. He then played with Joe Sullivan, and Louis Armstrong, before his military service, during which he played in Sy Oliver's army band.
  • He seems to have continued in music for the rest of his life but in 1953 his interior design business was his focus.
  • Hayes' draft registration card, dated Oct. 14, 1940, confirms his given name was Hayes and his surname was Alvis, he was then living in New York, married to Bella Alvis and working for Benny Carter. He was 5'41/2" and 172 pounds. He enlisted in August 1943, was hospitalized in June 1944 with appendicitis, hospitalized again in January 1945 with a herniated disc and discharged in March 1945 as disabled.
  • He attended Whitman School of Interior Design and Decorating under the GI Bill and became an interior designer. Later he and his wife became interior design contractors.
  • His obituary in the New York Times says he was a supervisor of the social services department of the Musician's Union Local 802, before he joined the American Red Cross in 1968 as its labour coordinator.
  • Additional facts from an ANP wirestory by Allan McMilian (Baltimore Afro-American 1934-08-25 p.7):
    • Currently managing MBRB, conducted by Lucky Millinder and featuring Edgar Hays
    • Graduated from high school as band captain
    • Began a course in dentistry after high school
    • Within six months of joining Jelly Roll Moten [sic], became the transportation manager.
    • Member of Hine's orchestra for three years.
    • Brought to New York by Jimmie Noone.
    • Joined MBRB when it was at the Cotton Club
  • Additional facts from Freddy Doyle's column in The California Eagle, 1936-12-19:
    • Doyle went to school with him, but incorrectly calls him Alvis Hayes and Alvis throughout the column.
    • Attended Lane Technical School in Chicago, was the only drummer of "Color" in the school band
    • Became band leader and graduated with honours.
    • Gigged while in school.
    • Played in bands not mentioned above: Erskin Tate, Fats Waller, Jimmy Noon [sic].
    • Studied to become an aviator like his cousin; and was a director of an aviation magazine.
. .. djp(New)
Added
2011-12-27
updated
2016-07-29
2020-12-21
2022-07-13
1907 07 25
Thursday
. Cambridge, Mass. . Birth of soprano and alto saxophone virtuoso and star Cornelius Hodges (1907 07 25-1970 05 11). known as Johnny Hodges
Johnny Hodges through the years
Johnny Hodges through the years
Click to Enlarge
While some sources say his full name was John Cornelius Hodges or Cornelius John Hodge, and his surname sometimes appears as Hodge, his transcribed birth certificate just says Cornelius Hodges. A handwritten ledger of births shows:
BIRTHS REGISTERED in the City of Cambridge for the Year Nineteen Hundred and Seven

No.DATE OF BIRTH.FULL NAME
OF THE CHILD,
AND COLOR...
SEXPLACE
OF BIRTH.
Full
Name
of
Father
Maiden
Name
of
Mother
RESI-
DENCE
OF
PARENTS
OCCU-
PATION
OF
FATHER
PLACE
OF
BIRTH OF
FATHER
PLACE OF
BIRTH
OF
MOTHER
DATE
OF
RECORD
2765July 25Cornelius Hodges
B
mdo.John H. HodgesKatie Swan 137 Putnam Ave.WaiterVirginiaVirginiaAug 7.07
He is listed as Hodges Cornelius on the S.S. Majestic inbound passenger list in 1933 and as Hodge John on the 1939 inbound passenger list for the French liner Île de France.

Hodges was a small man, 5'3" and 142 lbs. when he registered for the draft in October 1940. The name he used on his WWII draft registration card was John C. Hodges.

Additional reference material

. .. djp(New)
Added
2011-12-27
updated
2016-07-29
2017-10-31
2018-03-12
2018-10-18
2021-03-08
2021-05-01
2021-05-02
2021-05-16
1907 08 03.Lawrence, Kans..Birth of trombonist Lawrence Olin Brown (Aug. 3, 1907-Sept. 5, 1988)
  • Brown's Oct. 16 1940 draft registration card shows he was 180 pounds at age 33 and stood 5'9".
  • Lawrence married actress Fredi Washington in Manhattan on 1933 08 09 and they divorced in 1951. In July 1954 he married divorcee Dorothea Bundrant (nee Burton). David Berger advises Miss Washington was present at Lawrence Brown's memorial service at St.Peter's in New York (Brown died in Los Angeles Sept. 5, 1988). The Pittsburgh Courier 1933-07-08 said Fredi and Lawrence would marry after the band returned from Europe. Walter Winchell's syndicasted column "On Broadway" in the Courier-Post, Camden, N.J. 1933-08-28 p.10 said they married "last week."
  • Brown met Irving Mills and Duke Ellington in Los Angeles in March 1932 and left town with the band on April 2 that year. He rehearsed with the band during its Hartford, Conn. engagement (week of 1932 04 08) but was not allowed to perform with the Ellington orchestra until it grew to 14 musicians with the return of Toby Hardwick, which may have been as late as May, 1932.
  • Lawrence Brown, interviewed by Inez Cavanaugh,:

       [...] For the record, I was born August 3, 1907 at Lawrence, Kansas. My old man is a minister and he was pastoring there at the time I came along. We didn't stay there very long, though, and we've made our home in California since 1914. My dad has retired and is now living in Pasadena.
       Music was a natural gift with the children of our family. My brother, Harold is at Fort Huachuca now in the music department of the post band. For several years he's been known on the Coast for his solo work at clubs and in the movies.
       As for me, I started out on piano, violin, tuba, alto and finally settled for trombone. I acquired my training through the facilities of the wonderful California school system. Any student who is musically inclined is given an instrument and instruction and encouraged to develop his talents. Every school in the nation should place more emphasis on music....music does something for the soul...a youngster interested in learning an instrument never has time for gang wars and such demoralizing ways of finding something to do.
       I recall with pleasure the school bands and orchestras in which I played. However, my first spectacular musical appearance was at Aimee McPherson's Temple on Mother's Day in front of 6,000 people. I was scared stiff. I hadn't ever seen that many people before in my life.
       While at school in Pasadena, I played solos at churches and on the radio. I was in the same class as Bob Sherwood and Donald Novis, noted tenor, and we appeared in several school musicals and operattas together.
       At 19, I played my first professional date at a dance hall in Los Angeles with Charlie Echols' band. After about six months, I went to Sebastian's Cotton Club with Paul Howard (now secretary of the L.A, musicians local [767]) and Leon Herriford. Later I worked with Curtis Mosby's Blue Blowers and Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders, with whom I made several Victor recordings, most notable of which was variations on Tiger Rag called Charlie's Idea.
       Then Louis Armstrong came out to California in 1930 and I returned to Sebastian's to play with him and recorded stuff like Confessin', If I Could Be With You, I'm in the Market for You, Ding Dong Daddy, etc., for Okeh.
        Those were wonderful nights.....playing with Louis. Each night found us perched on the edge of our seats, breathlessly waiting to hear what Louis was going to play next. We were as excited and certainly more frantic than the paying customers. [....]
       Lionel Hampton and I had individual contracts with Sebastian's and were joined by Les Hite's band to make movies. We recorded cabaret scenes and spots on an average of twice a week, at $10 an hour, far better than scale nowadays. As long as there was sound on the set we got paid; this almost broke the studios.
       It was during Louis Armstrong's second engagement in 1932 that Irving Mills (former Ellington manager) visited the Cotton Club. I was doing solo spots in the show and Mills heard me and interested Ellington in picking me up, which was a good thing, as I had just had a run-in with Louis' manager [Johnny Collins] who wanted us to come and take pictures on Easter Sunday, which I refused to do, and quit! So I was free to accept any offers.
       I met Ellington on Tuesday and left on the train with him on Saturday [April 2, 1932]. I never intended staying. I sold my car and everything. My idea was to travel a couple of years and see a little of the world. However, with the 1933 European trip coming up, I decided to hang on a bit longer.'

  • Steven Lasker:
    'The funeral brochure for Lawrence Olin Brown (d. September 5, 1988) contains an brief overview of his life before meeting Ellington...:

      Lawrence Olen [sic] Brown was named for the Kansas University town in which he was born August 3, 1907. His father, Rev. John Merrill Brown, pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, led the singing of the congregation. His mother, Maggie, played the organ. His older brother, Merrill, Lawrence, and his younger brother, Harold, sang in the choir. That was the beginning of his musical background. All three men became musicians distinguished in their fields.
      Lawrence played piano, violin, tuba and alto saxophone, but settled on the trombone as his favorite instrument[....]
      When Lawrence was four years old, Rev. Brown was sent to Oakland, California to pastor. There Lawrence grew up, playing in church accompanying the choir. During his teenage years, his father was sent to minister at the AME Church at 8th and Towne Streets in Los Angeles, California. The family settled in Pasadena where Rev. Brown founded another AME Church which was named Brown Chapel for him and which remains there today.
      In Pasadena, Lawrence attended high school and Pasadena Junior College where he studied medicine intending to become a doctor. But he began playing numerous engagements with local orchestras. His first professional appearance was at the Aimee Semple McPherson Temple in Los Angeles before an audience of more than 6,000 people. He joined the Les Hite Band playing at Sebastian's Cotton Club in Culver City. He also played in studio bands for movies.'

  • Oral History project interview June 1976 - Patricia Willard interviewed Lawrence Brown for the Oral History Project. The interview can be read or listened to at https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/52986/.
  • Jet magazine, 1954-08-12
  • Brown interviewed by
    Patricia Willard, July 1976,
    SI-NMAH Jazz Oral History Project
  • Obituary (C. Gerald Fraser)
    New York Times
  • Obituary, Steve Voce,
    The Independent
  • Obituary, New York Times
  • Kurt R. Dietrich, Duke's 'Bones: Ellington's Great Trombonists, Advance Music, Germany, 1995, p.69
  • Email Lasker-Palmquist
    • 2018-03-12
    • 2021-05-08
  • Duke-LYM email
    (David Berger) 2019-08-17
  • ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2018-03-12
    2018-09-01
    2019-08-19
    2021-05-15
    2023-10-27
    1907 08 08.New York, N.Y..Birth of alto sax star, band leader and arranger Benny Carter (1907-2003), who played opposite, and occasionally with, Ellington over the years.Jan Evensmo's Benny Carter solography with biographical notes....djpNew
    added
    2017-10-31
    1907 08 31
    .New York, N.Y..Birth of Edgar Sampson (1907-1973), alto sax, violin and arranger (particularly for Benny Goodman), who may have played with Ellington in 1926 and 1927.Jan Evensmo's Edgar Sampson solography...djpNew
    added
    2017-10-31

    1908

    1908 08 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y..Birth of alto sax man/clarinetist Russell Procope in New York City
    • Procope's parents were amateur musicians, with his mother playing piano and singing in a choir, his father playing violin.
    • Russell and a brother started violin lessons when he was six and he played in the first violin section of the Commerce High School Orchestra.
    • His mother bought him an Albert system clarinet when he was 14, and he played Albert with Ellington. He joined the 369th Cadet Boys' Band and when he was sixteen or seventeen, his mother gave him an alto sax.
    • Russell's first professional gigs were around age 18 and got his first steady job doubling alto sax and clarinet in a 5 piece dance school band in 1927.
    • He later joined Henry Sapiro's [recte Henri Saparo] 10-piece band at the Bamboo Inn, after which he took a dance school band job again, working for various band leaders including Jelly Roll Morton, who took the group on the road as Jelly Roll Morton and his Red Hot Peppers.
    • He worked with Omer Simeon, who, with Bigard and Buster Bailey, influenced his style.
    • Procope's experience before Ellington included McKinney's Cotton Pickers in Detroit, a one-nighter in Washington D.C. with Ellington, Benny Carter, Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson, Tiny Bradshaw, Ralph Cooper, Teddy Hill (1934-1937), and the John Kirby Sextet (1937-1943).
    • Drafted in 1943, he played in army bands in New York, Kentucky and Arizona, and was able to play outside gigs. When his regiment was due to go overseas, he was tranferred to the Medical Corps, received some training as a medic and then was returned to the army band until October 1945.
    • Procope freelanced, played a guest solo in an Ellington broadcast, and rejoined the Kirby sextet.
    • In April 1946 Ellington called to ask him to play a Saturday afternoon broadcast in Worcester, Mass. (1946 04 27), replacing Hardwick that evening as well, and day to day for the next 10 days. He appears then to have been offered a permanent job, and played lead alto until 1950, when he was recorded on clarinet in Mood Indigo.
    • He would sometimes sub for Carney on bari sax and Ellington bought him a bass sax which he still had in 1979.
    • Russell stayed with the Ellington orchestra until Duke's death.
    • He played once with the Duke Ellington Orchestra under Mercer Ellington, and from 1974 to 1978 he played in a trio with Sonny Greer and Brooks Kerr before joining a quintet.
    • Procope died in New York 1981 01 21, predeceased by his wife Helen, who died in late 1980.

    Unsourced Procope quote on http://ellingtonweb.ca:

    'I enjoyed every day I was a member of the Ellington band, even though it was gruelling trying to keep up with Duke. But I knew I was a part of something that was very special, something that would never die. But the biggest joy I had, and I think the other musicians had too, was the music. Duke constantly surprised me. Musically, I could never predict what was going on in Duke's head.'

    Thomas T. Reed, JIMMY HAMILTON AND RUSSELL PROCOPE: THE CLARINET SOLOISTS OF THE DUKE ELLINGTON ORCHESTRA, 1943-1974, doctoral thesis, Ohio State University 1995, citing
    • Albertson, C. (1979, March 9-13). Interview with Russell Procope (transcript), Brunswick, NJ: Oral History Project, Rutgers University, Institute of Jazz Studies.
    • Procope, Russell. (1967). Wonderful, wonderful jazz, Jazz Journal 20 pp.6-7
    • Schuller, G. (1989). The swing era. New York: Oxford University Press.
    • Colombe, G. (1981). Russell Procope, Jazz Journal International 34(4) p.10
    • Dance, S. (1969). The World of Duke Ellington.. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons
    • MIMM
    • Jones, M. (1981, February 14). Procope: the perfect pro. Melody Maker 27
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012 10 10
    updated
    2015-11-26
    2022-02-11

    1909

    1909 01 13.Springfield, Ohio.Birth of Quentin Jackson
  • Milt Hinton interviewed Mr. Jackson for the Oral History Project. Their interview can be read or listened to at https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/61539/.
  • Email Lasker-Palmquist 2021-05-14...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    2021-05-15
    1909 02 26.Chestertown, Md..Birth of Chauncey Haughton....djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    1909 03 27.Kansas City, Mo..Birth of tenor sax star Benjamin Francis (Ben) Webster (1909 03 27 - 1973 09 20).

    • Webster subbed for the vacationing Barney Bigard in the summer of 1935 and after Bigard returned, played in the Ellington recording sessions of 1935 08 19 and 1936 07 29.
    • Webster joined Ellington sometime in January 1940, stayed until August 1943, and returned in October 1948, staying until May 1949. He also played Ellington recording sessions or was recorded in concert at other times.
    • New Desor has him in the band from 1940 01 08, probably based on his presence in an erroneously dated broadcast from the Southland Cafe, until 1943 08 13, and again from November 1948 until 1949 05 17.
    • Ken Steiner's research suggests Webster joined between 1940 01 19 and 1940 01 21,, based on his apparent presence in a January 18 recording session for Teddy Wilson and a report in Jazz Information, 1940 01 26, pp. 1 & 6:

      'BEN WEBSTER JOINS ELLINGTON
           BOSTON, Jan. 22. – Ben Webster, well known tenor sax man formerly with Teddy Wilson, has joined Duke Ellington's orchestra, which is playing one-nighters around New England this week after packing them in at the Southland here.
           The addition of Webster, who had played with such famous bands as Bennie Moten, Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway, Willie Bryant, John Kirby, and Roy Eldridge before he joined Wilson's new band last year, gives the Duke a five-piece reed section, as well as a soloist to be featured on tenor sax...'

    • A one page biography of Webster with quotations, was published in Down Beat
    • Ben Webster, interviewed by Les Tomkins, possibly in January 1965:

      'In 1934, Fletcher Henderson sent for me, and I went back to New York...But the height of my ambition was to play with Duke. Barney Bigard took a vacation in 1935 and I had a chance to sit in the band for two or three weeks. And we went out on the road for a little while. Then we made this record, "Truckin'," and we did "In A Jam." As close as I can remember, that's the same time that they made "Accent On Youth". Then Barney came back, so I had to leave, naturally. But I sure hated to leave, because I'd enjoyed that music and hearing these guys play. That was such a great band. Duke has always been way out front. He was then and he still is now way out front.

      I was working with Teddy Wilson when I got the call to join the band. Teddy had a very good band and I didn't like leaving him, because I had a real nice spot, with plenty of solos. I made quite a few records with him. But I explained to him: "This is the chance I've been waiting for."...'

    • Webster left the United States permanently in 1964, lived in Amsterdam from 1966 to 1969, and in Copenhagen thereafter. He appears in several telecast videos of Ellington concerts in Europe.
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2016-10-01
    2017-10-31
    2021-08-06
    2021-08-08
    2021-11-16
    2021-12-28
    1909 05 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y..Birth of Al (Albert) J. Celley, born Albert John Celentano. Celley became Ellington's road manager in June 1944. Celley had very poor vision and left Ellington in March, 1964 after damaging his retina in Milan, Italy.

    Celley attended Commerce High School in New York and Brooklyn Tech, studying electricity at both. He dropped out of Brooklyn Tech after 13 months, and did various jobs in New York and elsewhere until becoming an engineer at the Hotel Victoria in New York for about 2 years, where he earned about $75 a week plus room and board. He was employed by Ina Ray Hutton's orchestra for 4 years as band boy and electrician and another 4 years as its road manager, making as much as $100 or $200 a day, since his pay included money from horse betting. He became the Bob Chester Orchestra road manager for 2 1/2 years in 1941, before Ellington hired him. With Ellington, he started at $125/week plus expenses and from as early as 1958 to his departure, he was making $300 weekly plus expenses, which he explained meant he didn't have to pay for his hotel rooms, unlike the sidemen. He said when Ellington and Bill Mittler interviewed him, he told Ellington he had never worked for Negro bands and didn't know if he would be accepted, but he would try it for two weeks.

    When asked if he was authorized to sign cheques for DEI, he said he did at times, and

    'When you are playing one-nighters, you go to the bank with the man to get the money out. When you work one-night stands, if a man was paying you $2,000, you wouldn't accept a check. It was unorthodox to take a check on the road.'

    Celley's 1940 draft registration card is in the name Celentano and names his wife as Eve Rogers Celentano. The 1950 federal census lists them in Los Angeles. He appears to have married a second time while still married to her. The Daily News reported Eva [sic] was granted a divorce in 1954, having married Celley in 1942 [sic] and discovering in 1951 that he had married his secretary, Margaret A. MacDonnell. Celley and MacDonnell are listed in the New York Marriage License Index May 3, 1951, numbered 11293, and again in 1957 (licence 5495). They appear to have had two sons.

    Celley sued Duke Ellington, Inc. for money allegedly owed tp him after he left. A transcript of his March 1966 examination before trial is in the Smithsonian's Ellington archives. It also contains a July 1966 report by a Bishop's Service, Inc. A Confidential Reporting Service to Steven A. Burn, Duke Ellington, Inc.'s lawyer. This says Al and Margaret lived in Ridley Park, N.J. "for many years," first renting on the same street as her parents' home, and in 1955 [sic] buying a house across from their house. The report says the neighbours had known him for 15 years and known her all her life. Various newspaper reports from 1951 to 1971 show Margaret was active on Taylor Hospital Junior Board of in Ridley Park, having been its president in 1951 and 1967. Their two sons are named in a 1972 wedding announcement.

    Celley was the subject of a 1968 feature article about his ham radio volunteer service. The article reported he spent about 7 hours a day contacting overseas military, missionaries and Peace Corp volunteers by radio, connecting them to their families, using collect long distance calls so they wouldn't have to pay international rates.
    • Frendel Brown & Co., Certified Public Accountants,
      Duke Ellington, Inc. Statements at June 7, 1944
      SI-NMAH DEC301 Series 3G Box 112, Folder 9
    • Music Grapevine, The Billboard 1944-06-17 p.13
    • Down Beat, 1944-07-01 p.5
    • Ulanov (ibid.), p.263
    • Daily News, Los Angeles, Cal.
      1954-04-15 p.10
    • Email, R.Boyes-Palmquist, 2017-05-10
    • Hasse, p.264
    • SI-NMAH, DEC301, Series 3 Business Records, Subseries 3G: Box 113 Folder 06 Celley v. Ellington
      • Transcript:
        United States District Court
        Southern District of New York
        Albert J. Celley, plaintiff, against Duke Ellington, Inc., Defendant
        Examination before trial of the Plaintiff, Albert J. Celley... at the offices of Pryor, Braun & Cashman, 640 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y., March 8 1966, 2 p.m.
      • Bishop's Service, Inc. A Confidential Reporting Service, confidential report to Steven A. Burn, July 20, 1966.
    • Delaware County Daily Times, Chester, Penn.
      1968-06-05 s.2 p.1
    • Guide, Al Celley Collection of Duke Ellington Materials, Archives Center, SI-NMAH
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-07-31
    updated
    2016-06-01
    2017-05-07
    2017-05-11
    2022-05-08

    1910

    1910 00 00
    .Washington, D.C.Carl A. Doubét, Jeweler
    1402 14th St. N.W.
    Chester Times:

    'A Small World, To Be Sure!
      A Chester Times staff member recently visited composer-pianist Duke Ellington in New York City. During conversation, Ellington asked: "How's Mr. Doubet? Ever run across him?"
      It developed that years ago, when the Duke of the jazz and popular music world was a little tyke, he worked after school hours in the store the Chester jeweler operated in Washington, years before Doubet made his bow to Chester as a merchant at 7th and Edgmont.
      Surely is a small world, after all.'

    Carl A. Doubét Jeweler's June 30 1912 ad shows "TAKE A KODAK WITH YOU" and advertises film developing and printing.

    While I have arbitrarily placed this in 1910, Duke may have held this job anytime after he was old enough to work, until February 1914, when Doubet moved his business to Chester.
    • Chester Times, Chester Penn., 1955-08-27 p.5
    • Washington Times
      • 1912-06-30 p.15
      • 1914-01-27 p.9
    ...djpNew
    added 2014-07-10
    1910 00 00.Washington, D.C.Howard Theatre
    620 T St.
    Peripheral event
    The Howard Theatre opens.
    Howard Theatre website....djpNew
    added 2012-12-29
    circa
    1910 02 22
    .Macomb, Ill..Birth of tenor sax man Albert "Al" Omega Sears. He died 1980 03 23 of lung cancer.
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17
    • Obituary, New York Times News Service, Chicago Tribune 1980-04-02. p.6 s.2
    ...djpNew
    added 2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-18
    1910 04 01.Boston, Mass..
    Harry Carney in 1929
    Harry Carney in 1929
    Click to enlarge
    Birth of baritone sax icon Harry Carney (1910 04 01-1974 10 08), who would join Ellington in 1927 and stay for the rest of their lives, dying within a few months of each other in 1974. Harry doubled clarinet, alto sax and bass clarinet.
    In a 1966 interview with Jimmy Staple, Carney talks about his mouthpiece (bought in Los Angeles in 1930), his bari (Conn), and various other topics.
    Steven Lasker:
    • 'STAPLES [sic]: How long have you had that mouthpiece, then?
      CARNEY: Oh, I purchased it in 1930 out in Los Angeles. It was used then, as I say, so I don't know how old it is now.'
    • Here's more on the subject, from "Harry Carney Talks About Baritone," Music and Rhythm, April 1942, p. 34:

      'With bands as big as they are today, the mechanical requirements of the baritone saxophone need special attention. The baritone horn needs always to be in top condition. The mouthpiece must be big enough to take forceful, punchy playing when required, and this calls for a big tone chamber. Because the horn is so big, it's much harder to keep in condition than is an alto or clarinet. It must be adjusted constantly. As the baritone is used today, it supplies depth and gives body to the sections; it improves section dynamics.
           Because the musician's control over his horn must be at all times complete, the purely mechanical aspects of the baritone, the mouthpiece and reeds, deserve mention. I recommend that the lay of the mouthpiece be on the broad side. I use a mouthpiece with a B-4 facing. As for reeds, I suggest a medium, without a tissue paper tip, and not too soft.
           During my many years with Ellington, I've found that the baritone invariably is given interesting parts in an arrangement. Playing in large halls, with noisy crowds, makes it almost essential for the baritone man to have an extra amount of lung power--certainly it comes in handy.
           Because the baritone is such a big, unwieldy horn, phrasing presents a particular problem. You have to keep your eye on the length of the passage, and if it's too long, you have to break it up so that your breathing will be regular and so that you can still retain the continuity and flow of the passage. It takes an extra amount of practice to acquire that 'sixth sense' which tells you how to measure the passage in terms of breath-control, but it's something you must learn if the baritone is the instrument of your choice.
           Learning the right attack on the baritone is something of a problem too. In section ensemble playing I've found that sharp tonguing does the job, while slap tonguing is very effective in developing dynamics. The whole matter of attack, of course, depends on the type of arrangement. '


    Steven Lasker:
    The assertion that Carney joined Ellington [in 1926] first appeared in Feather's 1955 Encylopedia of Jazz. The entry for Carney says

    'Duke Ellington heard him [in Boston] and obtained his parent's permission to take him on the road with the band in 1926. '

    Carney specifically refuted Feather:
    Le Point de Jazz #4, Mar71 (byline Georges Debroe):

    'Extrait d'une conversation avec [Harry Carney et] J. [Johnny] Simmen (BHCF)...'il s'agit d'un orchestre ri??gulier (Joe Steele) que j'avais quitti?? en 1927 pour entrer chez Duke...L. Feather me fait entrer chez Duke en 1926, mais (et il rit) cette fois, je SAIS que c'est LUI qui se trompe.'" [Translated: "It's a matter of a regular orchestra (Joe Steele) that I left to join up with Duke....L. Feather had me joining with Duke in 1926, but (and he laughs) this time, I KNOW that it's HE who is mistaken.']

    An extensive collection of Carney's quotes about joining Ellington are collected at DEMS 04/3-10, "When Did Harry Carney join the band"

    Further misinformation:
    In an interview with John McDonough (DB, 1969-04-17, p. 16), Fred Guy claimed to have gone to Boston "in 1926" to negotiate with Carney's mother to secure permission for her son to play with the band.

    Mark Tucker favored 1926 in "The Early Years" (see pages 189-90). One red herring he fell for is the photo of two young men, purportedly Harry Carney and definitely Bubber Miley, posing in tuxedos in front of a poster advertising the Ellington orchestra's 1926-08-12 appearance at Old Orchard Beach. The only problem: That's not Harry! (The picture is opposite p. 101 of Mercer's book.)

    After the publication of Mark's book, I was able to show him the evidence that Harry joined in 1927, not 1926, and he came to that view.

    Charlie Holmes recounts his early years in Boston growing up with Hodges and Harry Carney: https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/54271/
    Carney was interviewed by Down Beat in 1961.
    .DEMS
    04/3-10
    .djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2020-01-05
    2020-10-04
    2020-10-06
    2021-03-08
    2021-05-16
    2021-12-28
    1910 11 23
    Wednesday
    .Corsicana, Texas.Apparent birth date of trombonist Tyree Glenn. Glenn joined Ellington in May 1947, staying until March 1950, and would return from time to time. He soloed on vibraphone in Duke's November 1948 Carnegie Hall concert.

    Mr. Glenn died a few days after Paul Gonsalves and a few days before Ellington, and for a few minutes on May 24, 1974, the bodies of all three were in the same funeral home.

    When was he born?

    • Steven Bowie:

      'I found Tyree Glenn's birth certificate on Ancestry. The history books say he was born on 23 November 1912. His birth certificate says he was born 23 November 1910, two years earlier. The birth certificate was generated in 1942, but the 1920 census backs up the 1910 birthdate.'

    • The census, enumerated in Jan. 10 1920, shows "Glenn Tyree," nephew, age 9, in a household headed by "Offard, Sara" which included Sara's brother in law and niece Myrtle Gibson at 1204 East 5th Ave, Corsicana.
    • This birth certificate is not original. It is a document used to correct a certicate filed at the time the birth and was notarized Oct. 3, 1942, and is partly handwritten with several typed changes. The birth year was originally handwritten as 1912, overwritten by 1910, with "(1910") typed above it.
    • Mr. Glenn's WWII draft registration card, dated Oct. 16, 1940, shows his name as Evans Tyree Glenn, age 27, born Corsicana, Texas, date of birth 11-23-1912. Although the first name is different, this man's employer is named as Cab Calloway, Inc.
    • His grave marker shows he was born in 1910 and died in 1974.
    Email Bowie-Palmquist 2021-06-02 with:
    • Birth certificate
    • 1920 census page, Corsicana, Texas
    • WWII draft registration card
    • gravestone image
    .
    ...SBNew
    added
    2021-06-02

    1911

    1911 02 23
    Thursday
    .Washington, D.C.1916 R St. N.W. Peripheral event
    Ellington's aunt Maud Kennedy died away at her mother's home. Survived by Mrs. Alice Kennedy, mother, and sisters Mrs. Daisy Ellington, Mrs. Ella Bennet, Mrs. Florence Hartgrove, Mrs. Maire Letcher, Mr. James W. Kennedy, Jr., and Mr. John Kennedy. The funeral was to be Sunday Feb. 26 at Nineteenth St. Baptist Church.
    The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., 1911-02-26, p.5...djpNew
    added 2014-08-18
    1911 07 10
    Monday
    .Mobile, Ala..
    Cootie Wiliams in 1929
    Cootie Williams in 1929
    Click to enlarge
    Birth of trumpeter Charles Melvin ("Cootie") Williams (d.1985 09 15) , who would join Ellington in 1929, replacing Bubber Miley. He stayed until Benny Goodman hired him away from Duke in 1940, and a year later left Goodman to lead his own band. He returned to Ellington in 1962, staying until Ellington's death in 1974.
    ...SLNew
    added
    2020-10-06
    2020-12-07

    1912

    1912 11 17
    Sunday
    8 p.m.
    .Washington, D.C.First Baptist Church
    Dumbarton Ave., N.W.
    Peripheral event
    Mrs. Daisy Ellington (Duke's mother) was named as financial secretary of the Young Ladies' Protective League in a story about it celebrating its 11th anniversary. The present membership is 375 with a large bank account.
    Washington Bee, Washington, D.C., 1912-11-23, p.5...djpNew
    added 2014-08-18
    1912 11 23
    Saturday
    .Corsicana, Texas.Widely recorded birth date of trombonist William Tyree Glenn. Steven Bowie:

    'I found Tyree Glenn's birth certificate on Ancestry. The history books say he was born on 23 November 1912. His birth certificate says he was born 23 November 1910, two years earlier. The birth certificate was generated in 1942, but the 1920 census backs up the 1910 birthdate.'

    See 1910 11 23 above.
    Email Bowie-Palmquist 2021-06-02...SBNew
    added
    2021-06-02

    1913

    1913 00 001914 00 00Washington, D.C.Garrison Junior High School(Unconfirmed)

    Ellington's Grade 8 English teacher and principal, Miss R.A.Boston, emphasized the importance of proper speech, deportment and pride in oneself. Tucker dates this as the school year 1913-1914.

    Vail has Ellington attending Garrison from 1911 to 1913, without citing his sources.

    If Ellington started school at age 5, that would be September 1904, and he would have begun eighth grade in September 1911.

    Further research is necessary to confirm when he entered junior high school.
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, 1991 p. 25 citing an interview with Ruth Ellington Boatwright, 1983-10-21
    • Vail I
    ...djp(New)
    Added
    2011-12-28
    1913 00 00.Washington, D.C.Poodle Dog CafeDuke takes a summer job as a soda jerk.
    • Tucker, Early Years, p.25
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM p.20
    • Lawrence , p.2
    • Vail I
    ...djp(New)
    Added
    2011-12-28
    1913 09 001917 02 00Washington, D.C.Samuel H. Armstrong High SchoolEllington's grade 8 teachers encouraged Duke to attend Armstrong, a "vocationally oriented" all black school, so he could major in graphic arts.

    Vail has Ellington entering Armstrong in September 1913, but Ulanov puts him there from February 1914 to July 1917.

    Ulanov:

    'Armstrong was the leading Negro manual training school. Duke went there to study drawing, freehand and mechanical. He was deeply interested in art, interested in little else in the secondary school curriculum, and it was only for those classes that he would show up with regularity. His grades were both sustained and let down by his interests.'

    During these years Oliver "Doc" Perry gave him piano lessons, mentored him and occasionally allowed him to sit in his Doc Perry's Society Band, subbing for Doc on occasion.

    Vail says Perry taught Ellington to read music, which seems odd since Ellington had had piano lessons.

    Perry also introduced Ellington to Hugh Grant, a school music supervisor, who gave Ellington harmony lessons.

    Ellington rehearsed after school at True Reformers Hall with other students. By 1916 they included brothers Felix, Brother and Bill Miller, Lloyd Stewart, Ted Nickerson, Sterling Conaway and William Escoffey.
    • Tucker, Early Years, p.28
    • Lawrence , pp.7? & 8
    • Vail I
    • Ulanov, (ibid.) pp.8-9
    ...djpNew
    added
    2011-12-28
    2015-03-18
    1913 12 10
    Wednesday
    .Chicago, Ill..Birth of trumpeter/singer/violinist Willis Raymond "Ray" or "Floorshow" Nance (1913 12 10-1976 01 28)
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17
    • Draft registration card
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2021-03-09
    2021-08-22

    1914

    1914 00 00...1914 EVENTS reported by Mr. Spring but not otherwise included in TDWAW in the year
    • Mr. Spring says Ellington wrote his first composition, Soda Fountain Rag, in 1914 or possibly 1915. Steven Lasker:

      'Source is Austin Lawrence "Chronology," p405: "Later 1914-Early 1915 Ellington composes his first piece, "Soda Fountain Rag" '

    Webmaster comment:

    Spring was unwise to rely on Lawrence, since Lawrence has many errors. Neither Spring nor Lawrence provide support for 1914/1915.

    Ellington began working at the Poodle Dog Cafe in 1913:

    Ellington:

    'We had a piano player in the Poodle Dog who was one of the best when he was sober, which wasn't often. When he got to where he couldn't play any better than I could, the boss would throw him out, take my place behind the soda fountain, and have me play piano. The only way I could learn how to play a tune was to compose it myself and work it up, and the first one was Soda Fountain Rag.'

    The origin of Soda Fountain Rag (also known as Poodle Dog Rag) is discussed in Hasse and Tucker. Tucker makes the point that the year it was composed is uncertain.
    • Edward Green, ed., Evan Spring, assoc. ed., The Cambridge Companion to Duke Ellington, Cambridge University Press, 2015, ("Cambridge Companion"), p.xiii
    • Hasse, pp.37-38
    • Tucker, chapter 3.
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-03-04
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-03-18
    updated
    2017-04-25
    1914 00 00.Asbury Park, NJPlaza HotelDuke's summer job as a dishwasher led to visiting Philadelphia on his way home to hear pianist Harvey Brooks. Brooks taught him some techniques, and this seems to have stimulated Ellington's interest in music.

    AHL says he was 15, which places this event in 1914, but Vail says this was the summer of 1913. Tucker says 1913 or 1914.
    • Tucker, Early Years, pp.26-27
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM p.20
    • Lawrence , p.2
    • Vail I
    ...djpNew
    Added
    2011-12-28
    1914 05 26.St. Louis, Mo..Birth of trumpeter Harold Jones "Shorty" Baker (1914 05 26-1966 11 08)
    Chilton's 1972 Who's Who in Jazz dates his birth one year earlier, but The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz has 1914, as do many webpages. His Oct 16 1940 WWII draft registration card confirms he was born May 26, 1914 in St. Louis, Mo. and his mother's name was Fannie Merrit Baker. He was 5'2," 156 pounds and in Andy Kirk's band when he registered for the draft.
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17
    • Draft Registration, Oct. 16,1940
    .
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2021-03-08
    2021-03-08
    2021-08-22
    1914 07 28
    Tuesday
    1918Europe.Peripheral event
    Beginning of First World War in Europe.
    .....New
    added 2012-08-05

    1915

    circa
    1915 00 00
    ...1915 EVENTS reported by Mr. Spring but not otherwise included in TDWAW in the year:
    Life event
    The Cambridge Companion chronology reports Ellington was nicknamed "Duke" by a friend in 1915. The author did not name his source. Steven Lasker:

    Source is Austin Lawrence, p.405: "Midyear 1915, Ellington's close friend Edgar McEntree dubs him "Duke" around this time, because of Ellington's sartorial elegance and his flashy piano playing.

    Lawrence's source is not identified.


    Hasse suggests 1913, "just before entering high school," and Ulanov says 1908. Ellington said it was about the time he started high school. If he meant Samuel H. Armstrong High School, Vail has him entering Armstrong in September 1913 and Ulanov has him there in February 1914 - see 1913 09 00 above. Ellington's own words therefore seem to suggest 1913/1914, but of course it is not certain.
    Mercer Ellington:

    'My mother explained that he got his nickname through being so fastidious. He kept himself well clothed and always presented a neat appearance... It was the thing to do then to be smart and attractive, and if he had a patch on his pants, my mother said, the pants were nevertheless always pressed...'

    • Cambridge Companion, p.xiii
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM, p.20
    • Ulanov (ibid.,) p.7
    • John Edward Hasse: Beyond Category, The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington, p.38
    • Mercer Ellington, "DEIP", p.8
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-03-04
    ...djpNew
    added 2015-03-18
    updated
    2015-04-18
    2017-04-26
    1915 07 02
    Friday
    .Washington, D.C..Birth of Ruth Ellington (1915 07 02 - 2004 03 06), Duke's only sister. The Evening Star Announced as one of several births reported within the last 24 hours, and the Post also reports her birth.
    Biographical / Historical Note, NAMH Ruth Ellington Collection

    'She attended elementary and junior high schools in the Washington Metropolitan area and finished her basic schooling in New York City ...graduated from ... Columbia University with a degree in biology. In 1941, Ellington established Tempo Music,... installing her as president of the company. ... Ruth's duties at Tempo included signing contracts, arranging some travel at Duke's request, and, most importantly, keeping Duke's music copyrighted. According to her own interview statement, she never arranged bookings. Other interests included hosting a Sunday salon for musicians, appearing at and listening to recording studio sessions once or twice a year, and keeping in touch with the older band members' wives. The older band members ... along with the earlier singers ... were like family to Ruth. After Duke's death ...Ruth maintained Tempo until 1995 when she sold 51% ... to a New York publishing firm, Music Sales.'

    Palmquist note:

    'Ruth's 1969 appointment book is in SI-NMAH Archive Center DEC301 Series 3G Box 116.'

    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2014-08-18
    2015-04-02
    2015-10-06
    2021-03-09
    1915 08 16
    Monday
    2001 04 24Tyro, Miss..Birth of singer Al Hibbler, who would join Ellington in either May or June, 1943 during the first Ellington residency at the Hurricane Restaurant, staying until September, 1951.
    DUKE ELLINGTON:

    ' Al Hibbler I met first in L. Rock Ark. I knew he was a singer but had never heard him sing. Our paths crossed from time to time until '43 we were playing the Hurricane Club... and Mary Lou Williams and Shorty Baker came up and told me that Al was downstairs in the Turf Club and that it was possible to maybe get him to sing for us. So I sent for him. They brought him up and he sang something. I naturally liked it - but the thought of adding to the payroll was of quite some concern and a smart business mind would not have considered it. But me - well, my ear makes my decision. So I said great - I like it - you just started work. It was much easier than I thought it would be because he has ears that see. He learned song after song and soon he was our major asset, truly a great investment both $ wise and the luxury of my ear was kept in deep fat - He had so many sounds he told of fantasy beyond fantasy.'

    AL HIBBLER:

    'He wouldn't let anybody touch me, he had a way of bringing me on stage, he called me, just do this, 'Walk towards me,' and I'd walk towards him. I'm the straightest walker you've ever seen in your life, and I'd walk to him, walk me out on stage and he'd take his shoulder and put it against mine and when we get to the mike, he just turn his shoulder like that and a lot of people actually believed I could see for a long time.'

    Ben Ratliffe's Hibbler obituary says he was born in Tyro, Miss. J.C. Marion, in Remembering Al Hibbler, has the family moving to Little Rock in 1927.
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17
    • Nicholson, p.250, quoting
      • Duke Ellington's handwritten notes for his autobiography Music is My Mistress, SI-NMAH DEC301 Series 5 Box #5, Folder 6
      • Al Hibbler interview on Duke Ellington... and his Famous Orchestra, BBC-TV, courtesy The National Sound Archive, The British Library.
    • Broadway, by Jack O'Brian:
      • The Sandusky Register-Star-News, Sandusky, Ohio,
        1946-02-15
      • The Southwest Times, Pulaski, Va.
        1946-02-21 p.4
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2017-11-11
    2022-01-23
    1915 10 11
    Monday
    1915 10 15Washington, D.C.American League Ball Park Peripheral event
    W.E.B.Du Bois' 3 hour, 5 scene pageant The Star of Ethiopia, with 1,000 local actors and 200 choristers, was staged on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings of this week. The audience filled the grandstand and left field bleachers each night.

    The program said "The Story of the Pageant covers 10,000 years and more of the history of the Negro race and its work and suffering..."

    The Afro American Ledger's review says
    "The one idea that dominates the whole is that the Negro has a past of which he should be proud."

    Tucker says it isn't known if Ellington, then 16, attended but he worked at the ball park as a youngster and rehearsals were held at his school.
    • The Afro American Ledger 1915-10-16
    • Tucker, Early Years, pp 7-8
    ...djpNew
    added 2012-12-30
    1915 11 29
    Monday
    1967 05 31Dayton, Ohio.Birth of composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn.Mary Pettis Sanford, Strayhorn, William (Billy) Thomas, Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, William S. Powell, ed., University of North Carolina Press, 1994 Published on NCpedia...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10

    1916

    1916 00 00... Peripheral event
    Before finishing high school (MIMM) or in his senior year (Tucker), Ellington was offered a scholarship to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NJ, after winning a poster art competition.

    Marcus Girvan (http://ellingtonia.com) and Vail date this as 1916.
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM p.32
    • Tucker, Early Years, p.46
    • Vail I
    ...djpNew
    added 2012-09-02
    1916 05 16.Birmingham, Ala..Birth of trumpeter Wilbur "Dud" Bascomb (1916 05 16 - 1972 12 25), who was in the Ellington orchestra from February to December 1947. His October 1940 draft registration card says he was 5'5", and 142 pounds.Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2021-03-09
    1916 09 12.Greenville, S.C..Birth of high note trumpet specialist William Alonzo "Cat" Anderson, 1916 09 12 - 1981 04 29
    • Strong section leader and soloist.
    • Anderson's parents died when Cat was four, so he and his little brother grew up in Jenkins' Orphanage, Charleston, S.C.
    • According to biographer Rado, Anderson was allergic to cats. His nickname came either from the way he fought a schoolyard bully, or due to the characteristics of his eyes..
    • His middle name is spelled Alonza on his 1940 draft registration card, which gives his height as 5'6" weight 148 lbs. and with a scar on his right leg.
    • First went on the road in 1929 as part of a band of orphanage teens known as the Cotton Pickers, not related to McKinney's Cotton Pickers. Played in several big bands, including Claude Hopkins and Lionel Hampton before joining Ellington (see 1944 09 01).
    • Left Ellington in 1947, led his own band for two years. Returned to Ellington in November 1950.
    • Free-lanced 1959-1961 and after 1971, worked with the Ellington orchestra intermittently.
    • Died of a brain tumour.
    • Stanley Dance's 1967 autobiographical interview of Anderson is found at pages 144 to 153 of Dance's The World of Duke Ellington.
    • Alexandre Rado's 1994 Cat biography is found at pp. 3, 4 and 8 of DEMS 94/4.
    ..DEMS
    94-4
    .djpNew
    added
    2016-10-22
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2022-02-02
    2023-06-04
    2023-06-05

    1917

    1917 00 00.Washington, D.C..In 1917 Ellington was earning a living with music.

    Band personnel in 1917:
    • Arthur Whetsel, trumpet
    • Duke Ellington, piano
    • William Escoffery guitar
    • Otto Hardwick, string bass
    • Lloyd Stewart, drums
    • Lawrence , p.8
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, 1991 p.28
    • Frank Dutton, Birth of a Band, Storyville magazine 80, Dec. 1978-January 1979, p.46, citing
      • Ulanov (ibid.)
      • Duke Ellington, MIMM
      • John Chilton, Who's Who of Jazz
    ...djp 2011-12-28
    updated 2012-03-15
    2014-04-02
    1917 00 00...The Cambridge Companion chronology says, without naming a source, that Ellington's band played with banjoist Elmer Snowden in 1917. Steven Lasker:

    Source is Austin Lawrence, p406: "Winter 1917, Arthur Whetsel on trumpet and Otto ("Toby") Hardwick on saxophone join Duke's teenage band. They also play with local banjoist Elmer Snowden."

    Frank Dutton, Birth of a Band, Storyville 80, p.47 says "Elmer Snowden, bj, arrived in Washington, 1919; Sonny Greer, d, arrived late 1919"
    • Cambridge Companion, p.xiii
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-03-04
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-03-18
    updated
    2015-04-18
    2017-04-26
    1917 00 00...The Cambridge Companion chronology says, without naming a source, that Ellington began a romance with Edna Thompson in 1917. Steven Lasker:

    Source is Austin Lawrence, p406: "Spring 1917, Duke drops out of high school, begins an affair with Edna Thompson, a neighborhood girl."

    This is consistent with Mercer Ellington:

    'They had met while he was still going to Armstrong, a kind of rough high school.'

    • Cambridge Companion, p.xiii
    • M. Ellington, DEIP, p.9
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-03-04
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-03-18
    updated
    2015-04-18
    2017-04-26
    1917 02 00...Ellington drops out of school in February 1917, earns money painting posters and making music....djpNew
    added 2012-09-02
    1917 03 16
    Friday
    .Omaha, Neb..Birth of Alvin Redrick "Junior" Raglin (1917 03 16 - 1955 11 10), bassist, who would replace Jimmie Blanton in late 1941. He registered for the draft on Oct. 16, 1940, at age 23. His draft registration card says he was 5'11" and 195 lbs.

    When he registered he lived in San Franciso, working for Veren Brown and Louie Verett at Club Alabam. The draft registration card has several changes of address over the next two years, and has a note dated May 22, 1942 saying "Leaving on Tour. Contact him when required thru wife in Los A".
    Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17....djpNew
    added
    2012 10 11
    updated
    2017-01-25
    2017-06-18
    2020-07-13
    1917 04 06
    Friday
    1918 11 11.. Peripheral event
    The United States declared war on Germany, entering the world war, which had been underway for nearly three years already.

    Vail I says Ellington, turning 18 that month, was too young to register for the draft. In 1917, the U.S. draft was for men between 21 and 30, and it was expanded to cover 18-45s in August 1918. Ellington registered the following month.
    Wikipedia re Selective Service Act of 1917...Lasker/djpNew
    added 2012-08-05
    updated
    2014-08-17
    1917 05 25
    Friday
    .Dillon, S.C..Birth of clarinetist/tenor sax man Jimmy Hamilton
    • Jimmy was born in Dillon, S.C. but the family moved to Philadelphia when he was five.
    • His father, an amateur musician, brought home a baritone horn when Jimmy was six. Growing up Jimmy played the baritone, piano, trumpet, saxophone and (Boehm system) clarinet. Hamilton also played flute, but there is no indication he performed with it in Ellington's band.
    • Hamilton's father died when Jimmy was 12.
    • Jimmy moved to New York around age twenty, studying clarinet with Leo Russianoff. In 1943 he told a writer, Bob Thiele, that he wanted to emulate Benny Goodman's technique.
    • Reed says his first New York work was with the Jimmy Mundy band; Haufman says he made his professional debut on trumpet, and his first engagement of real importance was with the Frank Fairfax group in 1937, replacing Charlie Shavers.
    • Reed says that after transferring to New York A.F.of M. Local 802 in 1940, Hamilton worked with Teddy Wilson, Eddie Heywood, Benny Carter and Dave Martin. Haufman has him playing with Lucky Millinder, Eddie Heywood, Jimmy Mundy and Bill Doggett in 1939 and joining Wilson's sextet in 1940.
    • In May 1943 he joined Ellington, replacing Chauncey Haughton, who in turn had replaced Bigard.
    • Herr Haufman says Ellington recordings featuring Jimmy are too numerous to list in his article, but he specifically singles out Air Conditioned Jungle, Ad Lib on Nippon, The Tattooed Bride, September 12th Blues, Pretty and the Wolf and Tenderly.
    • Haufman discusses the differences in Hamilton's clarinet and tenor sax styles, and quotes Ellington's nephew as saying Hamilton carried a locking mini-bar on the road so he could sell drinks to other band members.
    • Reed says Jimmy began thinking about quitting Ellington about 5 years before he left. Various reasons included the travel and Ellington's failure to credit him for compositions, including as co-composer of Ad Lib on Nippon. The culminating incident appeared to be in March 1968 when Jimmy refused to travel from Las Vegas to Washington D.C. on a day off to perform in an Ellington small group at the White House state dinner for the Liberian president.
    • While Reed says he quit "the next time the band was in New York, July 1968," the Ellington octet which began a residency there at the Rainbow Grill in late May did not include Jimmy.
    • Hamilton freelanced in New York until moving to the Virgin Islands in 1970.
    • He died September 20 1994 in the Virgin Islands, leaving behind a son, four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
    • Thomas T. Reed, JIMMY HAMILTON AND RUSSELL PROCOPE: THE CLARINET SOLOISTS OF THE DUKE ELLINGTON ORCHESTRA, 1943-1974, doctoral thesis, Ohio State University 1995, citing
      • K.Setlow, interview with Jimmy Hamilton (transcript), 1983-08 Oral History, American Music Project, #580 a,b,c. New Haven: Yale University
      • M. Greenlee, interview with Jimmy Hamilton (tape abstract and index), 1991-03-26, Duke Ellington Oral History Project, Interview NMAH-AC #368. Washington: Archives Center, SI-NMAH
      • J.L.Collier, Duke Ellington. New York: Oxford University Press 1987
      • B. Aasland, The "Wax Works" Of Duke Ellington: 31 July 1942 - 11 November 1944, The Recording Ban Period, DEMS: Jarfalla, Sweden, 1979
      • G. Schuller, The Swing Era, New York: Oxford University Press, 1989.
      • I. Carr, D. Fairweather & B. Priestley, Jimmy Hamilton In Jazz: The Essential Companion, New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1988
      • I. Townsend, When Duke Records, (1960), in M. Tucker, The Duke Ellington Reader, pp. 319-324, New York, Oxford University Press (1993).
    • Duke Ellington Society of Sweden, Bulletin Nr 3, September 2015
      • Bo Haufman, Jimmy Hamilton, Duke's great clarinet soloist
      • The Jimmy Hamilton Discography
      • Said of Jimmy Hamilton (comments by others)
    • The Billboard, 1943-05-22 pp. 21,24
    • Variety 1943-05-26 p.4
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2015-09-14
    2015-10-01
    2015-10-15
    1917 06 05
    Tuesday
    .Chicago, Ill..Peripheral event
    On June 5, 1917 all American men between 21 and 30 were required to register for military service.

    Wellman Braud, future Ellington bassist, registered for this draft. His draft registration card, dated 6-5-17, shows he was 26, married, living at 1344 W.61 St. Chicago and working as a laborer at Swift & Co. in the [Union] stock yards. He was described as medium height, medium build, dark brown eyes, black hair.
    ....djpNew
    added
    2020-07-18
    1917 12 26.Camden, N.J..Birth of drummer George Edward "Butch" Ballard
    • Chilton, MacHare and The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz say Ballard was born in 1917 but his obituaries in the Philadelphia Daily News 2011-10-10 and The Philadelphia Inquirer 2011-10-09 give his age as 92, suggesting Butch was born in 1918.
    • The Guardian explicitly dates his birth as Dec. 26, 1918.
    • His age is 32 in the June 1950 passenger list for the S. S. De Grasse, meaning he was born in 1917, not 1918.
    • His draft registration card shows 1917 with a handwritten 8 over the 7, and his 1950 Pennsylvania application for World War II Compensation shows December 26, 1917.
    Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-17...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-18
    2021-08-23

    1918

    1918 00 00.Washington, D.C..Ellington gets a telephone and forms a band, The Duke's Serenaders. He advertises

    Irresistable Jass
    The Duke's Serenaders
    Colored Syncopaters' '

    in the telephone directory.
    In 1918, he had several bands working in and around Washington. Dutton says the 1918 band personnel were
    • Arthur Whetsel, trumpet
    • "Brother" Miller, C-melody sax
    • Duke Ellington, piano
    • Bill Miller, banjo, guitar, banjorene
    • Otto Hardwick, string bass
    • Felix Miller, drums
    While Dutton didn't know "Brother" Miller's given name, Tucker calls him 'Devil' Miller and says their father was James E. Miller. According to the 1920 census, the family was James, 49, Lizzie, 42, James 23, William, 22 and Felix, 19. James, Sr., a music teacher, formed a community band and was a member of the Crescendo Club. Later he helped found an AF of M local for black musicians.
    ....New
    added 2012-12-29
    1918 06 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y..Peripheral event
    One June 5, 1918 all American men who had turned 21 after June 5, 1917 were required to register for military service.

    Frederick Guy, , future Ellington banjoist/guitarist, registered in this draft. His draft registration card, dated June 5-'18, shows
    • he was 21
    • he and his father Wm. Guy were born in Nottaway Co., Va.
    • his address was initially shown as 25 West 135 St., but changed to 68 W.142 St. (New York)
    • employed at Warner's Sugar Factory, Edgewater, N.J.
    • he was tall, with a medium build, brown eyes and brown hair.
    • his draft registration card had the bottom left corner torn off to show he was designated for service in a segregated unit.
    Guy was inducted in New York on September 26, 1918 and served as a private with "152 Dep Brig" until October 18, 1918, then in "Co I 63 Pion Inf to disch." His army serial number was 4,171,741 and he was honorably discharged on demobilization on December 18, 1918. He did not serve overseas.
    ....djpNew
    added
    2020-07-18
    1918 07 02
    Tuesday
    ...Life event
    Ellington married Edna Thompson. Mercer wrote 'I was expected, out of wedlock, so my father and mother had to get together,' but if his March 11, 1919 birthdate is correct, he was born 252 days (8 months and 9 days) after the wedding.
    ...djpNew
    added 2012-09-02
    updated
    2015-04-18
    2015-05-25
    2021-12-28
    1918 09 12
    Thursday
    .Washington, D.C..In August 1918 the U.S. draft expanded to cover ages 18 to 45. Edward Kennedy Ellington registered for the draft, having a home address of 1955 3rd St. N.W., Washington D.C. He is described as Negro, Native born, Height 5/11, Build Slender, Color of Eyes Brown, Color of Hair, Brown. He is shown as a messenger employed by the Federal Govt., at Chief Staff - War Dept. Wash. D.C. and his nearest relative is Edna C. Ellington at the same address. (Note he does not yet appear to have finished growing.)....djpNew
    added 2014-08-17
    1918 10 05.Chattanooga, Tenn..Birth of bassist James Harvey ("Jimmie") Blanton who would join the band on November 3, 1939 after working in Fate Marable's band.

    See details at 1939 11 03
    U.S. Social Security Act application for account, IRS form SS-5, numbered 086-12-5203, signed Nov. 22, 1939....djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    2014-10-07
    1918 11 11...Peripheral event
    The Great War (World War 1) drew to a close in late 1918. Armistices were signed by Bulgaria on 1918 09 29 and by the Ottoman Empire on 1918 10 30. Austria and Hungary signed separate armistaces on 1918 11 03. A ceasefire came into effect when Germany signed an armistice on 1918 11 11. The war officially ended in 1919.
    ....djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    1918 11 24. Glasgow, Mo..Birth of William Strethen"Wild Bill" Davis (1918 11 24 - 1995 08 17), organ and piano.Email, S.Lasker 2017-06-17....djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    2017-06-18
    2021-03-09

    1919

    1919 00 00.Washington, D.C..1919 band personnel per Dutton:
    • Arthur Whetsel, trumpet
    • Otto Hardwick, C-melody sax
    • Duke Ellington, piano
    • Sterling Conaway, banjorene
    • Bill Jones, drums
    Elmer Snowden, banjo, arrived in Washington in 1919.

    Sonny Greer arrived in late 1919, playing in the Howard Theatre, and became friends with Ellington.

    Harry White, trombone, "c," saxes, occasionally gigged with Duke around this time. The "c" likely means cornet. Chilton lists his instruments as trombone, saxes, and cornet, and describes him as a composer and arranger as well; Rosenkrantz says he was a multi-instrumentalist. See the discussion in 1929 about his work with Ellington at the Cotton Club before Juan Tizol was hired.
    ...djp(New)
    added 2012-03-15
    updated 2014-04-02
    2014-08-16
    2014-08-19
    2014-09-01
    2014-12-14
    2015-02-05
    2015-10-02
    Circa
    1919 09 20
    .Washington, D.C.2728 Sherman Ave.Ellington's home from 1919 to 1922 was 2728 Sherman according to a plaque on the house. This agrees with the Ellington family 1920 U.S. Census entry, enumerated 1920 01 07. It appears Duke bought the house on or shortly before Sept. 20: The Washington Post:

    REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS
    ...
    2728 SHERMAN AVENUE NOIRTHWEST – Francis A. Morth et ux to Edward K. Ellington, lot 27, square 2478, $10

    The $10 may be the fee for registering the transfer, all the other entries in this column also show $10 at the end.
    ...djpadded 2015-08-13
    updated
    2016-02-14
    2023-09-25
    1919 00 00
    .Washington, D.C..Ellington studies harmony with Henry L. Grant. According to PBS, Grant was one of Washington's most important black musicians. He studied music at New York University and was one of the first graduates of the Washington Conservatory of Music, was director of the Washington Conservatory of Music, and in 1919 helped found the National Association of Negro Musicians....djp(New)
    added 2013-06-03
    1919 01 01
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 02
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 03
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 04
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 05
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 06
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 07
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 08
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 09
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 10
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 11
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 12
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 13
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 14
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 15
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 16
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 17
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 18
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 19
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 20
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 21
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 22
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 23
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 24
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 25
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 26
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 27
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 28
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 29
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 30
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 01 31
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 01
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 02
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 03
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 04
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 05
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 06
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 07
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 08
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 09
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 10
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 11
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 12
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 13
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 14
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 15
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 16
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 17
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 18
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 19
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 20
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 21
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 22
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 23
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 24
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 25
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 26
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 27
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 02 28
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 01
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 02
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 03
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 04
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 05
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 06
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 07
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 08
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 09
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 10
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 11
    Tuesday
    ...Life event
    Birth of first Ellington baby

    The young Edward and Edna Ellington's first and only surviving child, Mercer Kennedy Ellington, was born.

    Mercer:

    'After a short spell with my father and mother, I was left with my grandfather and grandmother in Washington, while they went off to New York. Thus my relationship with my parents was rather remote except during the summers, when I would go to New York for two or three months. I guess this went on for about eight years, because I was nine when they definitely separated.'

    • New Desor, p.1458
    • Vail I
    • M. Ellington, DEIP, pp.16, 17
    • The Washington Times, Washington, D.C.
      1919-03-15 p.4 (Evening edition)
      courtesy S.Bowie
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-09-02
    2015-04-18
    2015-05-25
    2019-08-20
    2021-09-18
    2022-11-01
    1919 03 11
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 12
    Wednesday
    .Camp Meade, Md.
    (Camp Meade is not to be confused with similarly named camps in other locations. It was segregated and built in 1917 near Annapolis Junction, about 30 miles northwest of Annapolis and more or less 20 miles north-northeast of Washington, on the way to Baltimore.)
    Colored hostess house
    near Midway station.

    'The Headquarters Sanitary Corps, self-named "The Briar Boys," ... gave a very creditable entertainment and dance Wednesday, March 12, at the colored hostess house, near the Midway station.
      Mrs. Gilbert of Baltimore, chaperoned a party of Baltimore girls out, and, together with quite a number of their kind from Washington and Philadelphia, gave the boys a swell time.
      There was nothing spared to make the affair a success. Duke Ellington's jazz band furnished the music and take it from the writer, Duke certainly did "Jazz" some that night.
      Refreshments were served in the nature of ice cream, cake, cocoa and punch, and no one went away without a plenty except a certain William Palmer...who took a fancy to the maraschino cherries served in the punch, and wishing more of them, asked that they put some more of "them red pickles" in his punch...'

    Trench and Camp, Camp Meade Edition
    1919-03-27 p.4
    courtesy Arne Neegaard, 2023
    ....New
    added
    2023-09-22
    1919 03 13
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 14
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 15
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 16
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 17
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 18
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 15
    2017 11 22Armavir, Russia.Birth of George Avakian, who would become head of Columbia Records' popular music division and who would produce records for many of the greats, including Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong and, of course, Duke Ellington.
    .
    ....djpNew
    added
    2017-11-22
    1919 03 19
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 20
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 21
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 22
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 23
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 24
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 25
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 26
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 27
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 28
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 29
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 30
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 03 31
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 01
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 02
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 03
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 04
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 05
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 06
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 07
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 08
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 09
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 10
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 11
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 12
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 13
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 14
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 15
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 16
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 17
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 18
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 19
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 20
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 21
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 22
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 23
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 24
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 25
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 26
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 27
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 28
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 29
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 04 30
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 01
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 02
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 03
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 04
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 05
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 06
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 07
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 08
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 09
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 10
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 11
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 12
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 13
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 14
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 15
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 16
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 17
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 18
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 19
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 20
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 21
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 22
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 23
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 24
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 25
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 26
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 27
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 28
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 29
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 05 30
    Friday
    .Washington, D.C.Odd Fellows Hall
    1606 M St. N.W.

    'Come out Decoration Day with
    THE VICTORY CLUB
    BIG MATINEE AND RECEPTION
    at ODD FELLOWS HALL 1606 M Street, Northwest
    Friday Afternoon and Evening, May 30, 1919
    Duke Ellington's Jazz Matinee – 3.45 to 7.45 P.M.
    Admission 30 Cents
    Doc Perry's Section of Capital City Clef Club at Night
    8.30 to 1.30 A.M.
    Night Admission 50 Cents '

    Clipping, WAshington Tribune 1919-05-24 reprinted in Ellingtonia, the Newsletter of the Duke Ellington Society, November 2001...djpNew
    added
    2015-10-06
    1919 05 31
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 06 01
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 06 02
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 06 03
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 06 04
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 06 05
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1919 06 06
    Friday
    .Washington, D.C.Center Market Colosseum
    Ninth St. & Pennsylvania Ave.

    BY THE NEW MASONIC HALL COPROORATION
    CENTER MARKET COLOSSEUM
    Ninth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 6, 1919, from 8 P.M. until 2 A.M.
         Literary and Musical Program, one hour, by the following contributing artists: Mr. Frank B. Williams, composer of "Jessaline;" Mrs. Louise Mills Brown, Dr. C. Sumner Wormley, and others. Come and whirl the hours away, for pleasure is assured.

    MUSIC BY DUKE ELLINGTON'S SERENADERS
    Edward K. Ellington, Director

         The public is especially invited. Your comfort will be our effort. Craftmen and Honored Ladies, remember the cause for which we are laboring.

    DANCING UNTIL 2 A.M. REFRESHMENTS IN ABUNDANCE.

    COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS:
    ...
    CARD OF ADMISSION - - $1.00
    ...

    • Washington Bee, Washington, D.C.
      • 1919-05-24 p.5
      • 1919-05-31 p.5
    • Tucker, Early Years, p.60
    ...djp(New)
    Added
    2011-12-28
    updated
    2020-09-20
    1919 06 07
    Saturday
    1916 12 31
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented......
    1919 11 04
    Tuesday
    1974 01 26Atlantic City, N.J..Birth of bassist Joe Benjamin.....djpNew
    added
    2019-11-04

    1920

    1920 00 00.Washington, D.C..Vail I has Ellington meeting Sonny Greer this year, and learning
  • Carolina Shout
  • by slowing down a piano roll and playing with it until he had the piece perfected.

    Greer and Ellington met the previous year.
    Vail I...djpNew
    added 2013-06-03
    2019-08-20
    1920 00 00.Washington, D.C..Life event
    Birth of second Ellington baby

    Various sources say Edna and Duke Ellington had a second baby in 1920 but it died in infancy. This tragedy is not mentioned in either Duke's autobiography nor Mercer's biography of his father, but in her March 1959 Ebony magazine interview at page 134, Edna said:

    'Then the second baby came. It was too close to the first and died.'

    • Ulanov (ibid.) p.19
    • Hasse (ibid.) p.49
    • Cambridge Companion (ibid.) p.xiii
    • Lawrence (ibid.) p.406
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist
    • Ancestry.ca
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-03-18
    updated
    2015-05-25
    2017-04-26
    2017-12-18
    2019-08-20
    2021-09-19
    1920 01 01
    Thursday
    1920 02 15
    Sunday
    .activities not documented......
    1920 01 07.Washington, D.C.2728 Sherman Ave.Place of residence:
    The 1920 U.S. Census, enumerated Jan. 7 1920, has Edward K. Ellington, Edna C. Ellington and Mercer K. Ellington living at 2728 Sherman Avenue. Their household included three lodgers.
    Fourteenth Census of the United Sttes: 1920-Population, Washington City, Precinct No. 10...djpNew
    added
    2019-08-20
    1920 01 09
    Friday
    .Wilmington, Del..Birth of singer Betty Roché (1920 01 19 - 1999 02 16)

    Lasker:

    'Mary Elizabeth Roach was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and raised in Atlantic City from the age of six until she was fourteen. She won an amateur contest at the Apollo Theatre in New York at seventeen (per liner notes to Bethlehem Records BCP-64.) Ellington suggested her stage name.'

    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-18
    • Obituary by Steve Voce
    • New York Times obituary, reprinted in DEMS 99/1 p.2
    • Duke Ellington Society of Sweden Bulletin Nr 4, November 2011, p.4
    .
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    updated
    2017-06-20
    1920 01 19
    Monday
    .United States. Peripheral event
    Prohibition became law throughout the United States in January 1920, banning the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Repealed in December 1933, prohibition undoubtedly had an impact on the entertainment industry and Ellington's life. The Cotton Club, for example, was owned by gangster Owney Madden and thrived. Ellington's lengthy engagement in that club made him famous nationally.
    ....djp2012-07-30
    1920 01 24.St. Louis, Mo..Birth of James Robert (Jimmy) Forrest (1920 01 24 -1980 08 26), tenor sax with Ellington from May 1949 to February 1950. In 1951 he recorded a single, Night Train, which became a hit in 1952. It uses a theme from Ellington's Happy-Go-Lucky Local, which in turn used a theme from That's the Blues, Old Man. Forrest's surname is spelled with only one "r" on the United label of Night Train....djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    updated
    2017-06-20
    2017-10-31
    1920 02 16
    Monday
    .Washington, D.C.Odd Fellows' [sic] Hall
    M street between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets northwest
    The Washington Bee:

    'The Strollers will give the greatest ball that has ever been held in this city at Odd Fellows' Hall, M street between Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets northwest, on Monday evening, February 16th, featuring three halls, five orchestras and five entertainers. The orchestras are: Howard Theater Orchestra, Joe Rochester's Orchestra, of Baltimore; Miss Gertrude Well's Society Jazz; 351st Jazz Band, recently returned from France, and Duke Ellington's Society Jazz. Continuous music; no intermission. One price will admit guests to the three halls. Entree, 60 cents. Dancing from 8 p.m. t 1 a.m.'

    The Washington Bee, Washington, D.C.
    1920-02-07 p.4
    ...djpNew
    added
    2020-09-20
    1920 02 17
    Tuesday
    1920 03 18
    Thursday
    .activities not documented......
    1920 03 19
    Friday
    .Washington, D.C..Date of Greer's first gig with Ellington.Frank Dutton, Birth of a Band, as above, citing
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM
    • Record Research 128
    • John Chilton, Who's Who of Jazz
    ...djpNew
    added 2014-04-02
    1920 03 20
    Saturday
    1920 09 05
    Sunday
    .activities not documented......
    1920 07 12
    Monday
    .Brockton, Mass..Birth of tenor sax star Paul Gonsalves, who died May 15, 1974 in England. His body was returned to the United States and rested in the same funeral home as that of Tyree Glenn. Ellington died in the early morning of May 24, and for a few minutes that day, all three were in the same funeral home.
    Mercer Ellington:

    'You had to wage psychological battles to get things done. I had to prod [Duke] to decision through disagreement.
      Paul Gonsalves knew about that, too. When he really wanted to blow or there was someone in the audience he wanted to impress, his trick was to come in and act real drunk. He knew that any time he did this Ellington would drive him and make him play two or three solos back to back. To make it harder, Ellington would increase tempos and put him through paces that would call on every bit of his mental and technical ability, all in order to make him seem ridiculous. The greatest punishment for Paul would be to go out front to face the audience and then to return to his chair, having been proved ineffectual. But sometimes after he had pulled his act, Paul would turn around from the piano when Pop wasn't looking and wink at me over his left shoulder! His little trick had worked. '

    Art Luby wrote a play about Paul Gonsalves in 2012.

    The State Department report of Paul's death said his remains were transported by air to the funeral home on May 21, 1974 and named his wife, Mrs. Jo Anne Gonsalves, and his children, Marlena and Paul Jr.
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated 2014-07-24
    2015-10-01
    2016-06-25
    2017-10-31
    2020-07-09
    2021-06-03
    2021-06-18
    2021-09-27
    1920 09 06
    Monday
    .Washington, D.C.Dunbar High SchoolThe Washington Bee:

    'Mr. Jay Clifford is featuring Duke Ellington's Jazzers at Dunbar High School September 6.'


    The Washington Bee, Washington, D.C.
    1920-09-04 p.8
    ...djpNew
    added
    2020-09-20
    1920 09 07
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 09 08
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 09 09
    Thursday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 09 10
    Friday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 09 11
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 09 12
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 09 13
    Monday
    .Fairmount Heights, Md.New Fairmount ParkReception and dance in honour of the club, patrons and friends of the park.

    'The music for Monday night, the 13th, will be furnished by DUKE ELLINGTON assisted by DOC PERRY... '

    Washington Bee, 1920-09-11, p.4...djpNew
    added
    2013-09-05
    1920 09 14
    Tuesday
    1920 12 31
    Friday
    .activities not documented......
    1920 10 24
    Sunday
    .St. Louis, Mo..Birth of Wendell Lewis Marshall, (1920 10 24 - 2002 02 06), bassist.

    Wendell was a first cousin of Jimmie Blanton. He told Down Beat:

    'When Jimmy [sic] left St. Louis, he left a bass behind - a little half-sized fiddle. It lay around for about half a year, and the more Jimmy played with Duke, the more my interest in that bass grew. I picked it up finally and for six months practiced with the radio and with records, and then I played some non-union gigs at school. I joined the union in December, 1941, and I got with Lionel Hampton about that time. My being hired by Hampton was more or less a publicity stunt, I guess, because I was Jimmy's cousin - I'd only been playing about seven months. I stayed three or four months with Hampton, then went back to school...'

    Wendell was hired for Mercer Ellington's orchestra in 1948 and after four months, transferred to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. When he was in Duke's orchestra, he played Blanton's full-sized European-made bass which Jimmie's mother gave him after Jimmie's death.

    Additional information in Marshall's obituary:
    • His mother played piano and mandolin and an aunt played piano and led several bands in Chattanooga.
    • Held a bachelor's degree from Lincoln University, Jefferson City
    • Served in the army during WWII.
    • Leaving Ellington in 1955, he went to New York where he recorded with many, playing on more than 150 albums as well as playing in Broadway musical orchestra pits.
    • Retired in 1970, returned to St. Louis, working as an insurance agent and in his own insurance business.
    • Member of the Greater Ville Neighborhood Association.
    • Was a deacon at Christ Temple Cathedral Church of Christ Holiness for many years, and since 1999, deacon at Garden of Gethsemane Baptist Church in St. Louis./li>
    • Survived by three daughters and two grandsons.
    ....djpNew
    added
    2014-11-20
    updated
    2017-06-20
    2022-07-01
    1920 11 00
    .Washington, D.C.Central Coliseum

    'Duke Ellington's Orchestra will render the melodies for the breakfast prom at the Central Coliseum in honor of the Lincoln boys.'

    No other information has been found. This may have been a morning dance November 25 in honour of the Lincoln University football team which was to play a Thanksgiving Day afternoon game against Howard University, but that is just a guess.
    The Washington Bee, Washington, D.C.
    1920-11-20 p.3
    ...djpNew
    added
    2023-09-22
    1920 11 20
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 11 21
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 11 22
    Monday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 11 23
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 11 24
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 11 25
    Thursday
    ..activities not documented......
    1920 12 05.Evanston, Ill..Birth of Kay Davis (1920 12 05 - 2012 01 27), vocalist, christened Katherine McDonald.

    Kay Davis photo
    Mrs.Kay Davis
    Click to Enlarge
    Miss Davis studied voice and piano at Northwestern University, where she received her bachelor's degree in 1942 and her masters in 1943.

    Kay was featured in high, wordless vocals. She joined Ellington in 1944 and in 1948 accompanied Ellington and Ray Nance to the U.K. and Continent as a cabaret act. She stayed in the band until it finished its 1950 European tour.

    Vail has her leaving the band July 14, 1950, without naming a source.

    Davis was interviewed by Dr. Marcia Greenlee for the Smithsonian's oral history. She described her departure:

    '...
    Greenlee: Ah, what were the circumstances of your leaving the band? And when did this take place?

    Davis: I wanted to get married, [laugh] I left, soon as we came back Europe. I came back and I never went back to New York.

    Greenlee: What was his response to your leaving?

    Davis: I didn't get any response. I just - I left, I truly just got on the plane that came back and I think I called Celley or somebody.

    Greenlee: Saying that you'd -[both at once]

    Davis: Uh huh, uh huh. That wasn't too nice [laugh] but we were on a little vacation then, I think. There weren't any dates that I remember, coming right here.

    Greenlee: Did you feel some distance from him, to do that? I mean, you didn't WANT to have goodbyes?

    Davis: I think that I was just so anxious to make it FINAL, I didn't want to feel like I had to go back. Cuz I had -all those years, I kept saying I was going to leave and finally I said, "I MUST do this now." '


    While she said she flew back, she is on the passenger list for the 1950 return voyage by sea. Miss Davis married Chicago accountant Lt. Col. Edward D. Wimp, Jr. on July 24, 1950.

    Some early 1951 concert announcements show she was to sing, but this is yet to be confirmed; it may be that her name appears because the publicity packages were sent out before she left the band. Kay told one source who prefers not to be named that Duke invited her to sing in a concert but didn't use her although she appeared.
    • SI-NMAH Oral History Collection - Interview, Greenlee-Kay Davis 1989-10-13, Transcript, p.92, courtesy C. Windheuser, Smithsonian Reference Services volunteer, 2017-04-21
    • Cook County, Ill. Marriage Index, 1930-1960, Edward Wimop [sic] and Katheryn Davis, marriage licence C40C64D1-0C3B-4734-B5D1-D0DEF7364392 (per http:s//Ancestry.ca)
    • Report of wedding, The Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh, Penn.
      1950-08-12 p.21
    • S.S. De Grasse passenger list for the westbound cross-Atlantic voyage from June 21-30, 1959.
    • Obituary by Steve Voce
    • Obituary, New York Times
    • Carrie Moea Brown: Beauty, Jazz and Dreams: Kathryn Wimp's Musical Journey With Duke Ellington
    • Vail II p.4
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    2017-01-25
    2017-01-26
    2017-04-22
    2018-10-19
    1920 12 14...Birth of trumpeter Clark Terry (1920 12 14 – 2015 02 21....djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated 2015-02-24

    1921

    1921 00 00.Washington D.C..Elmer Snowden's undated introduction to Rex Stewart, printed in Boy Meets Horn by Rex Stewart, edited by Claire P. Gordon, says:

    "I first knew Rex in Washington, D.C. that was back in 1920, and I had just about the most popular band in town, in my band was Otto - Hardwick, Art Whetsel, Eddie Ellington, who became known as "Duke Ellington," later.

    "We played all of the Dancce [sic] Halls and worked almost every night.

    "One night we were playing Murrays Casino and a band of younger fellows came in to audition to try out for some dates. That was a crazy bunch of kids led by a piano player named Ollie - Blackwell. They called themselves the "Clowns Band" and sat on the Floor or jumped up on the piano while playing. We did not think much of them, but we did notice Bernard Addison the Band-Man, and the kid in whort [sic] pants, who did not blow good, but he sure was loud!!!!

    "Well the years passed and the next time I saw Rex, we both were in N.Y. There had been the split up of my original Washingtonians..."

    Stewart's autobiography begins:

    '...Going back to 1921, when I was one of the seven young members of Ollie Blackwell's clowns, I stayed in music all my life. 1921 was a momentous year for us members of Ollie Blackwell's Ragtime Clowns because we were actually part of a show! ...

    "...Washington, DC, in 1921 was the right time and place for me to hear music. I don't think there were many towns with more dance halls than Washington,..." (discusses battles of the bands, then)

    "... At any rate my first awareness of this delightful phenomenon was at the Lincoln Colonnades. There were three bands, but the main battle was between Doc Perry and Sam Taylor. The third outfit was only a pick-up group with Duke Ellington on piano, a fellow named Tobin on C-melody sax, Otto Hardwicke on bass violin and Stick-A-Makum on drums. There were others in the band too, but I don't recall their names or faces...'

    ....djpNew
    added
    2013-02-25
    2015-07-03
    1921 01 01
    Saturday

    Sunday
    ..activities not documented......
    1921 01 10
    Monday
    .Washington, D.C.Stoddard Baptist HomeLife event
    Duke Ellington's paternal grandfather, James Ellington, resident of the District for more than forty years, died Monday at Stoddard Baptist Home. The Washington Times obituary said he was born in 1833 but the "Deaths Reported" column of the Evening Star gave his age as 90. The funeral was to be Thursday afternoon at John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church. He was survived by five daughters and threee sons.
    • The Washington Times, Washington, D.C.
      1921-01-12 p.19
    • The Evening Star, Washington, D.C.
      1921-01-14 p.11
    ...djpNew
    added
    2022-08-04
    1921 01 10
    Monday
    1921 01 31
    Monday
    ..activities not documented......
    1921 02 01
    Tuesday
    1921 02 28
    Monday
    ..activities not documented......
    1921 03 00.Washington, D.C..Ellington was still painting signs and posters for a living in late 1920 or early 1921.

    In January 1921, a young lady, Carrie or Clara Johnson, was found guilty of manslaughter for killing a police detective who broke into her home during Washington's 1919 race riot. Her lawyer filed a motion for a new trial and the Pollyanna Club, young women, mostly schoolteachers in D.C., held a fashion show to raise money for her defence. In March 1921 the Pollyanna Club posted a financial report detailing the expenses, which showed it paid $9 and $8 to "Duke" Ellington for handpainted placards and slides, respectively.

    While "Doc" Perry was paid $135 for the music, there is nothing in the report to suggest Ellington played in his group during this gig.
    • New York Age
      • 1921-01-22
      • 1921-08-21, p.3
    • The Washington Bee 1921-03-12
    • Washington Post
      • 1921-06-04
      • 1921-06-21
    ...djpNew
    added 2014-03-22
    1921 03 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Busoni's Balconnades BallroomA number of sources say Ellington and Sonny Greer went to New York in March 1921. The reports appear to have originated with Greer. While he and Duke may have gone to New York, the event as described could not have taken place until 1923.

    -see 1923 03 00 below.
    • The Cambridge Companion to Duke Ellington chronology says Ellington made his first trip to New York with Greer, Hardwick, Whetsel and Snowden in 1921, where Ellington would meet James P. Johnson, again, and Willie "The Lion" Smith.
    • Lawrence p.406 says:

      'March 10, 1921: Duke makes his first trip to New York, accompanied by Sonny Greer, Toby Hardwick, Artie Whetsol [sic], and Elmer Snowden.'

    • Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany:

      'Brooks Kerr tells me that Sonny Greer told him that "Sonny Greer's Washingtonians," which also included Hardwick and Ellington, first came to New York where they played for two or three weeks beginning 10Mar21 at Busoni's Balconnades Ballroom, on Broadway near West 65th St. Sonny also recalled that Dan Healy booked the room, Mr. Busoni helped the Washingtonians get their local 310 union cards, and the three bands which played Busoni's each night were the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, Phil Napoleon's Memphis Five and Sonny Greer's Washingtonians. (See Tucker's "Ellington: The Early Years," p289n3.)'

    • Tucker:

      'Greer may have been the one who lured Ellington to New York for a brief visit in 1921, when the two played at Busoni's Balconnade [sic] opposite the Original Dixieland Jazz Band...
       This is the only reference I have seen to an appearance by Ellington in New York at such an early date. Greer may have been referring to the Balconnades [sic] Ballroom, located near Broadway and 66th Street, which featured bands such as the Original Memphis Five and the New Orleans Five.'

    • Ken Steiner:

      'Although an early trip to New York seems possible, even likely, given the proximity of Washington, D.C. to New York City, the only indication of this trip to New York is Greer's recollection 58 years later in Tim Weiner's "Keeping Time with Sonny Greer" article in the Soho Weekly News (June 15, 1979).'

    • Ralph Wondraschek:
      'Re Ellington at Balconades in March 1921: I can definitively tell you that that date is impossible - the [Original Memphis Five] was in Montreal, Canada, the [Original Dixieland Jazz Band] at Follies Bergère - please refer to part 2 of my [Original Memphis Five] article in VJM.
        ...my research into the career of the Original Memphis Five excludes a March 1921 Ellington engagement at the Balconades Ballroom in NYC where he supposedly played opposite the [Original Memphis Five] & the [Original Dixieland Jazz Band]. At that time, the [Original Memphis Five] played an engagement at the Claridge Cabaret, Montreal, Canada, and the [Original Dixieland Jazz Band] appeared on their long-time job at Folies Bergère, NYC.
       ...March 1923 is, as far as I can ascertain, the most likely time period for Ellington's stay at the Balconades, as the [Original Memphis Five] then played there.
        Sixte Busoni opened his "Balconades Ballroom" on January 14, 1922 - not earlier. Please refer to part 2 of my [Original Memphis Five] piece for the contemporary clipping dealing with the History of "Healy's Golden Glades".
        The [Original Memphis Five] played at Busoni's Balconades during March 1922, but the [Original Dixieland Jazz Band] was not doing so (actually, [it] was dissolved from February 10 to April 10, 1922, and thus did not play any public appearances).
        The [Original Memphis Five] played at Busoni's Balconades during the second half of March 1923. The [Original Dixieland Jazz Band] was also a Busoni group during this period, and alternated between Busoni's Danceland (95th & Broadway) and Busoni's Balconades (66th & Broadway) during early 1923.'
    • Other factors indicating the 1921 date is incorrect:
      • Sixte Busoni appears to have taken over the Balconades or Balconnades [both spellings appear in print] Ballroom from building owner Tom Healy:
        • The Evening Telegram carried ads for Thomas Healy's Three Floors of Good Cheer at Broadway & 66th St. in February 1922. The Balconades Ballroom is named in the ads
        • In January 1922, Variety reported an announcement had been made of the opening of the Balconnades [sic] Ballroom at Healy's, without Tom Healy mentioned. It said dancing would be to the music of Castle's Society and Memphis Jazzband Orchestra, and "The Balconnades Ballroom seems to be in line with Tom Healy's previously announnced [sic] intention of disassociating himself from the restaurant business."
      • The Daily Star reported The Original Dixieland Jazzband was engaged for the new Balconades Ballroom in the Healy Building, which was to open that night, January 14, 1922
      • In March 1922, Variety reported The Roseland Amusement Corp. was denied an injunction against Sixte Busone, operator of the Balconnades Ballroom above Healy's to restrain him from employing Philip Napoleon and Milford Mole.
      • In May 1922 the Brooklyn Standard Union ran articles about Danceland on Coney Island which said it was operated by the same management as the Balconades Ballroom. They refer to continuous music provided by the Memphis Five and Busoni's Syncopators.
    • Peripheral information:
      • Sixte Busoni's name is found in the press as an orchestra manager with various groups as early as 1914 (New York Herald, New York, N.Y. 1914-08-02 p.10)
      • Thomas Healy's Balconades Ballroom, on the third floor of his building is found in the press as early as 1914 (The Evening Telegram, New York, 1914-11-17 p.12)
      • In mid-1922 Busoni was reported to be the head of leading dancing institutions in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Philadelphia, including the Balconades. (The Evening Telegram, N.Y., Brooklyn Standard Union 1922-05-14 p.6)
    • Evan Spring:
      "Duke Ellington chronology,"
      The Cambridge Companion to Duke Ellington, Cambridge University Press, 2015, p.xiii
    • Mark Berresford:
      That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.137, citing Greer.
    • Email, Steiner-Spring and/or Green et al,
      2015-03-26, citing
      Tim Weiner:
      Keeping Time with Sonny Greer,
      Soho Weekly News 1979-06-15
    • Steven Lasker,
      The Washingtonians, A Miscellany, p.83
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-03-04
    • The Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y.:
      • 1921-02-01 (page no. illegible)
      • 1921-02-04 p.12
      • 1921-02-05 p.11
      • 1921-02-10 p.4
    • Variety:
      • 1922-01-13 p.9
      • 1922-03-17 p.11
    • The Daily Star, Queens Borough, N.Y.
      1922-01-14 p.10
    • Brooklyn Standard Union, Brooklyn, N.Y.
      • 1922-05-21 p.13
      • 1922-05-28 p.19
    • Ralph Wondraschek:
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-12-08
    updated
    2015-06-04
    2015-10-10
    2017-04-26
    2018-01-23
    2018-02-21
    1921 09 30
    Friday
    .Annapolis, Md.Assembly Rooms

    This most likely was
    City Ballroom or Assembly Room(s),
    150 Duke of Gloucester Street
    Dance:
    September 29 1930 ad for Duke Ellington's Jazz Bandits
    Click to Enlarge
    • The Evening Capital/The Maryland Gazette,
      Annapolis, Md.
      1921-09-29 p.1
      courtesy Steve Bowie directly and via Ken Steiner
    • Local research by Bill McFadden, Richard Bambach, Robb Holmes, via Duke-LYM 2020-08-22
    ...Steven Bowie in Facebook New
    added
    2020-08-21
    updated
    2020-08-22
    1921 10 24
    Monday
    .Annapolis, Md.Assembly RoomsColored Dance
    The return of Duke Ellington's Jazz Bandits.
    October 24 ad for the return of Duke Ellington's Jazz Bandits
    Click to Enlarge
    The Evening Capital/The Maryland Gazette,
    Annapolis, Md.
    1921-09-29 p.1
    courtesy Steve Bowie directly and via Ken Steiner
    ...Steven Bowie in Facebook New
    added
    2020-08-21
    1921 11 25
    Friday
    .Washington, D.C.Convention Hall"The 20th Century Jazz Revue"
    A capacity audience crowded Convention Hall. Duke Ellington's Wild Cats, Elmer Snowden's Eccentric Serenaders and James P. Johnson, "piano wizard of New York City," were among the performers.


    Steven Lasker:
    Scott Brown posted this on the Jazz Research list today [2021-04-19]. It answers the question (posed by John Hasse) of when James P. Johnson's piano roll of Carolina Shout was recorded.....

    'James P. signed his contract with QRS on January 10, 1921. I suspect this is when he sat for the famous publicity photo with him seated at an upright with head turned to the camera. He signed several copies "James P. Johnson 1921." In an interview in 1947, J. Russel Robinson, who had been on the QRS staff for several years before Johnson, recalled he was in the recording laboratory with Johnson when he recorded "Carolina Shout." Although Robinson doesn't give the date, he comments that "CS" was Johnson's first roll for QRS. According to Mike Montgomery, the first five Johnson rolls were released in May. They were all advertised as upcoming releases in the January 29, 1921 Chicago Defender, complete with catalog numbers and indicating they had already been recorded. The ad announced Johnson as the first African American pianist to be added to QRS as staff pianist.
         So, I think we can confidently conclude "Carolina Shout" (and the other four tunes) was recorded in mid-January, given some lead time needed for an advertisement. But certainly no earlier than the 10th and no later than the 29th, if we are to believe the QRS advertising information. Mike Montgomery spent considerable time at the QRS offices in the 1950s and 1960s, talking with Max Kortlander and J. Lawrence Cook. It seems pretty clear the QRS records from its early days including the 1920s were destroyed. Extant documentation doesn't even give a clear answer to what QRS stands for.'


    • Piano roll:
      Carolina Shout was released on QRS 100999.
    • Record:
      JPJ recorded "CS" as a piano solo on October 18, 1921. it was released circa November 1921 on OKeh 4495-B.
    • Ellington discusses the piano roll in MIMM. See pp 33-34. 93-94:

      'My first encounter with James [P. Johnson] was through the piano rolls, the Q.R.S. rolls. Percy Johnson, a drummer in Washington who told me about them, took me home with him, and played me "Carolina Shout." He said I ought to learn it. So how was I going to do it, I wanted to know. He showed me the way. We slowed the machine and then I could follow the keys going down. I learned it!
           And how I learned it! I nursed it, rehearsed it.....Yes, this was the most solid foundation for me. I got hold of some of his other rolls, and they helped with styling, but "Carollina Shout" became my party piece.
           Then James came to Washington to play Convention Hall. It holds maybe four or five thousand people. I was always a terrific listener. I'm taller on one side than the other from leaning over the piano, listening. This time I listened all night long. After a while my local following started agitating.
           "You got to get up there and play that piece," they said. "Go on! Get up there and cut him!"
           So, you know, I had to get up on there and play it.
           "Hey, you play that good," James said. We were friends then, and I wanted the privilege of showing him around town, showing him the spots, introducing him to my pals, the best bootleggers, and so on. That, naturally, meant more leaning on the piano. Afterwards, we were fast friends, and James never forgot.'

    • Tucker, Early Years, page 74, citing Chicago Defender 1921-12-03
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM p.93
    • Vail I
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2021-04-19
      • 2021-04-20
      • 2021-04-21
    ...djpNew
    added 2012-02-09
    Updated
    2012-12-29
    2021-04-20
    2021-06-01
    2021-06-26

    1922

    1922 00 00
    .New York, N.Y.Moulin Rouge, 48th and Broadway(Unconfirmed)

    Floyd G. Snelson's column in the April 15, 1939 edition of The New York Age, page 7, says Snelson first heard Duke Ellington at the Moulin Rouge in 1922.

    Ken Steiner writes

    '...there's been no documentation found of this event. Sonny Greer did recall a trip to NY prior to the Sweatman gig (mentioned in Steven Lasker's Washingtonians Miscellany), perhaps this is what Floyd [Snelson] was referring to?'

    According to "New York Songlines," this club was in the basement of 1580 Broadway, under the Palais Royale. Later the corner was the location of the second Cotton Club.
    Email, Steiner/Palmquist 2014-10-30....djpNew
    added 2014-10-31
    1922 00 00
    1947 00 00..Personnel change
    According to his obituary, Jerry Rhea became Ellington's personal assistant in 1922 and held the post for 25 years. See 1902 02 26 above.
    ....djpNew
    added
    2022-10-17
    1922 01 01
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 02
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 03
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 04
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 05
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 06
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 07
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 08
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 09
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 10
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 11
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 12
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 13
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 14
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 15
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 16
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 17
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 18
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 19
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 20
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 21
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 22
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 23
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 24
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 25
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 26
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 27
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 28
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 29
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 30
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 01 31
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 01
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 02
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 03
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 04
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 05
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 06
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 07
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 08
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 09
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 10
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 11
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 12
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 13
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 14
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 15
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 16
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 17
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 18
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 19
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 20
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 21
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 22
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 23
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 24
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 25
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 26
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 27
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 02 28
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 01
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 02
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 03
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 04
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 05
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 06
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 07
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 08
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 09
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 10
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 11
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 12
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 13
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 14
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 15
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 16
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 17
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 18
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 19
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 20
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 21
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 22
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 23
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 24
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 25
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 26
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 27
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 28
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 29
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 30
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 03 31
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 01
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 02
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 03
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 04
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 05
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 06
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 07
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 08
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 09
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 10
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 11
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 12
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 13
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 14
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 15
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 16
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 17
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 18
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 19
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 20
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 21
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 22
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 23
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 24
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 24
    Monday
    .Muskogee, Okla..Birth of Aaron Bell (1922 04 24 – 2003 07 28), bass player with Ellington from April 12, 1960 to November 1962.

    Quoted by Steve Voce:

    'When I was with Duke I learned an awful lot. I had four degrees, but I always tell anyone that I learned more at the School of Ellington than at any of the other schools.'

    Bell's obituary, reprinted in DEMS, says he had a Bachelor of Arts in music and a Master of Arts degree, and that in 1970 until the early 1990s, he taught at Essex College in Newark, N.J., becoming chair of its performing arts department in 1977.

    His mother was a music teacher, and all 9 of her children took piano lessons. Bell played tuba in his school band, and took up string bass at Xavier University. He was enrolled in a liberal arts programme with a music major and language minors in German and French, and wrote arrengements for the college band. After finishing at Xavier in 1943, Aaron spent 4 years in the navy, serving in a band at Peru, Indiana. He joined Ellington in Las Vegas in 1960.
    Stanley Dance: The World of Duke Ellington, pp.202-209.DEMS
    03/3-1
    .djpNew
    added 2016-08-21
    updated
    2018-07-29
    2020-02-17
    2023-08-16
    1922 04 25
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 26
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 27
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 28
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 29
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 04 30
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 01
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 02
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 03
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 04
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 05
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 06
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 07
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 08
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 09
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 10
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 11
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 12
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 13
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 14
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 15
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 16
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 17
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 18
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 19
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 20
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 21
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 22
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 23
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 24
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 25
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 26
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 27
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 28
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 29
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 30
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 05 31
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 01
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 02
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 03
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 04
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 05
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 06
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 07
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 08
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 09
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 10
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 11
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 12
    Monday
    .Washington, D.C.E. Madison Hall
    paddle steamer
    E. Madison Hall steamer
    Paddle wheeler E. Madison Hall in 1932
    Click to Enlarge
    The Chicago Defender:

    'Washington, June 16 – ...
         Last Saturday ... the Masons held their field day ... As a grand climax to the competitive drill there was a victory sail and dance down the Potomac on the steamer Madison Hall last Monday. John Williams and A.C. Young had charge of the arrangements. Duke Ellington's Jazz Monarchs furnished the music for the occasion.'

    J. Le Count Chestnut, Under the Capitol Dome
    The Chicago Defender (Nat'l Ed.), Chicago, Ill.
    1922-06-17 p.19
    courtesy of Steven Bowie
    ...Steven Bowie, August 2021New
    Added
    2021-08-16
    1922 06 13
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 14
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 15
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 16
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 17
    Saturday
    .Washington, D.C.E. Madison Hall
    paddle steamer
    The Chicago Defender:

    'The government employees' first half holiday and outing picnic to Riverview, Md., on the steamer E. Madison Hall, was held on Saturday, June 17. Duke Ellington's Serenaders and Sonny Grier's [sic] Jazzers furnished the necessary syncopation for pedal undulation on the decks. The promoters were Charles S. Johnson, C. Young, Frank Holiday and W.A. Graves, supervisor. '

    J. Le Count Chestnut, Under the Capitol Dome
    The Chicago Defender (Nat'l Ed.), Chicago, Ill.
    1922-06-24 p.19
    courtesy of Steven Bowie
    ...Steven Bowie, August 2021New
    Added
    2021-08-16
    1922 06 18
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 19
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 20
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 21
    Wednesday
    .Catonsville, Md.Greenwood Electric Park
    Winters Avenue
    (Unconfirmed)
    A Grand Musical Exhibition and Dance...Two Orchestras
    • Elmer Snowden's Big Jazz Band, Washington, D.C.
    • Ike Dixon's Jazz Demons of Baltimore
    Ad, Afro-American 1922-06-16...DJP per Hoffman's Ellington fileNew
    added
    2013-01-09
    1922 06 22
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 23
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 24
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 25
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 26
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 27
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 28
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 29
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 06 30
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 01
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 02
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 03
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 04
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 05
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 06
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 07
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 08
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 09
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 10
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 11
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 12
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 13
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 14
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 15
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 16
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 17
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 18
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 19
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 20
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 21
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 22
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 23
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 24
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 25
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 26
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 27
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 28
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 29
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 30
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 07 31
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 00.Washington, D.C.Lincoln TheatreDuring an August 1922 appearance in Washington, New York song-writer/publisher Clarence Williams met Ellington. Williams assured Duke he could make it in New York.Tucker, Early Years, p.80, citing a 1950 Williams interview by Ed Kirkeby...djpNew
    added 2012-02-09
    1922 08 01
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 02
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 03
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 04
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 05
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 06
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 07
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 08
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 09
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 10
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 11
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 12
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 13
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 14
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 15
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 16
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 17
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 18
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 19
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 20
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 21
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 22
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 23
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 24
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 25
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 26
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 27
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 28
    Monday
    .Washington, D.C.Murray's casinoThe Chicago Defender:

    'Monday night, G. Frank Jones presented the "Frivolities of 1922" at the Murray's casion. The hub of the evening was Mayo Anderson's jazzists, Lula Whidby, formerly of the Creole Follies; Blondina Brown, the human nightingale, and Duke Ellington, the ragtime king.'

    J. Le Count Chestnut, Under the Capitol Dome
    The Chicago Defender (Nat'l Ed.), Chicago, Ill.
    1922-09-02 p.19
    courtesy of Steven Bowie
    ...Steven Bowie, August 2021New
    Added
    2021-08-16
    1922 08 29
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 29
    Tuesday
    .Stockholm, Sweden.Birth of trumpeter Rolf Ericson (1922 08 29 - 1997 06 16)
    • DESS says Ericson was christened Rolf Nils Börje Eriksson, but was known as Roffe. He anglicized his surname to Ericson when he moved to the United States.
    • The August 2018 DESS bulletin devotes ten pages to him, including an interview.
    • Ericson was established in his musical career before being hired by Ellington in 1963. In late 1947 he moved from Sweden to the United States, where he worked with a myriad of musicians, including Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Stan Kenton, etc., returning to Sweden from time to time.
    • New Desor Vol. II, says he joined Ellington in mid-April, 1963. Vol. I, as well as the Nielsen discography, have his first recording with Ellington as a broadcast from a dance in Wiesbaden on May 25 that year.
    • Steve Voce's obituary has Rolf joining Ellington April 18, 1963, but that is the date of a small group recording session using only Ray Nance on trumpet.
    • In his interview, Rolf says the first time he performed with Ellington's band was in Philadelphia. Ericson may have meant the Red Hill Inn in Pennsauken, N.J., near Philadelphia, where the band performed April 5 to 7, 1963, and returned in May.
    • DESS has Ellington using him in the June 1963 tour of Sweden and adding him to the band on its return to the U.S.
    • Rolf stayed until April 1964, leaving because he wasn't paid enough, but played with the band in a tour in 1969 and occasionally in 1971 and 1973.
    • Ericson spent his last years in Stockholm, dying there in 1997.
    • Email Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-18
    • Obituary by S. Voce
    • Duke Ellington Society of Sweden Bulletin Nr.3, Augusti 2018, Ârgâng 26, pp.4-14
    • New Desor II
    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    2017-06-20
    2018-09-01
    2019-01-06
    1922 08 30
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 08 31
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 01
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 02
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 03
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 04
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 05
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 06
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 07
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 08
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 09
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 10
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 11
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 12
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 13
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 14
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 15
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 16
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 17
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 18
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 19
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 20
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 21
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 22
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 23
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 24
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 25
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 26
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 27
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 28
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 29
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 30
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 09 30
    Saturday
    .Okmulgee, Okla..Bassist Oscar Pettiford (1922 09 30 - 1960 09 08) was born on an Indian reservation at Okmulgee. Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-06-18...djpNew
    added
    2012-10-10
    updated
    2017-06-20
    1922 10 01
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 02
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 03
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 04
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 05
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 06
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 07
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 08
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 09
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 10
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 11
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 12
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 13
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 14
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 15
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 16
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 17
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 18
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 19
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 20
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 21
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 22
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 23
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 24
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 25
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 25
    Wednesday
    .Washington, D.C.Home of Juan and Rosie TizolPeripheral event
    The Evening Star:

    'Eighty-four gallons of whisky were found at 1627 5th street northwest Wednesday night when members of the District vice squad and revenue agents raided the place. Juan Tizol, a Porto Rican, and his colored wife, Rosie Tizol, were arrested and charged with owning the liquor.
         According to the police, Tizol and his wife lived at 1625 5th street, but kept their store of whisky next door as a blind. Whenever a customer called for a quart or more the alleged bootleggers gained access to the place through a hole in the back fence, the police say.
         The raid was conducted by Lieut. O. T. Davis, Sergt. J. D. McQuade, Private Harry Bauer and Revenue Agents Ralph Ruby and George Fowler. The police said Tizol has a number of prominent men as customers, whose wives first informed the authorities of the presence of the resort.'

    • The Evening Star, Washington, D.C.
      1922-10-27 p.10
    • J. Le C. Chestnut, Under the Capitol Dome
      The Chicago Defender (Nat'l Ed.), Chicago, Ill.
      1922-11-11 p.19
      courtesy of Steven Bowie
    ...Steven Bowie, August 2021 and djpNew
    Added
    2021-08-16
    1922 10 26
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 27
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 28
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 29
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 30
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 10 31
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 01
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 02
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 03
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 04
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 05
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 06
    Monday
    .Washington, D.C.Fishermen templeThe Chicago Defender:

    'A Blue Monday dance was held at the Fishermen temple last Monday in the shape of the big timers' revue. Eva Jackson, entertainer de luxe, and the Oriental jazzers, "Duke" Ellington, Sterling Conway, Harry Conway and Sonny Gree, [sic] dispensed the evening's musical attractions.'

    J. Le Count Chestnut, Under the Capitol Dome
    The Chicago Defender (Nat'l Ed.), Chicago, Ill.
    1922-11-11 p.19
    courtesy of Steven Bowie
    ...Steven Bowie, August 2021New
    Added
    2021-08-16
    1922 11 07
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 08
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 09
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 10
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 11
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 12
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 13
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 14
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 15
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 16
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 17
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 18
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 18
    Saturday
    ... Peripheral event
    In New York City, Sara Martin acc. by her Brown-Skin Syncopators record two titles, both rejected: "I Loved You Once but You Stayed Away too Long" and 'Tain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do."

    Personnel as listed in Rust's "Jazz Records," presumably as noted on the Columbia Records matrix cards: Arthur Whetsel, t; Claude Hopkins, p; Elmer Snowden, bj.
    Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2015-09-06...slNew
    added
    2015-11-26
    1922 11 19
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 20
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 21
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 22
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 23
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 24
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 25
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 26
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 27
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 28
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 29
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 11 30
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 01
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 02
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 03
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 04
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 05
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 06
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 07
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 08
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 09
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 10
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 11
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 12
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 13
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 14
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 15
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 16
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 17
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 18
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 19
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 20
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 21
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 22
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 23
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 24
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 25
    Monday
    Christmas Day
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 26
    Tuesday
    Boxing Day
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 27
    Wednesday
    .Washington, D.C.Armstrong High School(Unconfirmed)

    The 1922-12-30 edition of the New York Age reported

    'On Wednesday evening last, the evening classes of Armstrong High School under the directorship of C. W. Childs. Jr.. and Principal J. P. Taylor held their Yuletide exercises. The program consisted of an exhibition of work of various classes in art and sciences. Dancing in the gymnasium with music by Duke Ellington was an enjoyable feature. '


    Webmaster comment:
    The performance date may have been 1922 12 27 (indicated by the wording and timing of the article) or if Christmas holidays were in effect, perhaps the previous Wednesday. It seems likely Yuletide exercises would occur before Christmas rather than after.
    Agusti??n Perez Gasco, citing the "Washington D.C." column in the "News Of New York State" section,
    New York Age, 1922-12-30, p.3
    ...APG - email 2012-08-23New
    added 2013-01-15
    1922 12 28
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 29
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 30
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1922 12 31
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    Back to Navigation List

    1923

    --> fs
    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary/
    reference
    New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated
    1923 00 00
    .
    ...

    Overview of early 1923


    • In early 1923, or possibly in late 1922, Sonny Greer, Otto Hardwick and Ellington went to New York to work for Wilbur Sweatman.
    • Greer:

      'We come to New York, so me and Duke had a room together. I had an aunt in New York, got a room. I think I was giving her $3.00 a week. We had adjoining rooms for $3.00 a week. Duke ain't never been to New York. He ain't never seen no building as tall as that in his life.

    • Ellington wrote that in New York, he first boarded with LeRoy Jeffries' mother, then moved to Forny Brooks' apartment. Later, he boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Harper when he was Harper's rehearsal pianist at Connie's Inn and they both worked at Barron's and the Kentucky Club.
    • Mercer Ellington:

      'It wasn't at all easy for my parents when they first moved to New York. All they had was a room in the house of Leonard Harper... When I went to visit, the three of us lived in this one room. There was a couch for me and a bed for the two of them. I had no access to the rest of the house... There was no living room, playroom, or anything like that. It must have been 1924 when I first went there, but I can remember Mr. Harper's apartment well at 2067 Seventh Avenue...'

    • Edna continued living in the Harper apartment after she and Duke separated - she is shown there in the 1930 census. Where Ellington lived after leaving Edna and before moving into 381 Edgecombe Ave. is unknown.
    • Leaving Sweatman, the musicians hung around and played in various clubs and played rent parties. During this first New York sojourn, Ellington would meet pianists Willie "The Lion" Smith, who was more or less his mentor, James P. Johnson and the young Fats Waller.
    • After returning to Washington, they formed a five-piece band with Elmer Snowden. Snowden, Whetsel, Hardwick and Greer would return to New York to play with Waller, but when Waller could not be found, Snowden asked Ellington to join them.
    • Pinning down the dates Ellington and his companions finished with Snowden, went home to Washington, and then returned to New York is difficult. The dates Fats Waller played Washington in early June establishes they were home not later than June 10, and did not return to New York before June 3.
    • The Wonderland Park job in Baltimore suggests they were still working out of Washington on June 8.

    First work in New York – Wilbur C. Sweatman


    • Vaudevillian band leader Wilbur C. Sweatman, in New York, wanted to hire Sonny Greer on drums. Greer agreed if Sweatman would also hire Ellington and Hardwick.
    • Berresford says Ellington at first was reluctant to join Sweatman's band, but Greer and Otto Hardwick wrote to him every week to persuade him.
    • Ulanov:
      '... one eventful day in 1922 [sic], came a wire from bandleader Wilbur Sweatman. He wanted Sonny in New York. Sonny wanted Otto and Duke, and that meant New York for Greer, Ellington and Hardwick... Where "everbody" was rich and stayed high all the time and Duke Ellington, Sonny Greer, Otto Hardwick, Arther Whetsol [sic] and Elmer Snowden had to split a hot dog five ways to stay alive.'
    • Lambert:
      'In 1922 [sic] five [sic] of this group of young Washington musicians left for New York - Ellington, Hardwicke [sic], Whetsol [sic], Greer and banjoist Elmer Snowden, the pretext being a telegram from Wilbur Sweatman asking Greer to join his band.'

      Webmaster note:–Lambert conflates the first and second visits.

    • By the end of February, the New York Clipper carried an ad for the group referring to Phonograph Artist Wilbur Sweatman ... Assisted by Flo Dade, and his Acme of Syncopators. Ellington, Hartwick [sic], Greer, Maceo Jefferson (banjo) and Ralph Escudero (bass) were listed as the band members.1
    • Ellington:
      'We joined him in New York and played some split weeks in theatres...'
    • Several sources say the Washington lads didn't like the Sweatman job because in vaudeville, performers did half-week engagements and then moved on, and Sweatman insisted the sidemen use makeup to lighten their skin.

      In his Oral History interview with Stanley Crouch, Greer said they had to be at the theatre an hour before showtime to put on the makeup.
    • Ellington in Jazz as I Have Seen It:
      'All at once it looked like the big break had arrived. Wilbur Sweatman sent down from New York for Sonny, and eventually that meant Toby and myself too. But when we got there we found out the work wasn't so good. We just had some theaters to play and they were split-weeks. Sweatman performed every night with his three clarinets in his mouth at one time. But at night it was mellow. We went out every evening regardless of whether we had money or not, and we met all the hip guys.'
    • It isn't clear when Greer, Ellington and Hardwick joined Sweatman. Ulanov, the closest to being a contemporary account, seems to suggest they played theatre dates with Sweatman, perhaps before the Lafayette, and Greer mentions playing in New Jersey.
    • In 1922, Sweatman appeared in advertisements and announcments as Wilbur Sweatman & Co. until September. His sidemen, when named, were Earl Gray or William Hegeman on piano and Buddy Edwards on drums. In September that year, Sweatman's act was billed as Acme of Syncopation, and a five-piece group by that name played in Philadelphia that November at the Orpheum.
    • January 1923
      Sweatman and his Acme of Syncopation were at Keeney's [New York?].
    • February 4,
      "The Original Wilbur Sweatman and His Band" were advertised at the Orpheum in New Brunswick, N.J.
    • February 8 to 10.
      "Wilbur Sweatman and His Band" played 3 days at the Opera House, New Brunswick, N.J.
    • Feb. 15-17
      "Wilbur Sweatman And His Band," Crescent Theatre, Perth Amboy, Perth Amboy, N.J.
    • Mar. 3
      "Wilbur Sweatman assisted by Flo Wade and his Acme Syncopators," Lyric, Hackensack, N.J.
    • Mar. 10
      "Wilbur Sweatman and Co.," Lafayette Theatre, New York City
    • May 11-12
      "Wilbur Sweatman and His Jazz Hounds," also billed as "Wilbur Sweatman and His Wonderful Jazz Orchestra," Community Playhouse, Meriden, Conn.
    • Variety, 1923-06-07 pp.28 & 30, reports Sweatman had a new act, with two pianos (male and female pianists), the male pianist doubling saxophone and drums, while the drummer appears to have danced with the male dancer in the act. Clearly Ellington et. al. were no longer with Sweatman by this time.
    • On February 28, the New York Clipper carried an announcement that Sweatman's act included Flo Dade and five syncopaters. A banner ad in the same edition named Sweatman, Dade, and sidemen Duke Ellington, piano, Maceo Jefferson, banjo, Otto Hartwick [sic}, saxophone, Ralph Escudero, bass and Sonny Greer, drummer. Ms Dade was a singer and appears in one of two photographs of the Sweatman band on the Lafayette stage in March in Berresford. These photos also show trombonist John Masefield. Escudero plays tuba in one photo and string bass in the other; Sweatman is on clarinet in one and bass clarinet in the other.
    • It seems clear that our heroes were with Sweatman some time before the March 1923 Lafayette week.
    • The March 10, 1923 New York Age has Wilbur Sweatman and Co. at the Lafayette Theatre in New York.
    • It also isn't clear when Greer, Ellington and Hardwick left Sweatman.

      Tucker speculates they were with him in late April (see Grand Theater entry at 1923 04 23). but they were clearly gone by June 7: Variety:

      '23D STREET Wilbur Sweatman and Co. have a new frame-up practically (New Acts) '

      Its description is of Sweatman with two pianos with male and female pianists one of whom doubled saxophone, a drummer who danced, and a dancer.
    • Nicholson:
      Ellington as told to Carter Harman:
      'In 1923 I came to New York to join Wilbur Sweatman's band - he was the man who played three clarinets at one time - a top vaudeville artist. This lasted a couple of months - this wasn't one of Sweatman's better years.'
    • Greer:
      'Wilbur Sweatman had this engagement at the Lafayette Theatre and so I got the gig for us, we played around New York, in New Jersey but we worked on Keith's Circuit too, but it was just four of us onstage and he played clarinet, three of them at one time.
        Stage setting, he had a beautiful stage setting, whole lot of drapes... He had an engagement in Chicago or somewhere, but we wouldn't go. Said no, we ain't leaving New York, so he got somebody else.'
      Greer was mistaken about the size of the Sweatman band. Photos of it on the Lafayette stage show seven instrumentalists and a singer.
    • Ulanov:
      '...The Washingtonians did not last very long with Sweatman. A few theater dates, the Lafayette, then Harlem's biggest and most important house... and a Staten Island spot, which was, as Sonny put it, "a weekend of grief..."'
    • Berresford p.136:
      '... a report in the Chicago Defender notes that Sweatman "with his assisting Syncopators" was appearing at the Grand Theater in Philadelphia for the week commencing April 28, 1923, and, while the identity of the Syncopators is not revealed, it seems likely that the Washington trio were still with the band at that stage.'
      The Berresford citation (Chicago Defender 1923-03-31) doesn't say if it was an ad, an announcement or a report, but it seems odd to be printed four weeks before the event. Franz Hoffmann's Jazz Advertised 1910-1967; Vol.4: out of the Chicago Defender 1910-1934 has no ads for a Grant Theater in Philadelphia. It does have a few for a Grand Theatre in Chicago, but none mention Sweatman.
    • Hasse suggests after leaving Sweatman, the men hustled pool halls during the day, in the evenings made the rounds of night clubs looking for work, and played rent parties Saturday nights. This is consistent with Ellington's statements quoted in Chapter Two of Nicholson.
    • Ellington's circle at this time included his mentor, Willie "The Lion" Smith, James P. Johnson, then 18-year-old Thomas A. ("Fats) Waller, Corky Williams and Raymond 'Lippy' Boyette. Ellington said Lippy knew where all the pianos in town were and was good at organizing rent parties.
    • Nicholson has several quotations from Ellington, Smith and Greer about how Ellington met Smith (at the Capitol Palace), how their small group of friends (including Waller and Johnson) would play rent parties and such.
    • Vail briefly reports Ellington and his friends remained in New York when Sweatman went on tour, surviving on Greer's pool hustling.

    Willie (The Lion) Smith, James P. Johnson and Fats Waller


    • Ellington in Jazz as I Have Seen It:
      'I got a big thrill when I strolled into the Capitol Club at 140th and Lenox, down in the basement, and found "The Lion" working there. We went the rounds every night, looking for the piano players. We didn't have any gold, but then Sonny was good at that sort of thing. He would stride in, big as life, and tell the man . . . "Hello, Jack, I'm Sonny. I know So-and-So, and he told me to look you up. Meet my pals, Duke and Toby." Then the man would hear that Duke played a whole lot of piano. I'd sit down after "The Lion," and then Fats Waller would sit down after me...'

    The Rent Parties


    • Ellington in Jazz as I Have Seen It:
      'Jimmy Johnson used to get all the house-rent parties to play. There were so many of them that he turned a lot of them over to Lippy [Raymond Boyette]. Lippy had heard so much piano that he couldn't play any more. He only thought piano. Lippy gave a lot of piano players work, and then he'd remember me. One time, things were so bad that even Sonny took a job playing piano. Lippy knew every piano and player-piano in town. He used to walk around all night long with James P., "The Lion," Fats, and myself. I was one of the main hangers-on. Lippy would walk up to any man's house at any time of night. He'd ring the doorbell. Finally somebody would wake up and holler out the window about who was it making all the disturbance. Lippy would answer, "It's Lippy, and James P. is here with me." These magic words opened anybody's door, and we would sit and play all night long.'

    Giving Up


    • Ellington in Jazz as I Have Seen It:
      'It wasn't long after that that I found the fifteen dollars in an envelope on the street. It bought me a new pair of shoes, and the fare back to Washington for the three of us. When I finished eating that first home-cooked breakfast, I made up my mind I'd stay put for a while and organize another band.'
    • Nicholson p.33 quoting Ellington (New Yorker, 1944-07-08):
      'We got to Washington on a Sunday morning. Otto went to his home, because he lived in Washington, and Sonny came home with me...'

    Five-piece Band


    • Nicholson p.33
      • quoting Ellington (Duke Ellington Talks to Max Jones and Humphrey Littleton, BBC, 1964):
        'That was the beginning of the five-piece band – Whetsel, Greer, Toby, Snowden and me, it was a sort of cooperative organization, nobody was really the leader, I think Snowden was really the front. We would just sit down at the piano and we'd say you take this and you take that.'
      • quoting Snowden:
        '...I had just about the most popular band in town, in my band was Otto Hardwick, Art Whetsol [sic], Eddie Ellington ... we played all of the dance halls and worked almost every night.'

    Trying Again


    • Ellington in Jazz as I Have Seen It:
      'After I'd gone back home to Washington and stayed for a while, Fats Waller came through town with a burlesque show. Bushell was with the band too, and Clarence Robinson and Bert Adams were the featured dance team with the show. Sitting in my house, eating chickens by the pair. Fats told us they were all going to quit; that we'd better come on up to New York and get the job.
        Then there was a wire from New York saying that Fats had decided not to leave, so Artie Whetsol [sic], Sonny, Toby, and Snowden went up alone. Then they sent for me; everything had been fixed, the job was a cinch for me! On the way up, I travel in style, blowing all my money on the train. After all, I'm a big shot, I've got a job waiting for me in the big town. I have just enough left for cab-fare uptown. There they are, standing on the corner. "Whatdya know? how's things? and give us some gold," they say. They're busted!
        The job was set back time and time again, and it got so that it looked very bad. We were living with some nice people and they told us we could stay on until we found some work. We kept right on auditioning, but nothing ever happened. There was no work.'
    • Tucker tentatively dates the return to New York after the June 8, 1923 booking at Wonderland Park, about 40 miles from Washington but 190 miles from New York.
    • Garvin Bushell, as told to Mark Tucker:
      'Adams and Robinson were a dance team, and their agent talked them into getting a band ... Bert Adams was the piano player and Clarence Robinson was the dancer and singer... Seymour Irick on trumpet, Lew Henry on trombone, Mert Perry on drums and myself... Now, one night some fellow fought Bert Adams in the park and shot him. He got killed. So we had to revise the act and got Fats Waller on piano. We put Katie Crippen into the act as singer. One of the agents downtown thought up a name: Liza and her Shuffling Sextette. On a trip to Washington, D.C., a few of us went to hear a band in a little backstreet place. This group was headed by Elmer Snowden, the banjo player. There was a youngster playing piano named Duke Ellington, Toby Hardwick was on saxophone, Schiefe on trumpet and Sonny Greer on drums. After we heard the band, Clarence and I got into a terrific argument and we decided to split up. So Clarence went to Snowden and said,'I've got a job for you.' I kept the original band with Fats on piano.
        In the meantime, we had six and a half more weeks booked with the act on the Politime. Clarence figured he could take this new band and do the gigs, but I decided to beat him to the punch. Early Monday morning I went into the Palace Theatre office in New York. I said, 'Clarence and I split up, and he's bringing in a strange band. I have the original one. Now, I could get a new dancer, or what you want to do?' They got leery and cancelled the whole six and a half weeks. So when Clarence arrived in New York with Snowden, Duke and that bunch, they didn't have any work – I'd cancelled all their jobs.'

      Bushell's recollection is inaccurate. Bert Adams was slain February 28, 1924 (and in an apartment, not a park). If Waller only joined the revue after Adams died, it would have been the year after the Washingtonians returned to New York and began working at the Hollywood Cabaret.
        (The Sun and The Globe reported the Adams murder on February 28, 1924. In March 1924, Variety reported Eugene Shields was indicted for first degree murder, accused of having shot and killed Adams, and identified the deceased as a member of the vaudeville team Adams and Robinson. The front page of the 1924-03-08 New York Age reported Shields shot six bullets at Adams in Shield's apartment the morning of 1924 02 28. It quoted Mrs. Shields as saying she went to a party the night before with Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Robinson. Returning late, she permitted Adams to stay in a spare room for the night. Shields, the brother of a state assemblyman, pled guilty and was sentenced to an indeterminate penitentiary term not to exceed three years. (Depending on which newspaper to believe, his minimum term was one day or one year.)

    • From June 3 to 10, 1923, a vaudeville act, "Liza and Her Shuffling Sextet" (also billed/advertised as "Shuffling Sextette," "Shuffling Six" and "Shuffling 6", 'Liza and Her Shuffling Six,' 'Liza and her six dancing "fools"' and 'Liza and her Jazz Demons') played the Gayety Theater in Washington. Personnel seem to have consisted of dancer Clarence Robinson, singer/dancer Katie Crippen, trombonist Lew Henry, clarinetist Garvin Bushell, trumpeter Seymour Irick, drummer Mert Perry, and likely pianist Thomas A. (Fats) Waller.
      • Liza and the Shuffling Six were billed as a special sensational added feature at the Gayety in Washington beginning Sunday June 3.
      • An announcement June 7 said the show was being held until Sunday (June 10) instead of closing Saturday night (June 9). This announcement refers to an added attraction, "Liza and her six dancing "fools" which seems to be described as a girlie show.
      • Liza and her Jazz Demons were included in the "today only" advertisement for the Gayety on June 10.
    • According to the Perfesser Bill website, Waller was on the air on WDT in New York on July 20, 1923.
    • Elmer Snowden, interviewed by Les Muscutt:
      • It was 1923 when I left to go to New York, but Duke wasn't supposed to be my piano player. We were going in to play for a show... the show had played Washington and had broken up in Washington, so the guy was looking for a band to travel with the show because his band was quittin'.
          Now Fats Waller was in the band, so Fats came across to the place where we were working, and he assured me that HE wasn't quittin', HE wasn't gonna leave him...so I thought, this looks good.
          But my drummer didn't want to go 'cause he had a good job... So now I'm runnin' round lookin' for a drummer and I ran across Sonny, and Sonny said, 'I heard you going to New York?' and I said, 'Oh yes.' and Sonny wants to know would I take him, so I said, 'You're working with Duke, I couldn't take you.' So he said, 'Yeah man I wanna go back to New York.'
          You know Sonny's a BIG guy, so I said, 'All right, OK if you wanna go, I'll take you.' So he came up, there was no rehearsal, we just got the group together and went on to New York.
          Just as we was leaving Duke came up and said, 'You got my drummer, what about me?' So I said, 'We don't need you, Cutie 'cause Fats is gonna play piano with us.' That was a big deal you know, Fats Waller, oh he didn't have as big a name then as he finally got later ... he was well-known in New York...
          Well, we got to New York. That was Arthur Whetsol [sic], Otto Hardwicke [sic]...
          Anyway when we got to New York we couldn't find Fats...and we were there five days...and the guy who told us to come to New York and gave us the money to come...we couldn't find him either, so we were stranded. You can imagine what was happening. Then we found out where this guy was living and we got in touch with him.
          So we said, 'Look, you asked us to come to New York and you said there was going to be a job, and we haven't even had a rehearsal, what's happening? When do we come up for a rehearsal, or when do we go to work?'
          And he said, 'The reason you don't go to work is because you don't have a piano player.'
          So I said, 'That's a funny thing to say, because you said Fats was gonna work with us for sure. Why didn't you say that in Washington, 'cause I could have brought my piano player with us?'
          So he said, 'If you got one, you better send for him.' So I sent for Duke, and he came up that same day.
          So after he got there we rehearsed him.
          Of course the men I had with me...they was my regular band...we didn't have too much rehearsing...we knew what we were doing.'
    • Our heroes returned to New York and were out of work for five weeks before opening at Barron's Exclusive Club sometime in July. Ellington in Jazz as I Have Seen It:
      'Then Bricktop came along, and she saved the day for us. I'd worked with Bricktop, the famed Bricktop of Montmartre, Paris, at the Oriental in Washington. Barron's was then a very popular spot, and she knew Barron well. She got him to let his band go and hire us instead. We'd scuffled for five weeks, and here at last we were to go to work...'
    • Ulanov, ibid., pp.25-27
    • G. E. Lambert, Kings of Jazz Duke Ellington, A. S. Barnes and Company, Inc., 1959 and 1961, p.4
    • Ellington as cited by John Edward Hasse in Beyond Category, the Life and Genius of Duke Ellington, Da Capo Press, p.70
    • Mark Berresford "That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman"
    • Tucker, Early Years, pp.80-82, with photo
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM p.36
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM p.xi
    • Ulanov (ibid.) p.27
    • Vail I
    • M. Ellington, DEIP, p.16
    • Banner ad, The New York Clipper, 1923-02-23 p.24
    • Ellington's May 1964 Carter Harman interview, SI-NMAH AC0422
    • Ellington in Swing, ibid.
    • Garvin Bushell and Mark Tucker,
      Jazz from the Beginning,
      The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, 1988, pp.45-47
    • "Discovering Elmer," undated Snowden interview by Les Muscutt, Storyville,
      •    April/May 1968, pp.3-7
      •    June/July 1968 pp.4-7
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM pp.xi, 36
    • Vail I
    • Mark S. Tucker, Ellington, the Early Years, University of Illinois Press, 1991,pp.80-82 with photo
    • Don George, Sweet Man, The Real Duke Ellington, G.P. Putman's Sons, New York, 1981, pp.43-44
    • Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, 1968-07-28 p.20 (re Smith's name)
    • Evening Public Ledger, Philadelphia, Penn.,
      • 1922-11-18 p.14
      • 1922-11-22 p.17
    • The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York, N.Y.
      • 1923-01-14 p.2C
    • The Sunday Times, New Brunswick, N.J.
      • 1923-02-04 p.6
    • The Daily Home News, New Brunswick, N.J.
      • 1923-02-09 p.28
      • 1923-02-10 p.3
    • The Sunday Times, New Brunswick, N.J.
      • 1923-02-04 p.6
    • The Daily Home News, New Brunswick, N.J.
      • 1923-02-10 p.3
    • The Daily Home News, New Brunswick, N.J.
      • 1923-02-09 City Edition p.3
      • Perth Amboy Evening News, Perth Amboy, N.J.
        • 1923-02-14 p.9
        • 1923-02-16 p.10
        • 1923-02-17 p.4
      • Bergen Evening Record, Hackensack, N.J.
        • 1923-03-03 p.2
      • The New York Age, New York, N.Y.
        • 1923-03-10 p.7
      • The Meriden Daily Journal, Meriden, Conn.
        • 1923-05-11 p.2
      • Meriden Morning Record, Meriden, Conn.
        • 1923-05-12 p.3
      • The New York Clipper
        • Banner ad, 1923-02-23 p.24
      • Variety
        • 1924-03-19 p.5
      • The Sun and The Globe, New York, N.Y.,
        • 1924-02-28 p.8
      • The New York Age, New York, N.Y.
        • 1924-03-08 p.1
        • 1924-04-05 p.1
        • 1924-05-31 p.6
        • 1924-06-07 p.1
      • New York Evening Post, New York, N.Y.
        • 1924-06-06
      • Buffalo Courier, Buffalo, N.Y.,
        • 1924-06-07 p.2

      • References for Liza and her Shuffling Sextette:
        • Variety
          • Liza & Shuffling (6) - Proctor's 23rd St. (New York) weeks of March 5 & 12, 1923:
            • 1923-03-01 p.38
            • 1923-03-08 p.32
          • Liza & Shuffling 6 - Proctor's (Elizabeth, N.J.) week of March 19, 1923:
            • 1923-03-15 p.34
          • Liza & Shuffling 6 - Olympia, Lynn, Mass. week of May 7, 1923:
            • 1923-05-03 p.32
          • Liza & Shuffling 6 - Palace, Manchester, week of May 10, 1923:
            • 1923-05-10 p.30
            • 1923-05-02 p.12
            • 1923-05-04 p.19
          • Liza & Shuffling 6 - Proctor's (Schenectady, N.Y.) week of May 21, 1923
            • 1923-05-17 p.32
        • New York Clipper
          1923-03-14
          Liza and Her Shuffling Sextette werementioned in a review of a Proctor's 23rd Street show
        • Evening Star, Washington D.C.
          1923-05 31 p.50
        • Washington Post, Washington D.C.
          • 1923-06-02 p.12
          • 1923-06-03 p.16
          • 1923-06-07 p.16
          • 1923-06-10 p.3
        • Fitchburg Sentinel, Fitchburg, Mass.
          1923-05-03 p.12
          Liza and Her Shuffling Sextette in "The Jazz That Am," Cumings, The House of GoodCheer
    ...djpNew
    added
    2018-01-25
    2018-02-22
    2018-07-07
    2020-09-30

    January 1923

    1923 01 01
    Monday
    1923 01 20
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented......
    1923 01 01
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 02
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 03
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 04
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 05
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 06
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 07
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 08
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 09
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 10
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 11
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 12
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 13
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 14
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 15
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 16
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 17
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 18
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 19
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 20
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 21
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    circa
    1923 01 21
    Sunday
    Circa
    1923 01 31
    Wednesday
    Washington D.C.Samaritan templeSince "last week" in Mr. Chestnut's February 2 column could mean the week beginning Sunday January 21 or Sunday January 22, this event is tentatively dated between the 21st and the end of the month.
    The Chicago Defender:

    'Washington D.C. Feb. 2–
    ...The Ji-JiBoo ball was held at the Samaritan temple last week with a repertoire of prize dances. The music was rendered by Doc Perry's jazz terrors and Duke Ellington's jazz babies. The Ji-Ji-Boos are Scrappy Brooks, Emory Lewis, Austinm Banks, Chas. Burks, Leon Jackson, Thomas Jolly, Henry King, Harry Wilson, Dike Mose and Baby Boy.'

    • J. Le Count Chestnut, Under the Capitol Dome
      The Chicago Defender (Nat'l Ed.), Chicago, Ill.
      1923-02-03 p.19
      courtesy of Steven Bowie and Steven Lasker
    • Email Lasker-Palmquist 2021-07-21
    ...Steven Bowie, August 2021New
    Added
    2021-08-16
    updated
    2021-08-17
    1923 01 22
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 22
    Monday
    1923 01 27
    Saturday
    or circa
    1923 02 03
    Friday
    Washington D.C.
    Howard TheaterEllington first encountered soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet when Bechet played the title role in the 65-member "How Come" revue at the Howard Theater in late January or possibly early February.

    Bechet would play in The Washingtonians in the summer of 1924 and earlier, living in Boston, he influenced the young future Ellingtonians Johnny Hodges and Harry Carney.

    S. Lasker:
         According to John Chilton ("Sidney Bechet, The Wizard of Jazz," p. 56), Sidney Bechet played "How Come, a Chinese laundryman who happened to be a brilliant jazz improvisor" in the show "How Come."
         "The show's booking at the Howard Theatre provided one young Washingtonian, Duke Ellington, with his first hearing of Bechet. It left an indelible impression on him, which he recalled almost 50 years later:

    'My first encounter with the New Orleans idiom came when I heard Sidney Bechet in my hometown. I have never forgotten the power and imagination with which he played.'

    (Quote from MIMM, p. 417)
    • It seems likely Ellington met Bechet the first time "How Come" played the Howard, in late January or the first week of February 1923. The revue played here twice in 1923, first for one to two weeks beginning Monday January 21, and again at the end of July, extending into August, after Philadelphia and New York. By July Ellington was already in New York.
    • The Sunday Star, January 28:

      '"How Come?" the new colored musical offering of comic sayings and doings at the Howard, would have been held a second week if the crowds applauding it could have changed the route of the production.
           ... A special added feature of "How Come's?" last performance tonight will be a real marriage peformed on the stage.
           Local engaged couples have been invited by the Howard management to join the pair to be wed in a pool wedding, with the management paying all fees and furnishing ushers, bridesmaids, best man, 'n everything.' (emphasis added)

      (The Philadelphia Inquirer used similar wording about extending the run at the Dunbar Theater in that city and announced there would be a wedding on stage there on March 4.))
    • This contrasts with The Chicago Defender, February 17:

      '"How Come" returned to the Howard theater for another week's run, owing to the insistent demand of local theater-goers.' (emphasis added)

    • It is not clear, in the face of these conflicting reports, when the show finished at the Howard. Whether it closed after the last show Saturday and returned or simply was held over, the time available was limited, since "Plantation Days," opened at the Howard February 4, the day "How Come" opened in Philadelphia's Dunbar Theatre .
    • The Evening Star / The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C.
        • 1923-01-21 pt.3 pp. 1, 2, 5
        • 1923-01-28 pt.3 p.1
        • 1923-07-29 pt.1 p.4
        • 1923-02-04 pt.3 p.4
      • The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Penn.
        • 1923-02-04 pp.32, 35
        • 1923-02-25 p.32
        • 1923-03-06 p.8
    • The Chicago Defender, National edition, Chicago, Ill.
      1923-02-17 p.19 courtesy S.Lasker
    • Email Lasker-Steiner/Palmquist
      • 2019-10-02
      • 2021-07-22
      • 2021-08-17
    ...SLNew
    added
    2019-10-03
    2021-08-20
    1923 01 23
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 24
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 25
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 26
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 27
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 28
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 29
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 01 30
    Tuesday
    .Washington, D.C.activities not documented......
    1923 01 31
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......

    February 1923

    1923 02 01
    Thursday
    1923 02 11
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented......
    1923 02 02
    Friday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 03
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 04
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 05
    Monday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 06
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 07
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 08
    Thursday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 09
    Friday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 10
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 11
    Sunday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 12
    Monday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1923 02 13
    Tuesday
    1923 02 27
    Tuesday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 02 28
    Wednesday
    ..activities not documented

    On this date, the New York Clipper carried this brief announcement:

    'SWEATMAN IN NEW ACT
    Wilbur Sweatman , the ragtime and jazz clarionetist, is showing a new act, assisted by Flo Dade and his five syncopators. Tim O'Donnell, of the Casey agency , is headlining the bookings.'

    and this ad:PHONOGRAPH ARTIST WILBUR SWEATMAN ORIGINATOR AND MUCH IMITATED RAGTIME AND JAZZ CLARIONETIST Assisted by FLO DADE, and his ACME OF SYNCOPATORS DUKE ELLINGTON, Piano  MACEO JEFFERSON, Banjo OTTO HARTWICK (sic), Saxophone RALPH ESCUDERO, Bass SONNY GREER, Drummer
    S. Lasker:

    'Wilbur Sweatman recalled that he and Duke Ellington never recorded together, which contradicts a claim by banjoist Mike Danzi ("American Musician in Germany, 1924-39," Schmitten, Germany, 1986) that he and Ellington played together on Sweatman's Gennett recording of "Battleship Kate," of which a rejected/lost version was made circa 1924-08-12 and a remake version on 1924-09-20. The pianist on the latter side (Gennett 5584-B) doesn't sound like Ellington to me.'

    ....djp

    March 1923

    1923 03 01
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 02
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 03
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 04
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 05
    Monday
    1923 03 11New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatre
    132nd St. & 7th Ave.
    Harlem
    Midnight Frolic Friday
    Matinee every day
    Continous/Sunday from 2 to 11 (1 to 11 per Lasker)
    Wilbur Sweatman Band

    Click to Enlarge
    An ad in the Amsterdam News announced

    WILBER C. SWEATMAN
    ORIGINATOR AND HIS MOST IMITATED RAG-TIME AND JAZZ BAND
    assisted by
    FLO DADE AND HIS ACME OF SYNCOPATORS
    Duke Ellington, Piano; Maceo Jefferson, banjo; Joan Anderson, trombone; Otta Hardwick, saxophone; Ralph Escudero, bass; Sonny Green, drums.

    Other acts appearing:
    • Wells & Wells
    • Joyner & Foster
    • Walters & Farrell
    • Story Book Revue' featuring Buster Edwards
    • 'Husbands Three' A Merry Musical Comedy - 17 people
    The band (Jefferson, Escudero, Ellington, Sweatman, Dade, Greer, Anderson and Hardwick) was photographed at the Lafayette this week. The photos are found in Record Research No. 128, 1974-06, and Tucker, Early Years, p.82.
    • Tucker, Early Years, pp.80-82
    • Vail I
    • Ad, New York Amsterdam News 1923-03-07 - see Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club,p.5, citing
      • Ad, New York Amsterdam News, 1923-03-07 p.5
      • Ulanov (ibid.), p.27
    • Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, privately published, 2006, p.7, citing
    ...djp
    Added
    2011
    updated

    2013-01-09
    2014-03-28
    2021-06-18
    1923 03 06
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
    Added
    2011
    1923 03 07
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
    Added
    2011
    1923 03 08
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
    Added
    2011
    1923 03 09
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
    Added
    2011
    1923 03 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05.....
    Added
    2011
    Circa
    1923 03 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Busoni's Balconades (or Balconnades) Ballroom
    • The Washingtonians (Greer, Ellington, and Hardwick but not Snowden or Whetsel) may have played this venue during the middle or last part of March, if they were not still working for Sweatman. Or Sweatman might have been involved too. Snowden was still in Washington.
    • Various sources report Greer said he and Duke went to New York the first time in 1921 and played Busoni's Balconnades (or Balconades) Ballroom opposite the Original Dixieland Band and Phil Napoleon's Memphis Five. This could not have happened until March 1923 at the earliest, and if they did play there, was it for one night, or longer? Was it just Sonny and Duke, or was it with Wilbur Sweatman too? Elmer Snowden was not involved, since he seems to have remained in Washington while Ellington and his buddies went to New York the first time. Did Toby Hardwick play with Sonny and Duke at Busoni's?
    • It is not at all certain our heroes played here. A late June announcement in The New York Clipper would seem to indicate the first time three orchestras played this club was in June and the paper described this as a novelty. These bands were the Original Memphis Five, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and the Circle Quintette, all described as Dixieland combinations. Circle Quintette was not an Ellington group - when it broadcast on WEBJ in 1924 its personnel included Jerry Antonocci and Napoleon Anthony. The Sun announcement said it was from Balconades Ballroom and The New York Telegram and Evening Mail named these members.
    • While Greer and Ellington may have travelled to New York in 1921, it seems unlikely only a pianist and a drummer would be hired to play opposite a house band. It is possible Greer, Ellington, Hardwick and Snowden travelled to New York and played in the Balconades in 1921 when it was owned by Thomas Healey, who turned it over to Sixte Busoni in January 1922, but if they did, they did not play opposite the other two bands named by Greer. Given Busoni's prominent role described by Greer, it seems most likely that the job was in 1923 rather than 1921.
    • If Greer and Ellington played opposite the Original Dixieland Jazz Band and the Memphis Five at Busoni's Balconades Ballroom in March, it would have been with Sweatman and Hardwick, since they were still working for Wilbur in June.
    • Other factors indicating the 1921 date is incorrect:
      • Sixte Busoni appears to have taken over the Balconades or Balconnades [both spellings appear in print] Ballroom from building owner Tom Healy:
        • The Evening Telegram carried ads for Thomas Healy's Three Floors of Good Cheer at Broadway & 66th St. in February 1922. The Balconades Ballroom is named in the ads
        • In January 1922, Variety reported an announcement had been made of the opening of the Balconnades [sic] Ballroom at Healy's, without Tom Healy mentioned. It said dancing would be to the music of Castle's Society and Memphis Jazzband Orchestra, and "The Balconnades Ballroom seems to be in line with Tom Healy's previously announnced [sic] intention of disassociating himself from the restaurant business."
      • The Daily Star reported The Original Dixieland Jazzband was engaged for the new Balconades Ballroom in the Healy Building, which was to open that night, January 14, 1922
      • In March 1922, Variety reported The Roseland Amusement Corp. was denied an injunction against Sixte Busone, operator of the Balconnades Ballroom above Healy's to restrain him from employing Philip Napoleon and Milford Mole.
      • In May 1922 the Brooklyn Standard Union ran articles about Danceland on Coney Island which said it was operated by the same management as the Balconades Ballroom. They refer to continuous music provided by the Memphis Five and Busoni's Syncopators.
    • The New York Clipper, New York, N.Y.
      1923-06-20 p.28
    • The Sun, New York, N.Y.
      1924-12-20 p.44
    • The New York Telegram and Evening Mail, New York, N.Y.
      1924-11-18 p.13)
    • Variety
      • 1923-06-07 pp.23, 30
      • 1922-01-13 p.9
      • 1922-03-17 p.11
    • Evan Spring:
      "Duke Ellington chronology,"
      The Cambridge Companion to Duke Ellington, Cambridge University Press, 2015
    • A.H. Lawrence: Duke Ellington and His World, p.406
    • Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians, A Miscellany, p.83
    • Mark Tucker, Duke Ellington, The Early Years, p.80 and note 3, p.289, citing Tim Weiner:
      Keeping Time with Sonny Greer, Soho Weekly News 1979-06-15
    • Email, Steiner-Spring and/or Green et al, 2015-03-26, citing Weiner (ibid.)
    • Email correspondence Wondraschek-Palmquist Dec.2017 and Jan.2018
    • Ralph Wondraschek:
      The Memphis Five
      Part 1: March 1919 - June 1920:
      The Last Word In Jazz Art
      (Vintage Jazz Mart)
    • The Daily Star, Queens Borough, N.Y.
      1922-01-14 p.10
    • The Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y.:
      • 1921-02-01 (page no. illegible)
      • 1921-02-04 p.12
      • 1921-02-05 p.11
      • 1921-02-10 p.4
    • Brooklyn Standard Union, Brooklyn, N.Y.
      • 1922-05-21 p.13
      • 1922-05-28 p.19
    • New York Age, New York, N.Y.
      • 1921-01-22
      • 1921-08-21, p.3
    • The Washington Bee, Washington, D.C.
      1921-03-12
    • Washington Post, Washington, D.C.
      • 1921-06-04
      • 1921-06-21
    ...djpNew
    added 2014-03-22
    updated
    2018-02-23
    1923 03 11
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Lafayette Theatresee 1923 03 05
    • Lasker, ibid.
    • Steiner, ibid.
    ....
    Added
    2011
    updated 2014-03-28
    2014-09-23
    1923 03 12
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 13
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 14
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 15
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 16
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 17
    Saturday
    St. Patrick's Day
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 18
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 19
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 20
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 21
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 22
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 23
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 24
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 25
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 26
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 27
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 28
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 29
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 30
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 03 31
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......

    April 1923

    1923 04 01
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 02
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 03
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 04
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 05
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 06
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 07
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 08
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 09
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 10
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 11
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 12
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 13
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 14
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 15
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 16
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 17
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 18
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 19
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 20
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 21
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 22
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 23
    Monday
    1923 04 28
    Saturday
    Philadelphia, Penn.Grand Theater(Unconfirmed)
    Vaudeville
    Berresford speculates that Ellington, Greer and Hardwick were still with Wilbur Sweatman, because the Chicago Defender said Sweatman with his assisting Syncopators appeared at the Grand for this week.
    Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman p.136, citing Chicago Defender 1923-03-31...djpNew
    added 2012-12-08
    1923 04 24
    Tuesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
    1923 04 25
    Wednesday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
    1923 04 26
    Thursday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
    1923 04 27
    Friday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
    1923 04 28
    Saturday
    .Philadelphia, Penn.Grand TheaterUnconfirmed - see 1923 04 23....djpadded 2012-12-08
    1923 04 29
    Sunday
    Ellington's birthday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 04 30
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......

    May 1923

    1923 05 01
    Tuesday
    1923 05 31
    Thursday
    ..Activities this month are not documented - Ellington, Hardwick and Greer may have been back in Washington, working with Elmer Snowden......

    June 1923

    1923 06 01
    Friday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1923 06 02
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 03
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 04
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 05
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 06
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 07
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 08
    Friday
    .Baltimore, Md.Wonderland Amusement Park
    Cherry Hill Ave. [recte Rd.] west of Hanover St.
    Elmer Snowden's Jazz Kings

    This entry may only be a peripheral event, since there is no evidence that Ellington, Hardwick, Whetsel or Greer were involved. They do not appear to have worked with Snowden before the move to New York.
    • Tucker, Early Years, p.86
    • Ads, Baltimore Afro-American
    • Park location per The Billboard
      • 1923-07-28 p.94
      • 1929-11-16 p.66
    • Email Lasker-Palmquist/Steiner 2021-08-22
    ...Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.5Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-05-25
    2018-03-29
    2021-08-22
    1923 06 09
    Saturday
    1923 06 30
    Saturday
    ..activities not documented.....
    1923 06 10
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 11
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 12
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 13
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 14
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 15
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 16
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 17
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 18
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 19
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 20
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1923 06 21
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    Circa
    1923 06 22
    Friday
    .Atlantic City, N.J.Music BoxActivities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box.
    Steven Lasker:
    'Per Abel Green, The New York Clipper (1923-11-23, p. 24; reprinted in The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, p. 16):

    'They [The Washingtonians] are well known in several southern places and were at the Music Box, Atlantic City, the past summer.'

    Charters and Kunstadt, also Mark Tucker, date the Music Box engagement to late June without offering additional evidence (no such evidence is in the historical record), but assuming the band's engagement at Barron's Exclusive Club began in early July, followed by their employment at the Hollywood Cabaret from the last day in August, late June is the only part of summer when the Washingtonians were at liberty to work in Atlantic City. '
    • Samuel B.Charters and Leonard Kunstadt,
      Jazz; A History of the New York Scene,
      Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1962, p.212
    • Mark S. Tucker,
      Ellington, the Early Years, University of Illinois Press, 1991,
      ("Early Years") p.87
    • Email, Lasker-Steiner & Palmquist
      • 2019-10-05
      • 2019-10-06
      • 2021-03-03
    ...djpNew
    added
    2018-09-02
    updated
    2019-10-06
    2021-06-06
    1923 06 23
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 24
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 25
    Monday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 26
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 27
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 28
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 29
    Friday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......
    1923 06 30
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented, but possibly working at the Music Box......

    July 1923

    1923 07 00.New York, N.Y..Shortly before the Exclusive Club engagement, the band is reported to have auditioned for the Everglades Club at 48th and Broadway. Frank Dutton, Birth of a Band, Storyville #91, Oct-Nov 1980, citing Stanley Dance, The World of Swing pp.50-51...djpNew
    added 2014-03-26
    Circa
    1923 07 00
    Circa
    1923 08 00
    New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club
    198 W. 134th St
    (Harlem)
    Barron's Exclusive Club
    Barron's Exclusive Club (cropped)
    Click for the full image
    The exact dates of this residency are unknown.

    If the band came to New York directly after the Baltimore engagement on June 8, and if Snowden's claim to have told the club owner that the Washingtonians had been in New York for five weeks is true, the Exclusive Club engagement may have started around July 21. It might have started before Ellington was hired at Connie's Inn, though, if Beresford is right:

    'Harper needed a daytime rehearsal pianist ... and found the ideal candidate working at Harlem celebrity and club owner Barron Wilkin's nightclub, Club Barron–none other than Duke Ellington.'


    See also S.Lasker:

    'Per Barry Ulanov, "Duke Ellington," p. 34:
         Leonard Harper was a dancer and a producer uptown, who, like most of the other professionals in Harlem, had noticed the boys from T Street. He came in [to Barron's] often, sat around, talked. [....] He, Harper, was producing shows that season of '23-'24 at Connie's Inn, run by the Brothers Immerman--Connie and George--and at the Hollywood [Cabaret]. Connie's Inn was uptown, right next to the Lafayette Theatre; the Hollywood was downtown, 49th and Broadway. Would the Washingtonians like either job?'

    While this description of Barron's dates to 1926, it likely pertains to 1923 as well:

    'New York Morning Telegraph, 1926 03 24, p. 2 (Courtesy of Ken Steiner):
    It opens around 11 pm and does not close until early dawn. Admittance is by card only. The club's seating capacity is 75 and there are few nights when it is not filled with an equal number of both white and colored patrons.'



    While Snowden said the band stayed six months, since it opened at the Hollywood at the end of August this webpage assumes the engagement ended in August, possibly (but not likely) as late as August 30. There may have been some downtime in late August to allow for Hollywood rehearsals.
    Club owner Barron Wilkins hired the Snowden band on Ada (Bricktop) Smith's recommendation. They replaced the house band that was paid out for 2 weeks, so they only received tips for those weeks. Tips were lucrative, but hours were long - from 11 pm to 10 or 11 am.
    Ellington:

    'Everybody seemed to like us at Barron's, and at that time there were no other organized bands in Harlem. We were only five, but we had arrangements on everything, and it was what we've now named conversation music, kind of soft and gutbucket. We were Toby, Whetsol, Sonny, Snowden and myself, and we let Snowden handle the business...
      There were lots of "Mr. Gunions'' who came into Barron's. A "Mr. Gunion'' is anybody with lots of money. We used to make thirty dollars a week, and the tips ran into twenty apiece per night. There were nine of us who had to split, the four entertainers and ourselves. We used to see fellows throwing twenty dollars in halves on the floor.'


    Greer:

    'It was a popular club. But the guys didn't really start hanging out there as a bunch until we came because he had never really heard anybody like us. So the word spread and they come down there. The place was so packed they couldn't accomodate all the musicians trying to come in. And a one-set rule that we had at the time, we were paid for entertaining so we couldn't let just anybody walk in there and play. Bricktop ... was the hostess there ... she got us the job ... and the business tripled overnight. So all the musicians, our friends, they'd come in. He never turned them away but as far as playing they come to listen...nobody that played like us. Six pieces sounded like 12, and we played so smooth, we were never loud...We went down there in July and stayed the whole summer."


    Elmer Snowden:

    '...we ran across the woman that we used to work with in Washington... called 'Bricktop'...and she was so surprised to see us in New York, and she said, 'What you doing here?' So I told her the story.
      'So mebbe I can get you a job', so I said, 'Well you'll have to get it quick, 'cause we going right back to Washington either tomorrow or the next day. We've sent back for some money, and as soon as the money get here we're going back to Washington.'
      So, sure enough, she went round to the place where she was working called Baron [sic] Wilkin's Inn ... and all the big shots of that time, the gangsters ... and movie stars used to go there. So she went to the man who owned the place, and he said, 'but I've got a band here, I don't need another band.'
      So she said 'Well these boys are friends of mine and they're here and they don't have no job and they NEED a job, and we've been working together for a long time.' So he said, 'What am I gonna do with them?' So he happened to think and said, 'Well, tell the leader of the band to come down and I'll talk to him.' So I went down there and I talked to him. So he said, 'The only thing I can see, if you'll work two weeks for nothing....' and I said, 'But we've been here five weeks already ....and we'd still have nothing.' He said, 'I know what you're thinking, but I have to pay my band two weeks salary to let them go so you can come in, but I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll give you $40.00 – I'll GUARANTEE you $40.00 .... if you don't make $40.00 in tips, then you come to me and I'll make it up for those two weeks.' Well the first night we went in the place we took $50.00 apiece....the first NIGHT. We used to start at eleven at night and come off at ten or eleven the next morning.... the kids were just coming home for their lunch and we were just coming out of the place but we were loaded....we got some money. So at the end of the first week he called me upstairs to his office and he said, 'Well son, how did you do this week, are you satisfied? Did you make your #40.00?'
      I said, 'Yes, we covered, we made a little more than that.' We came out of there with more than $150.00 apiece. So we stayed there just about six months and then we got this job on Broadway...'

    • Jazz: A History of the New York Scene by Samuel B. Charters & Leonard Kunstadt,
      Doubleday & Company, 1962, p.195

      (viewable in the Internet Archive
    • "Discovering Elmer,"Storyville,
      • April/May 1968, pp.3-7
      • June/July 1968 pp.4-7
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, 1991 pp.88, 92
    • Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, 2006, p.11, quoting Sonny Greer's January 1979 interview by Stanley Crouch for the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Project.
    • Ken Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, 2008
    • Mark Berresford, That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.139
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2021-02-28
        citing Ulanov, "Duke Ellington," p.34
      • 2021-03-01
      • 2021-03-03
      • 2022-03-28
      • 2023-09-29 following up 2022-12-19
    ...djp
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2014-06-16
    2018-07-07
    2018-09-02
    2021-02-28
    2021-06-06
    2021-10-25
    2022-03-29
    2023-09-29
    1923 07 01
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 02
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 03
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 04
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 05
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 06
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 07
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 08
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 09
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 10
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 11
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 12
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 13
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 14
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 15
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 16
    Monday
    1923 07 21
    Saturday.
    New York, N.Y.Connie's InnEllington may have worked during the day for Leonard Harper. He was hired to be the rehearsal pianist during the daytime for the Leonard Harper show that was to open July 21 at the new Connie's Inn. The dates he played for the rehearsals are not known; presumably it would have been most of this week.

    Tucker:

    'At Connie's, while working with seasoned professional entertainers, Ellington began learning first-hand about the musical strucure of revues. '

    • Mark Berresford, That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.139
    • Tucker, Early Years, p.92
    ...djp
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 16
    Mpnday
    1923 07 21
    Saturday
    New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added

    2021-10-25
    circa
    1923 00 00
    .
    ...Life event
    The Cambridge Companion says Duke's wife Edna moved to New York in 1923 where she worked at Connie's Inn as a showgirl. The author did not provide a source but it is not inconsistent with Mercer Ellington's comments, although Mercer's comments may indicate it was some time earlier:
    'After a short spell with my father and mother, I was left with my grandfather and grandmother in Washington, while they went off to New York...'
    Steven Lasker identifies the source as Austin Lawrence, p.407:
    "July 1923: Ellington hired as rehearsal pianist for a revue opening at Connie's Inn on the 21st; Ellington's wife, Edna, demands to come to New York and is soon hired at Connie's Inn as a showgirl.'
    • Cambridge Companion, p.xiv
    • M. Ellington, DEIP, p.16
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2017-03-04
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-03-18
    updated
    2015-05-25
    2017-04-26
    1923 07 17
    Tuesday
    1923 07 21
    Saturday
    New York, N.Y.Connie's InnEllington likely worked during the day as the Connie's Inn rehearsal pianist - see 1923 07 16....djp
    2012-11-26
    updated
    2021-02-28
    1923 07 17
    Tuesday
    1923 07 21
    Saturday
    New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added

    2021-10-25
    1923 07 18
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Connie's InnEllington likely worked during the day as the Connie's Inn rehearsal pianist - see 1923 07 16....djp
    2012-11-26
    updated
    2021-02-28
    1923 07 18
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added

    2021-10-25
    1923 07 19
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Connie's InnEllington likely worked during the day as the Connie's Inn rehearsal pianist - see 1923 07 16....djp
    2012-11-26
    updated
    2021-02-28
    1923 07 19
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added

    2021-10-25
    1923 07 20
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Connie's InnEllington likely worked during the day as the Connie's Inn rehearsal pianist - see 1923 07 16....djp
    2012-11-26
    updated
    2021-02-28
    1923 07 21
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Connie's InnEllington may have worked during the day as the Connie's Inn rehearsal pianist if there was a rehearsal on the opening day of Leonard Harper's revue.
    Peripheral event
    Connie's Inn, at or below the Lafayette Theatre, opened on this date. The first revue was a Leonard Harper production, with Wilbur Sweatman's Jazz Kings.
    The New York Age waged a campaign protesting the opening of Connie's Inn and other booze joints in Harlem. In its Nov. 3 edition, it said the cabaret was in the basement of the Lafayette Hall building, not in the Lafayette Theatre building.
    • The Sun and Globe, New York, N.Y.
      1923-08-25
    • The New York Age, New York, N.Y.,
      • 1923-08-04 p.1
      • 1923-08-11 p.1
      • 1923-08-18 pp.1,2
      • 1923-09-29 p.2
      • 1923-10-06 p.2
      • et subs.
    ...djpNew
    added
    2018-01-22
    updated
    2018-03-30
    2021-02-28
    1923 07 20
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added

    2021-10-25
    1923 07 21
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added

    2021-10-25
    1923 07 22
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 23
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 24
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 25
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 26
    Thursday
    .Manhattan
    New York, N.Y.
    Victor Talking Machine Co. studio
    28 W.44th St.
    Victor trial recording session
    Snowden's Novelty Orchestra
    Whetsel, Hardwick, Ellington, Snowden and Greer

    Title recorded:
    Home

    Steven Lasker:

    ' The files show no matrix number for this recording, and offer no evidence that it was ever processed into a metal part or test-pressed from one. '

    Lasker, in DEMS 96/2-7:

    'The Victor Talking Machine Company's "Recording Book" for 1923 ... documents a session by "Snowden's Nov. Orch." ... 26 July 1923, and produced one "trial" title: "HOME." While the ledger is silent as to personnel present, bandleader Elmer Snowden recalled them as the original Washingtonians: Whetsel, Hardwick, Ellington, Snowden and Greer. (As to the exact number of men, Snowden's own retellings disagreed; "five" to Stanley Dance (The World of Swing) but "six" to Les Muscutt (Storyville 16, April-May 1968)...

    As for the 26 July 23 "HOME," the ledger entry bears neither "Serial No." nor "mark" data in the appropriate columns (except for a "B" to indicate a 10" master), so the piece was likely rejected on the spot and the wax master destroyed without a metal part or test pressing having resulted. No test pressing is known to me and sources at BMG inform me of the absence of unprocessed waxes, unnumbered metal parts or shellac tests in their vaults.'

    In MIMM, Ellington says Maceo Pinkard was the first to take me to a studio ... so it is possible he was present during this session.
    • Timner IV, p.1
    • Dick M. Bakker, Duke Ellington on Microgroove Vol One 1923-1936
    • Duke Ellington, MIMM, p.102
    • S.Lasker, book to The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition, RCA Victor CD box set 09026-63386-2, p.20
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2017-02-28
      • 2018-09-02
    .DEMS.S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29); djp; Lasker Jan 2017 Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-02-09
    2014-12-30
    2017-01-25
    2017-03-01
    2018-09-02
    2020-02-17
    1923 07 26
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 27
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 28
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 29
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 30
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 07 31
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25

    August 1923

    1923 08 01
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 02
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 03
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 04
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 05
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 06
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 07
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 08
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 09
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 10
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 11
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 12
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 13
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 14
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 15
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 16
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 17
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 18
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 19
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 20
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 21
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 22
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 23
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....
    Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-01-10
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 24
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 25
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Premier Grand Piano Co.
    510 W. 23 St.
    Ellington and his orchestra made its first known radio appearance on WDT at midday. Who was in this orchestra isn't known.

    Ken Steiner describes WDT as a short-lived (1921-23) radio station owned by the Ship Owners' Radio Service, broadcasting one or two hours a day from the Premier Grand Piano Company and managed by actress, singer and radio personality Vaughan De Leath, the "Original Radio Girl."
    • The show was announced by Floyd G. Snelson, Jr. in his "New York Weekly News Letter" column in The Pittsburgh Courier:

      'Negro Radio Concert
        Saturday, August 25, at Noon, Station W.D.T., New York City. Under the direction of Roland C. Irving and Floyd G. Enelson[sic], Jr.
      Program
         Trixie Smith, Blues soloist. Thomas Walker [sic], Pianist of Q.R.S. Records [sic]
         Josie Miles, Blues artist, with Roland Irving at the piano.
         Rosa Henderson, Blues artist, with Fletcher Henderson at the piano.
         Bruce [sic] Ellington and Serenaders Orchestra.
         Lena Wilson, popular singer with Porter Grainger at the piano.
         Roland Irving and his unique piano arrangements.
         The above program will furnish millions of radio fans their noon-hour entertainment and will be one of the best all-star programs every produced by race people. The station W.D.T. is one of the most prominently known broadcasting depots in the East and is under the direction of Mlle. Vaughan De Leath. She is the first director to introduce an entire Negro program, and takes a great pride in boasting of such entertainment for which she receives much commendation.'

    • Radio schedules (emphasis added):
      • The Brooklyn Daily Eagle:

        'Tomorrow's Early Program
        W D T (Manhattan, 405)

          12:00 m.–DukeEllington and Orchestra: "Bebe,""Susan" and "Bananas."
          12:10 p.m.–Trixie Smith: "Man, Man, Don't Do That to Me," "GulfCoast Blues."
          12:20 p.m.–Thomas Waller, pianist: "Where the Sacramento River Flows," "If Winter Comes," "Pickles."
          12:30p.m.–Duge [sic] Ellington and Orchestra: "Where the Sacramento River Flows," "If Winter Comes," "Pickles."
          12:35 p.m.–Joe De Lisle,singer, and Roland Irving, pianist: "Don't Let Me Find You Here When I Get Back."
          12:40 p.m.–Rosa Henderson, singer: "Stop Messin' withMy Man," "Cotton Belt Blues."
          12:45 p.m.–Lena Wilson: "Laughing, Crying Blues, "Taint Nobody's Business."
          12:50 p.m.–Duke Ellington and Orchestra: "My Own," "Mose," "Papa, Watch Your Step."'

      • The Evening World:

        'WDT, NEW YORK–405.
        12:00 m.—Duke Ellington, songs: "Bebe,""Susan," "Bananas."
           12.10 P.M.—Trixie Smith, songs: "Man, Man, Don't Do That to Me," "Gulf Coast Blues."
        12.20—Thomas Waller, pianist; "Farewell Blues," "Molasses."
        12.30—Duke Ellington, songs: "Where the Sacramento River Flows," "If Winter Comes," "Pickles."
        12.35—Joe De Lisle, song: "Don't Let Me Find You Here When I Get Back."
        12.40 Rosa Henderson, songs: "Stop Messin' with My Man," "Cotton Belt Blues."
        12.45— Lena Wilson, songs: "Laughing, Crying Blues," "Tain't Nobody's Business,"
        12.50 P.M. Duke Ellington, songs: "My Own," "Mose," "Papa, Watch Your Step."

      • Radio Digest Ilustrated:

        '12:00-1:00 pm (EDT)Orchestra selections; "Man, Man, Don't Do That to Me." "Gulf Coast Blues," Trixie Smith; "Farewell Blues," "Molasses," Thomas Waller, pianist; "Where the Sacramento River Flows," "If Winter Comes," "Pickles," Duke Ellington, Vocalion Record artist and orchestra; "Don't Let Me Find You Here When I Get Back," Joe DeLisle, singer; Roland Irving, pianist; "Stop Messin' with My Man," "Cotton Belt Blues," Rosa Henderson, singer; Fletcher Henderson, pianist; "Laughing Crying Blues," "Taint Nobody's Business," Lena Wilson, Victor artist; Porter Grainger, pianist; "My Own," "Mose," "Papa, Watch Your Step," Duke Ellington and orchestra'

    • Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, pp.11-12, quoting Floyd G. Snelson, Jr., "New York Weekly News Letter,"The Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh, Penn., 1923-08-18 p.10
    • The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York, N.Y., 1923-08-24 p.6A
    • Ken Steiner, Mad Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.5, with radio log from The Evening World, New York, N.Y.
      1923-08-25
    • Radio Digest Illustrated, 1923-08-25,p.9
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-01-09
    2013-08-31
    2017-10-17
    2017-10-22
    1923 08 25
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 26
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 27
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 28
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 29
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 30
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Barron's Exclusive Club ?Activities not documented, but possibly
    working at Barron's - see 1923 07 00
    .....updated
    2021-10-25
    1923 08 31
    Friday
    circa
    1926
    New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    a.k.a
    • Hollywood Café
    • New Hollywood Restaurant
    • Hollywood Restaurant
    • The Hollywood
    • New Hollywood
    Basement, 203 West 49th St.
    (Times Square)
    This webpage uses "Hollywood Cabaret," the operating name shown in 1924 in an affidavit sworn by a U.S.Treasury Agent.
    This appears to be a "soft opening," more or less a dry run before the announced opening on Sept. 1 (see 1923 09 01 below)

    CREOLE REVUE OPENS AT NEW HOLLYWOOD
    New Show Promises to Last Through Winter at Prominent Broadway Restaurant
    A new Autumn revue was presented at the New Hollywood Restaurant, 208 West Forty-ninth street, entitled the "Creole Revue." It has come directly from the Empire Theatre in London and promises to last well after the snow flies.
      Some colored girls furnished liveliness by their songs and dances and did justice to the production of Leonard Harper, who staged the review. Mr. Harper again demonstrated his skill in managing musical miniature shows in the "Creole Revue."
      The cast boasts of Johnny Vigal, Brooks & White, Cassie Ward and many others not unknown to the frequenters of cabarets. The music was written especially for the production by Elmer Snowden, who led the Washington jazz band at the opening performance Friday night.
      The Hollywood Restaurant, one of the most prominent on Broadway, is under the management of Leo Bernstein, who is assisted by his partners, Frank Jerrie and George Hammond. The trio has gone to considerable expense to make the show a success.'
    (emphasis added)
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1924-09-02 p.5
    ...djpNew
    added
    2018-01-08

    September 1923

    1923 09 00 .New York, N.Y.."In September 1923, The Billboard reported (Maceo Pinkard) had placed the (The Washingtonians) with the Victor record company..."
    M. Tucker, Early Years, 1991 p.104....New
    added 2012-01-09
    Circa
    1923 09 00
    ...Personnel change
    Ellington:

    "Whetsol [sic] left us and went back to Howard University to study medicine. Bubber Miley was still young then, but we had him join. Our band changed its character when Bubber came in. He used to growl all night long, playing gut-bucket on his horn. That was when we decided to forget all about the sweet music."

    Hardwick:

    "...Whetsel went back to Howard University and we needed a good man. We wanted Miley...He was playing at a little place uptown and was happy there, so he stalled us off, thinking that if and when Whetsel came back, we'd let him go. One night after we finished work, we went up to Harlem, got Bubber stiff, and when he came to he was in a tuxedo growling at the Hollywood..."

    New York Evening Telegram:

    "Vincent Lopez was a recent visitor to the Hollywood and was unstinting in his praise of the cornetist of Elmer Snowden's Washington Black Dot Orchestra, 'Bub' Miley. Mr. Lopez said he is one of the best he has ever heard. 'And we opine that Mr. Lopez is some judge,' Snowden remarked with considerable pride in his voice."


    New Desor has Bubber Miley and Charlie Irvis joining the band in 1924, based on band recordings, the first of which was in 1924.

    Since Howard University's academic year probably began in September, it seems likely Whetsel left the band that month, with Bubber joining shortly thereafter.
    Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, privately published, 2006, quoting
    • Duke Ellington, Jazz as I Have Seen It, Swing Magazine, 1940-06
    • Inez Cavanaugh / Otto Hardwick interview, Metronome, 1944-11-00, p.17
    • Steiner, private email 2014-03-29, quoting News of New York's Popular Hotels and Smart Restaurants, New York Evening Telegram, 1923-10-27
    ...djpNew
    added 2014-03-28
    circa 1923 09 00
    .New York, N.Y..Quote from Ellington during his 1953 01 26 WLAW Boston interview with Nat Hentoff.

    'We had this six-piece band. I used to go kind of everyday to one of the big movie houses on Broadway where they had symphony orchestras then and listen to the symphony orchestras play this beautiful lush music and then go back down to the cellar to my own six pieces and try to make 'em sound like that. (Laughs.)'

    Interview extract, courtesy S. Lasker 2016-04-26.
    .djpNew
    added
    2016-04-26
    1923 09 01
    Saturday
    1923 11 07
    Friday
    New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Opening night for the Hollywood and premiere of Leonard Harper's "Cleo Revue;"

    "Three shows nightly at 9 PM, 11:30 PM and 1:30 AM staged and produced by Mr. Joe Ward. The Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Snowden, Leader."

    "Elmer Snowden's Washingtonian Black Dot orchestra will furnish music during dinner and supper, as well as for dancing."

    Ellington recalled WHN radio broadcast their music every night after 2 a.m.

    Sonny Greer:

    "...We had six chorus girls in the show...The floorshow also included Johnny Hudgins...Joe Smith, the trumpet player, worked with him, and Joe did the talking on trumpet, using his hand as a mute. The M.C. was Bert Lewis and in between the shows he would come out and do an act with Fats Waller as his accompanist.
     We went to work at eleven o'clock at night and nobody knew when closing hour was. We usually didn't get through till seven or eight in the morning, but it was beautiful...
     The club held only about 130 people, but after all the other clubs closed the musicians would come to ours, and often you would see forty or fifty name musicians in there at a time...
     Because of the small stand, we couldn't use a bass player and we couldn't expand the band..."

    Abel Green:

    "This colored band is plenty torrid and includes a trumpet player who never need doff his chapeau to any cornetist in the business. He exacts the eeriest sort of modulation and 'singing' notes heard...The band is the sole feature up to midnight, when Harpers's Dixie Revue goes on, reappearing again at 2 a.m.
     ...They also broadcast every Wednesday at 3:45 from WHN radio station."

    Willie "The Lion" Smith:

    "...I'd ...catch the first show at the Kentucky Club...the bandstand was up under the sidewalk in a corner. The bandsmen had to walk up three stone steps to get on the stand. Their dressing rooms were like 'the Black Hole of Calcutta.' ...The stand ...only held six men and Duke had to play piano and direct from the dance floor. If you worked on the deck long enough, you wound up with hunched shoulders for good because the stand was about five-and-a-half feet from the glass grill up in the sidewalk."


    Elmer Snowden, interviewed by Les Muscutt:

    '...It was a place called the Hollywood Club...I always took my banjo home every night, but I was playing saxophone then...I had three saxes, a Baritone, a C Melody and a C Soprano...and a guitar, and my banjo...


    Ken Steiner's early and exhaustive research into Ellington's time at the Hollywood and its successor, Club Kentucky, is presented in his paper Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, Duke Ellington and the Washingtonians, 1923-27, delivered at the 2008 International Duke Ellington Study Group conference in London.

    Since Wild Throng is not in general circulation, here is a list of the various sources he cited that specifically relate to Ellington, the Washington Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Snowden, the Washingtonians, and The Hollywood from September 1923 and February 1925:
    • Steven Lasker A Cotton Club Miscellany
    • The Tattler (New York)
    • Variety, "Leading Orchestras," 1926 (fall)
    • Liner notes, Columbia Records album C3L-39, 1996, pp.6-7
    • Ulanov (ibid.) p.27
    • Baltimore Afro-American, 1923-05-25, p.7
    • The Billboard, 1923-09-23, p.55
    • New York Clipper
      "Band and Orchestra Reviews,"1923-11-23
      • "Cabaret Shows in Dance Halls,"
        • 1923-12-14, p.24
        • 1924-01-04, p.24
        • 1924-02-22, ad, p.35
    • New York Sun, WHN radio schedule, 1923-09-27
    • Evening Telegram, ads
      • 1923-10-12 - 1923-11-07
      • 1923-09-08 to 1923-10-07
    • Evening Telegram, "News,"
      • 1923-09-29, p.5
      • 1923-10-27, p.4
      • 1923-11-03, p.4
      • 1923-11-10, p.14
      • 1923-11-17, p.10
      • 1923-12-01, p.9
    • Evening Telegram
      • 1923-09-01, p.8
      • 1923-09-08,p.10
      • 1923-10-13, p.4
    • International Musician, 1924-06-00
    • Morning Telegraph, "Hotels, Restaurants, Cabarets,"
      • 1923-09-02
      • 1923-09-09
      • 1923-09-23
      • 1923-09-23
      • 1923-10-14
      • 1923-10-23
      • 1923-10-28
      • 1923-11-04
      • 1923-11-11
      • 1923-11-18
      • 1923-12-02
      • 1923-12-16
      • 1923-12-30
      • 1924-01-01
      • 1924-01-13
      • 1924-02-03
      • 1924-02-17
      • 1924-03-02
      • 1924-03-09
    • Morning Telegraph 1924-04-13
    • Morning Telegraph, weekly ads
      • 1923-09-09 to 1923-10-07
      • 1923-10-14 to 1923-11-04
      • 1923-11-11 to 1924-01-13
    • New York Telegram and Evening Mail
      • 1924-02-09, p.5
      • 1924-03-08, p.14
    • New York Amsterdam News, 1923-03-07, p.7
    • New York Times "Fire Record" 1924-04-05
    • The Pittsburgh Courier, Pittsburgh, Penn. (PC), 1923-08-18 p.10
    • Swing, "Jazz as I Have Seen It, Part IV," 1940-06, p.21
    • The Evening World, New York, "Radio," 1923-08-25
    • Ad and plug, The Evening Telegram, 1923-09-01, p.8
    • Steven Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, pp.16 - 18, quoting
      • Abel Green in New York Clipper 1923-11-23 p.24
      • Sonny Greer, 'In Those Days' as told to Stanley Dance, Columbia album C3L39 notes
      • Willie the Lion Smith with George Hoefer, Music on My Mind, The Memoirs Of An American Pianist, p.173
    • Ken Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, Duke Ellington and the Washingtonians, 1923-27, privately published, 2008
    • "Discovering Elmer,"Storyville,
      • April/May 1968, pp.3-7
      • June/July 1968 pp.4-7
    .DEMSVail I.Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-01-14
    2014-03-29
    2018-07-07
    1923 09 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-09-09 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2018-01-07
    1923 09 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-09-16 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2018-01-07
    1923 09 17
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.WHN station
    Loew Building
    1540 Broadway
    In August 1923 WHN began broadcasting bands, and about a month later, The Clipper mentioned the names of some of them, including "the Washingtonians, a colored band from Hollywood café."

    Tucker, relying on Abel Green's comment in The Clipper (see 1923 11 23) says the band played weekly, on Wednesday afternoons and Ellington said WHN broadcast the band every night after two a.m.
    Clipper, 1923-09-14:

    'CABARETS BID FOR PLUG VIA RADIO MUSIC
    Sending Bands Down to Perform Regularly – WHN Lists Many
    The Broadway cabarets and dance places are making a bid for radio pupularity by sending their orchestras to play at regular periods. The Loew building WHN station, because of its easy accessibility, is the most popular.

    The following are a few of the orchestras lined up for this month: Strand Roof Band; Califormia Ramblers (every Wednesday afternoon); Clover Gardens Band every Wednesday evening; the Washingtonians, a colored band from Hollywood cafe, Harlem; Le Roy Smith's Orchestra; Metamora Band; Jack Small Orchestra from St. Nicholas Rink; and Joseph Jordan's Orchestra from Loew's State.'

    • Tucker, Early Years, pp. 106, 294
    • Ellington, Jazz as I Have Seen It, Part IV, Swing, 1940-06, p.21, quoted by S. Lasker in The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, p.13
    • Clipper, New York, 1923-09-14 p.21
    • Email Lasker/Palmquist
      2022-07-15
      2023-10-20
    .... Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-08-09
    2014-06-16
    2018-07-28
    2023-10-21
    1923 09 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 21
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 23
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 25
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 26
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.WHN station
    Loew Building
    1540 Broadway
    WHN broadcast scheduled:

    '4:15-5:00 p.m. Elmer Snowden's "Washingtonians" Orchestra'

    • Radio schedule,
      Plainfield Courier-News, Plainfield, N.J.
      1927-09-27 p.8
    • Email Lasker/Palmquist
      2022-07-15
      2023-10-20
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2017-06-10
    2023-10-21
    1923 09 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 29
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 09 30
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-09-30 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2018-01-07

    October 1923

    1923 10 01
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 02
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 03
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 04
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 05
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 06
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 07
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-10-07 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2018-01-07
    1923 10 08
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01
    .....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 09
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01
    .....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 10
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01
    .....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 11
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    Night club residency with "Cleo Revue" - see 1923 09 01
    .....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 12
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency and opening night of "Creole Revue" - two shows nightly. The opening was a week later than planned......Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 13
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 14
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12

    Morning Telegraph:

    'With the world's series going in full blast just now thousands of people are in New York from all over the country and this has gladdened the hearts of the hotel, restaurant and cabaret men, who are all doing a thriving business.
      The visitors have been going to see everything in town. The theatres at night are playing to capacity houses, the cabarets and dance places getting their share and everybody happy and enjoying themselves; even the bootleggers are generous, taking many of their out of town friends around showing them the sights and entertaining them...
    Revue at the Hollywood.
      Another of the prominent Broadway cabaret places that hundreds of visitors have been going to all this week is the Hollywood, at Broadway and West Forty-ninth street. Leonard Harper's revue, the creole offering which he is presenting twice nightly, seems to have taken Broadway by storm.
      Then there is another big feature at the Hollywood. It is the Washingtonian black dot orchestra under the direction of Elmer Snowden. Then there is the delightful hostess, Miss Hazel Clark, whom everybody admires. Miss Clark, who speaks several languages, can hold conversation with French, German, Italian, Spanish, Gaelic, English and Hebrew, something that no other hostess in the cabarets of New York can boast of.
      Leo Bernstine [sic], George Hammond and Frank Jerrie, the owners of the Hollywood, always have many surprises for their patrons every night and when one drops in there they are always sure to see something new in a way of a new artist or a new song number at every performance. For good food and delightful music and dancing the Hollywood is hard to beat and that is why they are drawing capacity crowds every night in the week.'

    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-10-14 p.8
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2018-01-07
    2018-01-14
    1923 10 15
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 16
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 17
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 18
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y..Victor recording session
    Snowden's Novelty Orchestra
    Miley or Whetsel, John Anderson, Roland Smith, Hardwick, Ellington, Snowden, Greer

    Titles recorded:
    • Home
    • M.T. Pocket Blues

    Some discographies say Elmer Snowden's Novelty Orchestra recorded for Victor in this session. Bakker shows the recordings were unissued, and Steven Lasker and DEMS take the position it never occurred. Lasker's research of Victor's files showed no entry for it:

    'The April 1963 issue of Jazz Journal included an Elmer Snowden discography, compiled by Bertrand Demeusy with Snowden's assistance. It lists a single session by Snowden's Novelty Orchestra, with two titles: "HOME" and "M.T. POCKET BLUES." A note explains: "Elmer Snowden says the record was made October 18, 1923. Brian Rust in his Jazz Records indicates New York, July 26, 1923."

    18 Oct 23 ... has since 1963 been listed by discographers as constituting a second, additional, session by the band. However, a review I conducted in 1987/88 of Victor's ledger books for 1923 and 1924 disclosed no session by "Snowden," or "Ellington," or "the Washingtonians" other than the Snowden session of 26 July 23. No recording of a piece called "HOME" was made at Victor on any date in 1923/4 other than that, and "M.T. POCKET BLUES" went unrecorded by anyone there. Thus, according to Victor's files and contrary to Snowden, 18 Oct 23 is a date without consequence in the recorded careers of Snowden, Ellington and company. '

    Timner IV, p.1.DEMSTimner corrections S.Hoefsmit (06,1-29)Added
    2011
    updated
    2014-01-19
    2020-02-17
    1923 10 19
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 20
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 21
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.New Star Casino,
    East 107th St. & 3rd Ave.
    Harlem
    Song Writers' Concert and Dance....Added
    2011
    1923 10 22
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-10-21 p.8.
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    1923 10 23
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 24
    Wednesday
    ...Fred Fisher Company registered the copyright of Blind Man's Buff. Mark Tucker writes "This is the first tangible evidence of Ellington's work with Jo Trent."Tucker, Early Years, p.103
    ...djpNew
    added 2012-01-07
    updated 2014-08-17
    2015-02-28
    1923 10 24
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 25
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 26
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 27
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 28
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 29
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 30
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 10 31
    Wednesday
    Hallowe'en
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club engagement- see 1923 10 12

    Three showings of a special show were announced, featuring Celtic airs played by the orchestra and "a number of real old Irish songs" sung by "colored artists."
    Steiner, Wild Throng, citing Morning Telegraph, "Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets," 1923-10-28.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26

    November 1923

    1923 11 01
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 11 02
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 11 03
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12

    "Four stars of colored shows" had been engaged for the new review that was postoned until Thursday, and were rehearsing for opening night.
    The Evening Telegram, "News," 1923-11-03, p.4....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 11 04
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-11-04 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-11-26
    2018-01-07
    1923 11 05
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 11 06
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 11 07
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Creole Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 10 12.....Added
    2011
    updated 2012-11-26
    1923 11 08
    Thursday
    1924 01 20New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency -see 1923 09 01

    This was the scheduled opening night of "The Dixie Girl Revue" but the Evening Telegram reported the opening was postponed until the next Thursday night. It said Leo Berstein, manager and one of the owners of the Hollywood, had been off sick for two weeks and with his partners, George Hammond and Frank [illegible] is putting all of his energies into making the new all-[illegible] show one of the best ever seen. Four stars of colored shows have already been engaged and are rehearsing for opening night.

    On the other hand, on November 11, The Morning Telegraph reported the review reported:

    'Hollywood Revue a Hit.
      Last Thursday night the Hollywood cabaret and reswtaurant at Broadway and Forty-ninth street introduced its new Winter revue to a capacity crowd of dinters. The new offering is called the "Dixie Girl Revue. The music was written by Duke Ellington and the revue staged and produced undder the general diretion of Lornard [sic] Harper.
      Many of the song numbers were big hits and the diners joined in some of the choruses. In the new offering as principals are Howard & Brown, two very clever comedians; Fred Weaver, who kept the crowd in roars of laughter with his specialty. Then there were Johnny Hudgins and Adah (Brick Top) Smith, including a chorus of beautiful Creoles.
      In the chorus were Marie Dore, Lena Dukes, May Fortune, Rita Walker, "Billy" Kelly, Ruth Marshall and Evelyn Shephard. The costumes were furnished by the Vanity Costume Company.
      There were many splendid electrical effects and one of the big hits of the revue was Sonny Greer, a trick drummer, who received rounds of applause for his work.
      Bernstine [recte Bernstein], Hammond & Sherry [recte Jerry], the owners of the Hollywood, are to be congratulated in giving Broadway such an exellent colored revue. They spared no expense.'


    The band advertised was The Washingtonian Real Jazz Orchestra Elmer Snowden, Leader. The Evening Telegram Nov. 8 ad said the revue was twice nightly, staged and produced by Leonard Harper, featuring special music by Duke Ellington, and the name of the and was Washingtonians Real Jazz Orchestra. The right edge of the ad in the archive is cut off, but it appears to say dancing was to be from 9 p.m. until closing. The plug in that edition said Johnny Hudgins, colored comedian, will be an added attraction "next week" as will Howard and Brown, singers and dancers.
    • Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y.
      1923-11-08 p.15 and p.(?)
    • Ads, Evening Telegram,
      1923-11-10 to 1923-12-07
    • Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y. "News,"
      1923-11-10, p.14
    • The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
      • 1923-11-08 pp.6, 14
      • "Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets,"
        1923-11-11 p.8
    • Weekly ads, Morning Telegraph
      1923-11-11 to 1924-01-13
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2017-10-17
    2017-10-18
    2018-01-12
    1923 11 09
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08(Note the revue may not have opened until Nov. 15 - see 1923 11 08 above).....Added
    2011
    1923 11 10
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08(Note the revue may not have opened until Nov. 15 - see 1923 11 08 above)

    The New York Age Theatrical Jottings:

    'Howard and Brown is heading the Dixie Girl Revue at the Hollywood Restaruant, 49th street, with Fred Weaver, Adah (Bricktop) Smith, Mohnny Hudgins and a Beauty Chorus.'

    The New York Age, New York, N.Y.
    1923-11-10 p.6.
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 11 11
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    The Morning Telegraph ad announced the Dixie Girl Revue, two shows nightly at 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., and the band was THE WASHINGTONIAN BLACK DOT ORCHESTRA, ELMER SNOWDEN, LEADER.
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    • 1923-11-08 pp.6, 14
    • "Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets,"
      1923-11-11 p.8
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 11 12
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08(Note the revue may not have opened until Nov. 15 - see 1923 11 08 above).....Added
    2011
    1923 11 13
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08(Note the revue may not have opened until Nov. 15 - see 1923 11 08 above).....Added
    2011
    1923 11 14
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08(Note the revue may not have opened until Nov. 15 - see 1923 11 08 above).....Added
    2011
    1923 11 15
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with the postponed "Dixie Girl Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08The Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y.
    1923-11-08
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2017-10-17
    1923 11 16
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 17
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08
    The Evening Telegram reported Snowden had added "Otto and Smith, The Saxophone Twins" to the Washington Black Dot Orchestra.
    Evening Telegram, "News," 1923-11-17...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2017-07-10
    1923 11 18
    Sunday
    .Pritchard, Ala..Birth of singer Lil Greenwood (b.1923 11 18 - d.2011 07 19)
    • When she sang with Ellington, she was also billed as Lili Gigi, Lilli Gigi, , and Lil Green
    • Her name is "George Lillie Belle " in the 1940 U.S. census and in the Alabama marriage register (married Elmer Greenwood, Jan. 6, 1943). "Greenwood, Mabel B." is her name in the passenger list for KLM flight 645, returning from the band's 1959 European tour.
    • The Oakland Tribune has Ms Greenwood joining the band July 4, 1957 in error.
    • The 1958-06-15 San Francisco Examiner reported

      'Lil Greenwood "has signed to maker [sic] a record with Ellington.'

    • Mrs. Greenwood came to Ellington's attention at the Purple Onion in San Francisco, likely in March 1958. She told San Francisco Examiner, who described her as a former Bay area gospel singer,

      'When Duke saw my act at the Purple Onion, he asked me to join him in Chicago for a tape session, with the idea of perhaps a later recording date. When I got there, the band was appearing at the Blue Note. The session went so well that he said "care to sit in with the band?"
        Then I followed Duke on to New York and he asked me to come along from there to the Newport Jazz Festival. When I went on at Newport, it was completely impromptu - we hadn't formally rehearsed. For that matter, I never really have been hired for the band.
        Somewhere along the line Duke found out that Lillie was my real name. He murmured, "Hmmmm...Lillie... That's pretty... Lillie Gigi..." He introduced me that way one night and it was accepted immediately. Now, I guess I'm stuck with it.'

    • "ModMobillian":
      '...In 1956 [sic], Duke Ellington saw Lil perform at the Purple Onion one night. ... Duke himself phoned her a week later from New York. Could she be in Manhattan by Sunday afternoon to meet with him and Billy Strayhorn?

      'I got to Stray's apartment about five in the afternoon. He and Duke had already taken the song I had written to open and close my shows, 'Walkin' and Singin' the Blues', and added more lyrics and verses.'

      After a late dinner, Duke and Strayhorn surprised her with an invitation to sit in at a midnight recording session.

      'Suddenly Duke pointed at me and said, 'Okay, that's where you come in. 'We did just one take and Duke said it was a wrap. That night Duke nicknamed me, 'One Take Lil'.'

      By midweek, Lil was with the Ellington Orchestra in Boston and a week after that they were on stage at the Newport Jazz Festival. More weeks went by and 'Walkin' and Singin' the Blues' was released on the flip side of a 45. She worked with Duke and his son Mercer Ellington until the early 1960s.'
    • She recorded six titles with Paul Gonsalves and two unnamed musicians for Mercer Records on June 20, 1958. On June 27 she recorded four titles with the band, again for the Mercer label. She performed with the band at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival and stayed until late 1960. She may have returned to the band in 1961 since her name is in ads and billings that year.
    • In May 1959, she transferred her rights to "Walkin' and Singin' the Blues" to Tempo Music (see 1959 05 05).
    • While New Desor has her leaving the band in early December 1960, Christensen suggests she left the band as early as October that year, identifying non-Ellington engagements in November 1960 and August 1961.
    • Mrs. Greenwood's name appears in various Ellington ads and announcements in mid-1961. In 1963 she performed in My People, and is on the Ellington album of that music.
    • She partnered with Rene Robin in 1962, and they appeared with Ellington's orchestra during its 1969 Christmas residency at Caesar's Palace casino.
    • Palmquist's notes:
      • Boston seems to be a mistake, the band didn't play there in 1958 and Ellington is not known to have performed in Massachusetts between the Blue Note and Newport Jazz Festival engagements. While Mrs. Greenwood may have travelled to New York between March and June 1958, neither the trip nor the New York taping session is documented.
      • On May 5 1959, she and Ellington transferred their rights in "Walkin' and Singin' the Blues" to Tempo Music.
      • She did not travel to Europe wth the band in 1958 but did in 1959.
      • She failed to appear on stage when Ellington announced her during the first Salle Pleyel concert in 1959 (DEMS 01/3-12/2).
      • In 1960 she was billed and named in Ellington advertisements and reviews as Lilli Gigi, Lili Gigi, and Lillie Gigi. The souvenir programme for the 1960 06 14 Victoria concert back cover shows Lil Green.
    • Sven-Erik Baun Christensen:
      "Lil Greenwood
      She Walked and Sang the Blues"
      Duke Ellington Society of Sweden, February 2022, pp.4-10
    • https://web.archive.org/web/20090917031337/http://www.lilgreenwood.net/
    • San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, Cal.
      • 1960-06-12 p.18 (Highlight section)
      • 1960-06-15 p.
    • Oakland Tribune, Oakland, Cal.
      1960-06-12 p.6-B
    • Akron Beacon-Journal, Akron, Ohio, 1960-12-09 p.28
    • New Desor, Vol. II
    • Stratemann pp. 391,418 re Europe
    • "ModMobillian" obituary
    • Email Christensen/Palmquist March 2022
    • Email Busk/Palmquist 2022-03-20
    .DEMS.djpNew
    added
    2012-10-11
    updated
    2012-10-12
    2019-02-27
    2019-09-06
    2020-05-09
    2022-03-20
    1923 11 18
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08The Morning Telegraph ad announced the Dixie Girl Revue, two shows nightly at 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., and the band was THE WASHINGTONIAN BLACK DOT ORCHESTRA, ELMER SNOWDEN, LEADER.The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-11-18 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 11 19
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 20
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.WHN studio
    Loew State Theatre Bldg.
    1540 Broadway
    4:15 to 5 p.m. broadcast

    Ken Steiner

    'Abel Green mentioned that the Washingtonians "broadcast every Wednesday at 3:45 from WHN.' I had found Wednesday afternoon broadcasts on Sept. 20 and Sept. 27, but nothing after that. I found this in the Jersey Journal. Maybe the afternoon broadcasts resumed on Nov. 21? It also says "from the Hollywood." Perhaps this was actually from the Hollywood, when they first got a wire? I believe the September broadcasts were from the WHN studio at the nearby Loew's State.
    I'm rather amazed to see the band members listed...'

    Lasker:

    'Since WHN remote broadcasts didn't begin until 1924 06 09, this broadcast originated at WHN's studio in the Loew State Theatre Bldg., 1540 Broadway.'

    Jersey Journal radio log:

    '4:15 p.m. - "The Washingtonians" from the Hollywood. Elmer Snoden [sic], leader; Duke Ellington, John Anderson, Sonny Grear [sic], Rollin [sic] Smith, Bob Marley and Otto Harwick[sic].'

    The Bangor Daily News radio log gives the lineup as Elmer Snoden [sic], leader, Duke Ellington, John Anderson, Sonny Greer, Rollin [sic] Smith, Bub Marley [sic] and Otto Harwick [sic]
    • Radio logs
      • Jersey Journal, Jersey City, N.J.,
        1923-11-21, p.5 courtesy K. Steiner
      • Bangor Daily News, Bangor, Me.
        1923-11-21 p.4
    • Email Lasker-Steiner/Palmquist 2021-03-10
    ...KS, djpNew
    added
    2018-01-12
    updated
    2020-09-22
    2021-10-25
    1923 11 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 22
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 23
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 10 12 and 1923 11 08

    Note the revue appears to be only be playing twice a night by this time.
    Abel Green, in Clipper:

    'THE WASHINGTONIANS (7)
    Hollywood, New York
    This colored band is plenty torrid and includes a trumpet player who never need doff his chapeau to any cornetist in the business. He exacts the eeriest sort of modulations and "singing" notes heard.
      The Hollywood, a comparatively new Times Square basement cabaret (it opened Sept. 1 last), is on West 49th street. The band is the sole feature up to midnight, when Harper's Dixie Revue goes on, repeating again at 2 a.m.
      The boys can seemingly satisfy without exerting themselves, but for the benefit of the Clipper reviewer they brought out a variety of instruments upon which each demonstrated his versatility. And how!
      Elmer Snowden is the leader and banjoist, also doubling with soprano sax. "Bub" Miley is the "hot" cornetist, doubling with the melophone. John Anderson doubles trombone and trumpet; Sonny Greer specializes in the vocal interludes when not at the traps; Otto Hardwick, saxo and violin; Roland Smith, sax and bassoon, and Duke Ellington, piano-arranger.
      The boys look neat in dress suits and labor hard but not in vain at their music. They disclose painstaking rehearsal, playing without music. They are well known in several southern places and were at the Music Box, Atlantic City, the past summer. They also broadcast every Wednesday at 3:45 from WHN (Loew State building) radio station.

    Abel.'


    Advertisements in The Evening Telegram, however, until Sept. 16 say there were three shows nightly at 9:30, 11:30 and 1:30

    Several radio listings for WHN show the band played at 4:15, not 3:45, and despite Nils T. Granlund's comment (see 1927 12 05 below) that it was difficult to work in the studio for more than 15 minutes, the Washingtonians appear to have played until 5 p.m.
    • The Clipper, New York, N.Y.
      1923-11-23, p.12
    • Plainfield Courier-News,, Plainfield, N.J.
      Radio log, 1923-09-27
    • Jersey Journal, Jersey City, N.J.,
      1923-11-21, p.5 courtesy K. Steiner
      1923-11-28
    • Bangor Daily News, Bangor, Me.
      1923-11-21 p.4
    • Schenectady Gazette, Schenectady, N.Y.
      Radio log 1923-11-28
    • Email Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2023-10-21
      • 2023-10-27
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2017-07-10
    2017-10-17
    2018-07-28
    2023-10-26
    2023-10-27
    1923 11 24
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    The ad in The Evening Telegram billed the band as "The Washington Real Jazz Orchestra, Elmer Snowden, Leader"
    The Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y.
    1923-11-24 p.6
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 11 25
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    The ad in The Morning Telegraph billed the band as "The Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Snowden, Leader"
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-11-25 p.8
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 11 26
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 27
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 28
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 29
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 11 30
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011

    December 1923

    1923 12 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    The Morning Telegraph:

    'The Hollywood Cabaret and Restaurant's new show, "The Dixie Girl" revue, will enter in upon its fourth week of great success tomorrow night. Duke Ellington has injected three new song numbers that will be introduced for the first time...'

    The ad in The Morning Telegraph billed the band as "THE WASHINGTONIAN BLACK DOT ORCHESTRA, ELMER SNOWDEN, LEADER"
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-12-02 p.8
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 12 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08Band and Orchestra Routes, Clipper, New York, N.Y. 1923-12-07 p.24...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-07-28
    1923 12 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08 The ad in The Morning Telegraph billed the band as "THE WASHINGTONIAN BLACK DOT ORCHESTRA, ELMER SNOWDEN, LEADER"The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-12-09 p.8
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-12
    1923 12 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    circa
    1923 12 00
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Personnel change
    Trombone player Charles Irvis joined Snowden's orchestra some time before Dec. 16. The Morning Telegraph Dec.16:

    'If you think you have heard trombone players just drop into the Hollywood any evening after theatre time and hear the new trombone player there. The new artist made such a hit a few nights ago that Leo Bernstein signed a contract with him for the remainder of the season.
      Frank Jerrie [sic], one of the partners of the Hollywood, discovered him a few weeks ago while on a trip to Bermuda and brought him to New York. George Hammond always has a front table every night since the new trombone player started and he will wager there is nothing quite so good as he in town...
      The Washingtonian Orchestra, with its leader, Elmer Snowden, played at the Cinderella dancing palace last Wednesday night... and made a wonderful success. The entire revue went along and returned to the Hollywood in time to play the after-theatre show.'

    .

    The January 4 Clipper reported "Charles Irvis is the new trombonist with the Washingtonians at the Hollywood, New York."

    Irvis joined the band in time for the Cinderella Ballroom performance below. His mute technique would become a key part of the Ellington brass section sound, adopted by Bubber Miley and, later, Tricky Sam Nanton, Cootie Williams and their successors.
    ...djpAdded
    2012-01-07
    updated
    2015-06-27
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cinderella Ballroom
    Broadway and 48th
    New York Clipper:

    Some of the small Broadway cabarets are trying a new stunt to boost business. On special nights usually heralded several days in advance, the entire revue of [a] show from the supper club is transported to a popular Broadway dance hall and performed in its entirety. That takes place at an hour before 11, naturally, preceding the regular after-theatre performances in the cabaret."

    The Morning Telegraph Dec.16:

    '...
      The Washingtonian Orchestra, with its leader, Elmer Snowden, played at the Cinderella dancing palace last Wednesday night... and made a wonderful success. The entire revue went along and returned to the Hollywood in time to play the after-theatre show.'

    Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, citing
    • New York Clipper:
      • "Cabaret Shows in Dance Halls," 1923-12-14, p.24
      • 1924-01-04, p.24

    • "Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets," The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.

      • 1923-12-16 p.8
      • 1923-12-23
    ...djpNew
    added
    2013-09-01
    updated
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 14...The Clipper
    A listing of the band as the Washington Black Sox was changed to The Washingtonians followed by Snowden's name in brackets.
    M. Tucker, Early Years, 1991 p.107.
    ..(New)
    added 2012-01-07
    1923 12 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    (Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Smowden, leader)
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-12-16 p.8
    ....Added
    2011
    Updated
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 17
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 21
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    Prior to
    1923 12 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Fred Fisher Inc.
    presumably 224 W.46th St.
    • The Billboard:

      'DUKE ELLINGTON, the pianist, at HOLLYWOOD INN, has succeeded ROLAND IRVING in the professional department of the FRED FISHER publishing house.'

    • The Washingtonians: A Miscellany:

      'Metronome, October 1923 p.154, contained a photo of "R.I. Irving and J. H. Trent of the Fred Fisher 'Blues' department."'


    Fred Fisher Inc. sheet music bore the address 224 W.46th St., New York. That is where Ellington worked unless it had more than one location.

    The original "Tin Pan Alley" was on 26th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, but Tucker tells us

    'By the early twenties most of the city’s important music publishers had offices in the vicinity of Times Square. “Tin Pan Alley” … now stretched from the upper-30s to the lower 50s and was concentrated in the mid-40s.’

    • The Billboard, New York, N.Y. 1923-12-22 p.54
      • courtesy Steve Bowie
      • quoted in Lasker, The Washingtonians (A Miscellany), p.19
    • Metronome as noted, quoted in Lasker, ibid.
    • Mark S. Tucker, Ellington, the Early Years, ibid. p.92
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2021-07-21
      • 2021-08-17
    ...sl, djp.Added
    New
    added
    2021-08-16
    2021-08-17
    2021-08-18
    1923 12 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 23
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 10 12 and 1923 11 08

    (Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Smowden, leader)
    The Telegram reported club owner Leo Bernstein set aside 40 seats for the cast members of 3 Broadway shows because their work prevented them from attending the club until after the theatres closed, and it was hard for them to get tables.
    • The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
      1923-12-23 p.8
    • "News," Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y., 1923-12-29 p.5
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-01
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    Hostess Mlle. Rubkin Kavlotzky from Cleveland replaced hostess Hazel Clark.
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-12-23 p.8
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 25
    Tuesday
    Christmas
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 26
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 29
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1923 12 30
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    ("The Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra, Elmer Snowden, Leader")
    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-12-30 p.10
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 31
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08

    The Morning Telegraph

    'At the Hollywood.

      One place along Broadway to-morrow night that is certain to have a capacity New Year's crowd is the Hollywood, Broadway and Forty-ninth street, and for this occasion Leo Bernstein, George Hammond and Frank Jerrie, the owners, will have many surprises for their patrons in the start of the splendid Creole revue. There have been many reservations. Dancing will be from opening until closing time and everything in a way of gaiety. The new Russian hostess, Mlle. Rubkin Kavlotzky, will present a new Russian dance and sing three Russian songs in native costume. Leo Bernstein will wear his new full dress suit and explain the words of the hostess's songs. The Washingtonian Orchestra, in charge of Elmer Snowden, will present timely selections, as well as play for the dance crowds at the Hollywood. If you have not made reservations as yet get busy and do so now.'

    The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
    1923-12-30 p.10
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-01-14
    1923 12 00.New York, N.Y.Fisher Publishing HouseIn late December, Ellington became the rehearsal pianist for Tin Pan Alley music publisher Fred Fisher Company.

    The Billboard Magazine:
    "Duke Ellington, the pianist, at Hollywood Inn, has succeeded Roland Irving in the professional department of the Fred Fisher publishing house"
    M. Tucker, Early Years, 1991 P.104, citing The Billboard Dec.23, 1923
    .
    .djpNew
    added
    2012-01-07



    Back to Navigation List

    1924


    TR class=KG>
    Date of event Ending date
    (if different)
    City/
    Other place
    Venue Event/People Primary Reference New
    Desor
    reference
    DEMS
    reference
    Other
    references
    Contact
    person
    Date added
    / updated

    January 1924

    1924 00 00...Personnel change
    New Desor has Bubber Miley joining the band in 1924, based on recording dates. It seems likely he joined in the latter part of 1923 - see comments above (1923 09 00)
    New Desor vol.2...djpNew
    added 2012-10-23
    updated 2014-08-17
    1924 01 01
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 02
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 03
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 04
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Private homeHollywood Club owner Leo Bernstein hosted a party for 50 at his home, to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary. Members of the revue at the Club entertained the party after dinner. The article does not say if the Washingtonians were there, but it seems likely.Evening Telegram, "News," 1924-01-05, p.12...djpNew
    added
    2013-09-01
    1924 01 04
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 05
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 06
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 07
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 08
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 09
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 10
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 11
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 12
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 11 08
    Rehearsals for the new, 25 member, Revue that was to open Jan.21 started.

    "The review now playing has had an excellent run of ten weeks... The music played by the Washingtonian Orchestra is out of the ordinary in dance music. The orchestra,...under the direction of Elmer Snowden, always receives as much applause after each selection as the cabaret revue."

    Morning Telegraph, Hotels, Restaurants, and Cabarets, 1923-01-13....Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-01
    1924 01 13
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 14
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 15
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 16
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 17
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 18
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08
    The Clipper shows "Washingtonians (Elmer Snowden) Hollywood Cafe, N.Y."
    Clipper, New York, N.Y. 1924-01-18 p.24...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-07-28
    2020-07-26
    1924 01 19
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 20
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Dixie Girl" - see 1923 09 01 and 1923 11 08.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 21
    Monday
    1924 04 04New York, N.Y.Hollywood Club
    aka
    Hollywood Cabaret
    Night club residency - see 1923 09 01

    "Mississippi Revue" opened.
    The Evening Telegram, 1924-01-26:

    'The "Mississippi Revue" which had its premiere at the Hollywood, Forty-ninth street , a few steps east of Broadway, last Monday night, surpasses in merit and talent anything ever attempted since that restaurant opened its doors. Particularly is this true of dancing and the cast, which is colored, includes such names as Howard and Brown, Williams and Brooks, Morton and Brown and Johnny Hudgins. The chorus numbers seven. It is, as the management's card says it is, a delightful musical entertainment with many laughs.'

    Advertisements in The Evening Telegram and The New York Telegram and Evening Mail show 2 performances nightly, 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., for Leonard Harper's "Mississippi Revue" Featuring Howard and Brown, Washington Real Jazz Orchestra. They name the managers, Leo Weinstein and George Hammond, and say "Dancing Till Close."
    • The Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y.:
      • 1924-01-19, p.13
      • 1924-01-23 p.7
      • 1924-01-24 p.15
      • 1924-01-25 p.8
      • 1924-01-26 pp.13,14
      • 1924-01-27 p.18
    • Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.:
      • "Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets,"
        • 1924-01-20
        • 1924-01-27
      • Ads, 1920-01-24 to 1924-03-30
    • New York Telegram and Evening Mail, New York, N.Y.:
        • 1924-01-28 p.20
        • 1924-01-29 p.21
        • 1924-01-30 p.13
        • 1924-01-31
        • 1924-02-01 p.25
        • 1924-02-02 p.6
        • 1924-02-03 p.24
        • 1924-02-04 p.20
        • 1924-02-05 p.19
        • 1924-02-06 p.21
        • 1924-02-07 p.11
        • 1924-02-08 p.12
        • 1924-02-09 p.6
        • 1924-02-10 p.20
        • 1924-02-11 p.22
        • 1924-02-12 p.15
        • 1924-02-13 p.21
        • 1924-02-14 p.10
        • 1924-02-15 p.25
        • 1924-02-16 p.6
        • 1924-02-17 p.19
        • 1924-02-21 p.8
        • 1924-02-22 p.12
        • 1924-02-23 p.6
        • 1924-02-24 p.13
        • 1924-02-26 p.19
        • 1924-02-27 p.19
        • 1924-02-28 p.21
        • 1924-02-29 p.23
        • 1924-03-02 p.24
        • 1924-03-04 p.19
        • 1924-03-06 p.21
        • 1924-03-07 p.22
        • 1924-03-09 p.19
        • 1924-03-10 p.20
        • 1924-03-11 p.19
        • 1924-03-12 p.18
        • 1924-03-13 p.21
        • 1924-03-14 p.10
        • 1924-03-15 p.22
        • 1924-03-17 p.18
        • 1924-03-18 p.23
        • 1924-03-19 p.12
        • 1924-03-20 p.21
        • 1924-03-21 p.24
        • 1924-03-22 p.11
        • 1924-03-24 p.19
        • 1924-03-25 p.14
        • 1924-04-01 p.11
        • 1924-04-02 p.21
        • 1924-04-03 p.10
      • K.Steiner reported these ads ran from 1924-01-22 to 1924-04-04
    • Ken Steiner,
      Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club
    ...ks, djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-01
    2020-07-25
    1924 01 22
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21
    Mississippi Revue, featuring Howard and Brown, Washington Real Jazz Orchestra, shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. The Evening Telegram, New York, N.Y. 1924-01-22 p.15
    .....Added
    2011
    updated
    2020-07-25
    1924 01 23
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 24
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 25
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 26
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 27
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 28
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 29
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 30
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21
    Affidavit for Search Warrant, Violation of The National Prohibition Act, sworn by U.S. Treasury Department agent Frank Rickey:

    "On January 30, 1924, about 12:00 midnight, I entered the cabaret known as the Hollywood Cabaret, located in the basement of the building at 203 West 49th Street... I was introduced to the man in charge of the cabaret, whose name is Leo Bernstein. Leo Bernstein called the waiter and told him to give us anything we wanted. We were then seated at a table, and we ordered from the waiter drinks of Scotch whiskey, and sandwiches. While drinking the Scotch whiskey, Bernstein came to our table and asked us if everything was alright, and if we were well taken care of. He told us that we could have anything we wanted, and later brought a girl to me and insisted that I dance with her. She claimed to be the "hostess" in the cabaret and offered drinks of Scotch whiskey for which we were compelled to pay $1.50 a drink. I drank some of the whiskey, and as I am familiar with the taste of whiskey I know that it was whiskey. There were a great many people drinking whiskey in said cabaret on this occasion, and various scenes of partial intoxication.

    This cabaret is open only at night. From my observations and purchases therein I am positive that liquor is possessed on said purchases.

    • Steven Lasker in DEMS 02,2-19, citing "The New York Herald Tribune" 1924-12-09 p.I-2
    • Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.146
    • Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.13 - Rickey's affidavit
    .DEMS..Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-09-02
    2020-02-17
    1924 01 31
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 01 24...Birth of singer Alice BabsInterview,Leigh Kamman and Alice Babs, 1993....djpNew
    added
    2012 10 10
    2016-01-18

    February 1924

    1924 02 00 .New York City, N.Y..Personnel changes - BAND LEADERS
    • Although in his Muscutt interview, Elmer Snowden claimed to have remained with the Washingtonians at the Hollywood/Kentucky until 1926, he seems to have conflated two stints at this venue.
    • Indications are he left the band in February 1924, and returned in late October, 1925 when Ellington left the Kentucky for an engagement at the ill-fated Club Cameo. Although Ellington's band lost that job the first night, they could not return to the Kentucky because Snowden had been hired to replace them.
    • Snowden, interviewed by Les Muscutt:
      '...they claim that I left and that another banjo player by the name of Freddie Guy went in before we left Baron Wilkins', but that was wrong...he didn't come in until a bit later...
        But then in the last part of '26 I left the band, and turned it over to Duke, although Duke didn't want it, 'cause Duke wanted to be a song writer, you know? His biggest ambition was getting his songs published, but there was nobody else in the band to take it over, 'cause I had another group, a large group which was Armstrong's Plantation Orchestra... And we were at the Bandille Club, that later turned out to be the Nest Club Band. I had ten or twelve different bands working around New York...at one time I had five bands working at once...small combos, you know...we only made one recording with Duke in the group...
        Now when I left the Washingtonians for the first time and turned the band over to Duke... that was in '26, and I organised this Plantation Band they came uptown to the Nest Club and told me I'd got to go back in the band. I didn't see no reason why I'd got to go back in the band, I mean I was doing good, I had this big ten-piece band and we were doing fine, getting nice money. But they said, 'We're not gonna ask you, we're gonna TELL you....you're opening up tomorrow night, you're going back to our club.' So they told the boss, 'You gonna get somebody to play in Elmer's place, or do you want him to get somebody?' So he said, 'You might as well go back with them.' So I did and I went back with Duke, and that's when the second fire came.
        Then I formed another band, another Nest Club band, ...the eight piece band. Now Duke had to leave them to go to a hotel to work, and they came to me. This time they didn't ask me, just me alone, they took my whole band out of the Nest Club. I had to get another whole band to put in there, that was Cliff Jackson, and they called it Elmer Snowden's.'
    • Initially Sonny Greer, and then Ellington, became its leader. Page 35 of the 1924-02-22 "SPECIAL POPULAR MUSIC NUMBER" edition of the New York Clipper, carried an ad showing a band photo with a caption saying the banjo player was now George Francis and Ellington was in charge.
    Steven Lasker:

    'The recordings of Snowden's subsequent bands are discussed in http://www.harlem-fuss.com/pdf/bands/harlem_fuss_bands_snowden_elmer_bands.pdf '

    • "Discovering Elmer," undated Snowden interview by Les Muscutt, Storyville,
      •    16 - April/May 1968, pp.3-7
      •    17- June/July 1968 pp.4-7
      •    -18 August/September 1968, pp.4-8
    • "SPECIAL POPULAR MUSIC NUMBER" edition,
      New York Clipper, 1924-02-22 p.35
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, p.109
    • Email, S.Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2014-08-15
      • 2015-06-25 re 1924 02 00
      • 2017-03-04
    • Cambridge Companion, p.xiv
    • Email, Steiner-E. Spring, 2015-03-26
    • Photos of the six-piece band with Snowden:
      • Vail I p.6
      • Hasse, p.77
      • Collier, Duke Ellington, Oxford University Press edition, 1987
      • DEIP
      • Cover photo, Storyville 80, Dec.1978-Jan.1979
    • "Discovering Elmer," ibid
    • Email, Lasker-Palmquist 2020-12-26
    ...group effortNew
    added
    2012-01-07
    updated
    2015-06-04
    2015-06-27
    2017-04-26
    2017-07-10
    2018-07-09
    2020-12-27
    1924 02 00 .New York City, N.Y..Personnel changes
    • If George Francis played with the Washingtonians, it would have been only for short time.
  • DEMS 06/1-29:

    The Washingtonians, NY, Nov24. ...There is uncertainty about the identity of the banjo-player. The old DESOR gives as banjo-player Fred Guy instead of George Francis. Waxworks confirms the presence of Fred Guy as probable. Mark Tucker confirms the presence of George Francis. The New Desor gives George Francis. Frank Dutton in his letter of 21Jun99 also supports Francis.

  • Steven Lasker:

    'George Francis: This name would not be associated with Ellington or the Washingtonians were it not for a single print reference, in an ad the group placed in the 1924-02-22 New York Clipper. The ad quotes a 1923-11-23 Clipper review by Abel Green which named the current members of the band at the Hollywood Café, New York. In November 1923, the Washingtonians included Elmer Snowden, "leader and banjoist, also doubling with soprano sax" and Duke Ellington, "piano-arranger."
      The ad from February 1924 omits Snowden's name -- evidence he'd just left -- and names "George Francis, banjo and singer" instead, also noting "Duke Ellington leads from the piano and also arranges the selections."
      Brooks Kerr relates that Greer was briefly made leader until, according to Greer (quoted by Burt Korall, Downbeat, 1969-07-13, p.21): "It didn't take long before we thrust leadership on Duke. He didn't want it, but his disposition was better balanced than ours. He could keep us in line without doing too much. We were a pretty wild bunch in those days, myself in particular."
      Brooks also recalls that Sonny more than once — while in his cups — whined to Ellington that "You stole my band!"
      George Francis could not have been a Washingtonian for very long, since Fred Guy told John McDonough (Downbeat, 1969-04-17 p.16) he joined the band in February 1924; Brooks Kerr adds that Guy told him the same thing.
      Guy's name is listed alongside those of his fellow Washingtonians in the June 1924 edition of International Musician, and he confirmed to Kerr that he was the banjoist heard on Choo Choo and Rainy Nights (Blu-Disc T1002, recorded November 1924).'

  • Palmquist comment:

    A musician named George Francis lodged at 883 West 145th Street, Manhattan Borough, New York, according to the 1920 census, and Lasker writes:

    'According to Brian Rust's "Jazz Records, 1897-1942," a George Francis played guitar on a record date led by Ollie Shephard for A.R.C. on 1939-05-02.'

  • While Cambridge Companion says:

    'In late fall,Snowden breaks with the band, which becomes "The Washingtonians" under the leadership of Ellington and Greer.'

    Ken Steiner points out:

    'Right at the beginning of the band's opening at the Hollywood, they were identified in ads under variations of the title Washingtonians. An ad in the September 1, 1923 New York Evening Telegram lists the band as "The Washingtonian Black Dot Orchestra," and the September 2, 1923 New York Morning Telegraph advertises the band as the "Washingtonians Jazz Orchestra." How have you [Cambridge Companion] identified Snowden's departure for late fall? Abel Green's important review in the November 23, 1923 New York Clipper mentions Snowden.'

  • Steven Lasker identifies Cambridge Companion's source:

    Per Lawrence, p.407: "Late fall, 1923: Snowden breaks with the rest of the band; Ellington and Greer form new group called the Washingtonians, featuring Miley, Hardwick, and banjo player George Irvis [sic!] to replace Snowden."

    • "SPECIAL POPULAR MUSIC NUMBER" edition, New York Clipper, 1924-02-22 p.35
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, p.109
    • E-mail, Lasker - Palmquist, 2014-08-15
    • Email, S.Lasker-Palmquist
      • 2015-06-25 re 1924 02 00
      • 2017-03-04
      • 2018-08-02 re Francis
      • 2019-11-24 re Francis
    • Cambridge Companion, p.xiv
    • Email, Steiner-E. Spring, 2015-03-26
    • Photos of the six-piece band with Snowden:
      • Vail I p.6
      • Hasse, p.77
      • Collier, Duke Ellington, Oxford University Press edition, 1987
      • DEIP
      • Cover photo, Storyville 80, Dec.1978-Jan.1979
    • "Discovering Elmer,"Storyville,
      • April/May 1968, pp.3-7
      • June/July 1968 pp.4-7
    ...group effortNew
    added
    2012-01-07
    updated
    2015-06-04
    2015-06-27
    2017-04-26
    2017-07-10
    2018-08-03
    2019-11-24
    1924 02 00.New York, N.Y..Banjoist and rhythm guitarist Fred Guy, born 1899 05 23, joined the band.

    Steven Lasker:

    'In the Cotton Club Miscellany (p. 26), I wrote that Guy joined on February 10, 1924, based on Guy's recollection to Brooks Kerr. Brooks later corrected this information: Guy joined in the month of February (he so told John McDonough and Brooks Kerr), but not necessarily on the tenth.'

    Email Lasker-Palmquist 2022-03-13..DEMS.S.HoefsmitAdded
    2011
    updated
    2014-04-18
    2020-02-17
    2022-03-23
    Circa
    1923 00 00
    or 1924 00 00
    .New York, N.Y.HollywoodPersonnel change
    Drummer Tommy Benford claimed he subbed for Sonny Greer for a month at the Kentucky Club in 1924 and that his brother, Bill Benford, played tuba with the Washingtonians.

    Benford:

    'Around this time . . . I think this must have been 1924, I subbed with Duke Ellington for a month. This was when Elmer Snowden had the band and my brother Bill was on tuba. Sonny got sick and that's when Bill asked me to come and sub for him. We were in the Kentucky Club on 48th Street off Broadway. That was Bubber Miley, Arthur Whetsol, Charlie Irvis, Duke, Bill, Otto Hardwick and Elmer. They only had one sax. Bill didn't stay with Duke too long, he left when Elmer did.'

    Notes:
    • Neither Benfords' stays in the band appear to be documented elsewhere, although this interview is quoted in more than one place on the internet.
    • If Tommy Benford was in the band while Snowden led it, it seems likely to have been in 1923 or early 1924, since Snowden is believed to have left by February 1924. The Kentucky Club did not exist until February 1925; before it was destroyed by fire in December 1924, it was the Hollywood Cabaret.
    Peter Carr, Al Vollmer and Laurie Wright:
    Have Drum, Will Travel,
    An Interview with Tommy Benford:
    ...djpNew
    added
    2019-11-23
    1924 02 01
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
    The Washingtonians
    ..
    ..Added
    2011
    1924 02 02
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 03
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 04
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 05
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 06
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cinderella BallroomThe Mississippi Revue appeared at the Cinderella Ballroom in the evening, probably on February 6. They proved so popular that they were asked to return the following Wednesday."News,"New York Telegram and Evening Mail,
    New York, N.Y. 1924-02-09, p.5
    ...djp from WTDMNew
    added
    2013-09-01
    1924 02 06
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 07
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 08
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 09
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 10
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
    The Morning Telegraph reported three musicians were added to the Washingtonians Black Dot Band.
    Morning Telegraph, "Hotels Restaurants and Cabarets," 1924-02-10...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-01
    1924 02 11
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 12
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 13
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 14
    Thursday
    Valentine's Day
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 15
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 16
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 17
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 18
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 19
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 20
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cinderella Ballroom
    Broadway & 48th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    The Mississippi Revue were asked to appear a second time at the Cinderella Ballroom in the evening of Feb. 13 but the appearance was postponed a week.
    "News," New York Telegram and Evening Mail,
    New York, N.Y. 1924-02-09, p.5
  • 1924-02-16, p.6
  • ..djp from Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar ClubAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-01
    1924 02 20
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 21
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 22
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21
    This ad appeared in Clipper with a photograph between the columns:
    WASHINGTONIANS
    Combination of Symphonic Jazz Plus Versatility

    NOW PLAYING AT THE HOLLYWOOD CAFE, NEW YORK

    Where the Professional Musician Makes His Rendezvous'
    Here's What ABEL Says About Us:
      This colored band is plenty torrid and includes a trumpet player who never need doff his chapeau to any cornetist in the business. He exacts the eeriest sort of modulations and "singing" notes heard.
      The boys can seemingly satisfy without exerting themselves, but for the benefit of the Clipper reviewer they brought out a variety of instruments upon which each demonstrated his versatility. And how!
      "Duke Ellington leads from the piano and also arranges the selections. "Bub" Miley is the "hot" cornetist, doubling with the melophone. Charles Irvis, trombone. Sonny Greer specializes in the vocal interludes when not at the traps; Otto Hardwick, saxophone and violin; George Francis, banjo and singer.
      The boys look neat in dress suitas and labor hard but not in vain at their music. They disclose painstaking rehearsal, playing without music.
    Clipper, New York, N.Y. 1924-02-22 p.35...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2018-07-28
    1924 02 23
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21
    The club was raided by federal agents, who seized alcohol. At the end of the year, the US Court of Appeals ordered the liquor returned on a technicality invalidating the search warrant.

    Sworn statement of Agent Thomas Shannon:

    Search warrant executed at 2:15 am on February 24th, 1924, at 203 W.49th Street, NYC, found pint whiskey in pitcher in kitchen, 4 oz. scotch whiskey in glass in kitchen, 6 oz. whiskey in three separate glasses on table near kitchen door."

    On 1924-12-08 the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the seized liquor should be returned because the search warrant was invalid. The prohibition agents raided at night but the warrant was valid during daytime hours only.
    • Steven Lasker in DEMS 02,2-19, citing "The New York Herald Tribune" 1924-12-09 p.I-2
    • Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.146
    • Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.15 - Shannon statement
    .DEMS.djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-02
    2020-02-17
    1924 02 24
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    updated
    2012-12-07
    1924 02 25
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 26
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 27
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21
    David G. Casem, The New York Telegram and Evening Mail

    'Leonard Harper, producer of the "Mississippi" revue ... will put five new "strut" numbers in that show, beginning next Wednesday night. The revue, which went on for the first time the latter part of January, has had the most success of any staged in the Hollywood since it was opened by Leo Berstein and George Hammond. "We gauge a show by the amount of business it brings in," said Mr. Bernstein, "and the 'Mississippi' revue "satisfied us." Satisfaction usually means capacity crowds to a cabaret owner.'

    The New York Telegram and Evening Mail, New York, N.Y.
    1924-02-23 p.6
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2020-07-26
    1924 02 28
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 02 29
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011

    March 1924

    1924 03 01
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 02
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 03
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 04
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 05
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 06
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 07
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 08
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    "Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
    The New York Telegram and Evening Mail reported the club was continuing its policy of adding new principals to revues as their run lengthened, and had added two for the coming Monday to strengthen the show for another month's run.

    The paper reported Ellington was now the leader of the Washington Black Dot orchestra, and the revue was to be presented at the Cinderella Ballroom the following Wednesday.

    Snowden continued to be shown as leader in the weekly Morning Telegraph ads, and in the New York Clipper.
    New York Telegram and Evening Mail, 1924-03-08, p.14...djpAdded
    2011
    1924 03 09
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y..Peripheral event
    Hollywood owner Leo Bernstein and a Sam Shiener pled not guilty to possessing and selling two drinks of whiskey to the Treasury agent. They appear to have been convicted because they were each fined $100 on March 24.

    Bernstein, co-owner George Hammond, Schiener and a Sam Silverstein also pled not guilty to possessing liquor (1 pint and 10 ounces). The outcome of these charges is not known, other than Silverstein was released on $500 bail. This may be the case that ended July 28 1925 when the charges were dismissed.
    Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.15....djpNew
    added 2013-09-01
    1924 03 10
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 11
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Cinderella Ballroom,
    Broadway & 48th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    Vail's March 1924 entry:

    "The Washingtonians begin doubling at the Cinderella Ballroom before the show at the Hollywood Club."

    Götting places the band at the Cinderella on February 20 and March 12, citing Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club.Tucker:

    "Performers from both the Hollywood and the Club Alabam traveled to the Cinderella Ballroom... where 'these added attractions have been successful...and have been the means of drawing an element a bit above the usual dance hall following.' Such appearances may have brought bands additional jobs, thus benefiting the musicians as much as their club sponsors.  When the Washingtonians made their Haverhill, Massachusetts, debut early in 1925, they were identified as coming not from the Hollywood but 'direct from the Cinderella ballroom on Broadway.'"

    • Vail I
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, p.106 citing The Clipper 1924-03-13 p.18
    • Götting, citing Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club
    • New York Telegram and Evening Mail, 1924-03-08, p.14
    ...djpAdded
    2011
    updated
    2013-01-01
    1924 03 12
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 13
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 14
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 15
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 16
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 17
    Monday
    St. Patrick's Day
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 18
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 19
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 20
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 21
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 22
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 23
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Cinderella Ballroom
    Broadway & 48th St.
    (Unconfirmed)

    The Mississippi Revue was scheduled for a one-hour performance at the Cinderella Ballroom.
    Morning Telegraph "Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets," 1924-03-09...djp from Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar ClubNew
    added 2013-09-01
    1924 03 24
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 25
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 26
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 27
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 28
    Friday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 29
    Saturday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 30
    Sunday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 03 31
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011

    April 1924

    1924 04 01
    Tuesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 04 02
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 01 21.....Added
    2011
    1924 04 03
    Thursday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Night club residency with "Mississippi Revue" - see 1924 01 21
    Last night of engagement
    • The Hollywood burned down early the next morning.
    • All the Mississippi Revue costumes and some musical instruments were destroyed. The club was not insured and the loss came to about $10,000.
    • This was the first of three fires in this location during Ellington's tenure.
    • When the club reopened May 1, the house band was led by James P. Johnson, suggesting the Washingtonians had other work.
    • The Washingtonians played in New England circa April 12 to 26, (per Steiner) and returned to the Hollywood on June 10.
    • Elmer Snowden, interviewed by Les Muscutt, in Storyville:

      'You know we'd always wanted to work on Broadway, everybody did....and we were there about two years [recte 7 months] and then the place burned down. But now here's the funny part about it...It was a place called the Hollywood Club. Well now, we used to leave our instruments there every night. So one night the big boss said, 'Take your instruments home tonight.'
        I couldn't understand why we had to take our instruments home...we had been there over two years and we had a little room, a dressing room, but he said, 'Now do like I tell you and take your instruments home!' So I said, 'What's the matter, are we fired?' And he said, 'No you're not fired, but just take your stuff outa here.' It so happened I took my banjo...I always took my banjo home every night, but I was playing saxophone then...I had three saxes, a Baritone, a C Melody and a C Soprano...and a guitar, and my banjo...1 couldn't take 'em all anyway, so I took my banjo and put the rest of them back in our room, this was on the first floor.

        About two o'clock the next afternoon we heard the fire engines blasting away...those fire engines was jumping and I thought there's a big fire some place. So we heard it on the radio...that the HOLLYWOOD had burned down, we took no notice, we thought it must be some big club some-place...and then we found out it was our place on 38th and Broadway, and we went down there and the place was gutted! Everything was gone. So I said, 'THAT'S the reason he told us to take our stuff home.'

        So after that they rebuilt it, it took about three months mebbe, and we reopened down in the basement and they called the club KENTUCKY. And so we were in that place about a year to a year and a half and the guy comes up one night and says, 'I want you to take your instruments home.' So I said, 'OH NO, NOT AGAIN!'

    • Mark Berresford: That's Got 'Em!: The Life and Music of Wilbur C. Sweatman, p.146
    • New York Times "Fire Record" 1924-04-05
    • Morning Telegraph 1924-04-13
    • S. Lasker, book to The Duke Ellington Centennial Edition, RCA Victor CD box set 09026-63386-2, p.23
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-09
    2014-12-30
    2018-07-09
    2022-10-03
    1924 04 04
    Friday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 05
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 06
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 06
    Sunday
    .Washington, D.C..Birth of reed player Charlie Rouse (1924-1988), who would play tenor sax with Ellington in 1949 and 1950....djpNew
    added
    2021-12-28
    1924 04 07
    Monday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 08
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 09
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 10
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 11
    Friday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 12
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 13
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 14
    Monday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 15
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 16
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 17
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 18
    Friday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 19
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 20
    Easter Sunday
    .Lynn, Mass.Waldorf TheatreThis is the first known date in The Washingtonians' spring 1924 New England tour. Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.16, citing Lynn Daily News 1924-04-18....Added
    2011
    updated
    2022-10-03
    1924 04 21
    Easter Monday
    .Salem, Mass.Charleshurst BallroomPerformance for the Salem Young Men's Christian Temperance Society as 'Duke Ellington's Broadway Recording Orchestra.'
    Salem Evening News:

    "Real jazz music...will be the principal attraction at the Waldorf,...presented by Duke Ellington's Hollywood Cafe Jazz Orchestra which has been filling a week's engagement in Boston since its own cafe was destroyed by fire. There are eight musicians in the act, each an expert soloist, and Sundays last summer played at the New York Winter Garden shows. Three other high class vaudeville acts, music by the Waldorf's own orchestra and 'Storm Swept' for a feature picture will also be on the Sunday program."

    Barry Ulanov:

    "They played in Salem at the Charleshurst Ballroom. Sometimes you could find them, before or after hours. More often you could not. Duke was usually out with the police force's Lieutenant Bates, who later became Salem's Mayor, and then its Representative in Congress. Or, with the other Washingtonians, he was over at the Coast Guard barracks, or being whisked around the Salem-Marblehead Harbor."


    Note Mr. Bates was elected mayor in 1924.

    Charleshurst owner Charles Shribman had been booking bands into New England in the early 1920s. In 1924 he and other New England ballroom managers formed a performance circuit.
    • Steiner Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.16, citing Salem Evening News 1924-04-21
    • M. Tucker, Early Years, pp.183, 184 & 300
    • Ulanov (ibid.), p.52
    ...Steiner & djp updated 2012-01-04
    1924 04 22
    Tuesday
    .Lawrence, Mass.Truell Hall.Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.16, citing Lowell Sun 1924-04-22, p.16....Added
    2011
    1924 04 23
    Wednesday
    .Gloucester, Mass.Hawthorne InnOne-nighterEmail, Steiner-Palmquist 2018-08-22 citing Gloucester Daily Times, April 23, 1924) ...ks2018-08-23
    1924 04 24
    Thursday
    .Lowell, Mass.Associate HallDance

    First of two dances booked here for the band, admission 50 cents.
    Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.16, citing Lowell Sun:
    • Announcement, 1924-04-16, p.8
    • Announcement, 1924-04-24, p.2
    • ad, 1924-04-24
    • Review, 1924-04-25, p.14
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-02
    1924 04 25
    Friday
    .Salem, Mass.College InnDance, sharing the bandstand with a local orchestra led by Frank Ward. Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.16, citing Salem Evening News 1924-04-24....Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-02
    1924 04 26
    Saturday
    .Lowell, Mass.Associate HallDance

    "... will engage in a battle of music with Miner-Doyle's orchestra. The admission ...is 50 cents with free checking".
    The Associate Hall was a five-storey building with retail businesses on the ground floor, offices upstairs, and apparently the dance hall or club on the top floor.

    At 12:30 am Sunday morning, a fire was discovered in the Club room on the top floor of the Associate building and appeared to be a minor blaze. The alarm was sounded at 12:34 am, and fire companies responded. The fire spread, and ultimately destroyed three buildings and damaged others. A fire captain was killed after being crushed under a falling wall, 10 other firemen were injured and a fire truck was destroyed. This was the biggest fire in Lowell's history.

    It seems likely the dance would have still been underway when the alarm was first sounded, but the newspaper coverage does not mention the dance.
    • Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.16, citing Lowell Sun:
      • 1924-04-16, p.8
      • 1924-04-24, p.2
      • 1924-04-28, pp. 1,4
    • 1924-04-25
    ....Added
    2011
    updated
    2013-09-02
    1924 04 27
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 28
    Monday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 04 29
    Tuesday
    Ellington's birthday
    ...activities not documented
    .....
    1924 04 30
    Wednesday
    .Lynn, Mass.Odd Fellows' HallOne-nighterEmail, Steiner-Palmquist 2018-08-22 citing Lynn Tribune News, April 30, 1924...ks2018-08-23

    May 1924

    1924 05 01
    Monday
    ... Peripheral event
    The Hollywood reopened with a new Leonard Harper revue, advertised both as The Virginia Girls and The Virginian Girls. Its music was written by Jimmie (James P.) Johnson who led the band initially. Benny Carter and Sidney Bechet were in the Johnson band but Johnson fired Bechet, and later was fired himself.

    Although Bechet said he and Ellington replaced Johnson at the club, the club hired an unnamed group before Ellington went back in - see 1924 05 15 and 1924 06 10
    • Steiner
      Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.17
    • John Chilton
      Sidney Bechet: The Wizard of Jazz, pp. 67-68
    • Lasker
      The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, p.24 citing Will Marion Cook's letter in The Chicago Defender, 1924-03-22, s.I p.7
    • Sidney Bechet
      Treat It Gentle, Hill and Wang, New York, 1960, pp.140-148
    ...djpNew
    added
    2015-10-01
    1924 05 01
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 02
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 03
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 04
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 05
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 06
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 07
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 08
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 09
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 10
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 11
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 12
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 13
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 14
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 15
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented.....
    1924 05 15
    Thursday
    ... Peripheral event
    The Hollywood replaced the Johnson band with an unnamed French orchestra. The Morning Telegraph:

    'The Hollywood Cabaret introduced its new French jazz orchestra last Thursday night.'

    Ken Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, p.17, citing Morning Telegraph, New York, 1924-05-18....Added 2014-08-17
    1924 05 16
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 17
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 18
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 19
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 20
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 21
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 21
    Wednesday
    .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
    203 West 49th St.
    Peripheral event
    The New York Sun reported Federal Judge Augustus N. Hand signed orders against the Picadilly Rendezvous, the Silver Slipper and the "restaurant at 203 West Forty-Ninth" restraining the sale of liquor until "the hearing on the padlock case, which it is expected will come up for trial in June."
    New York Sun, 1924-05-21, p.1...djpNew
    added 2012-12-26
    1924 05 22
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 23
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 24
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 24
    Saturday
    7 PM
    .New York, N.Y.Corner of
    134th St. and
    Seventh Ave.
    Peripheral event
    Barron Wilkins murdered
    Julius William "Yellow Charleston" Miller shot William Harris to death on May 24. Fleeing the scene, he approached Barron De Ware Wilkins, owner of Barron's Exclusive Club, Inc. (the Exclusive Club), outside the club, to ask for $100 to help him get away. When Wilkins declined, Miller shot him four times. Wilkins was taken to Harlem Hospital by taxicab, and died there.

    Miller was convicted of first degree murder and in November was sentenced to die in December 1924. His execution didn't take place, however, until September 1925.

    Steven Lasker:

    'Note that Barron Wilkins' first name is consistently misspelled "Baron" in the transcript.

    The club was definitely "Barron's Exclusive Club," as per the club's signage, visible in a photograph reproduced on page 194 of "Jazz: A History of the New York Scene" by Charters and Kunstadt. However, note that the photo's caption misstates the location as "103rd Street and Seventh Avenue"; the actual location is 198 West 134th Street, and the building, which still stands, can be viewed on Google Street view.

    According to George Hoefer's "Harlem Jazz Spots Then and Now" (found in the booklet to Columbia set C3L 33, "The Sound of Harlem"), the "same downstairs [i.e., basement] room" where Barron's Exclusive Club was located became, from 1936 to 1943, Clark Monroe's Uptown House, one of two famous birthplaces of bop music (Minton's Playhouse being the other).'

    ...djpNew
    added
    2012-07-30
    updated
    2012-12-29
    2018-08-08
    1924 05 25
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 26
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 27
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 28
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 29
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 30
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 05 31
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......

    June 1924

    1924 06 00...The June 1924 edition of International Musician showed Edward K. Ellington, Fred L. Guy, William Greer and Charles Irvis in the new members list for Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians. Steven Lasker observes that this is the first print reference to Guy that places him among the Ellingtonians.

    The same edition lists Arthur P. Whetsel as transferring from Local 710 (Washington), but the August edition shows Whetsel in the "transfers withdrawn" list. It isn't clear why the 19-year old Whetsel would have cancelled his transfer since he was still living and working in New York as a musician in November 1924 when he applied for his passport.
    Local 802 was formed in 1921 by the American Federation of Musicians to replace Local 310, the Musicians Mutual Protective Union. Local 310 was incorporated under state jurisdiction and was not subject to A.F.of M. bylaws. There was a dispute between the two union locals over who would represent thousands of musicians in New York.
    Several 1923 articles in Variety reported that nearly all the members of Local 802 were also members of M.M.P.A. because the M.M.P.A. provided benefits and owned valuable real property. As of July 1923, vaudeville scale in New York was $52 weekly, but in Chicago, $75.
    ...SL, djpNew
    added
    2013-09-01
    updated
    2014-06-17
    2014-08-13
    2017-10-20
    2022-03-23
    1924 06 01
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 02
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 03
    Tuesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 04
    Wednesday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 05
    Thursday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 06
    Friday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 07
    Saturday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 08
    Sunday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 09
    Monday
    ...activities not documented......
    1924 06 09
    Monday
    .New York, N.Y.Broadway night spotsPeripheral event
    This appears to be the date of WHN radio station's first remote broadcast from a New York night spot.

    In a story datelined New York, June 11, The Clipper reported

    'The Loew Circuit's radio station WHN has arranged to run direct land wires in to the various Broadway cabarets and restaurants for the purpose of broadcasting the dance music and other entertainment direct from the cafes. Heretofore the talent was wont to visit the WHN studios in the Loew State theatre building.
      The same advertising talk will be part of the service, the cabarets to pay a slightly increased service fee. The average former rate was $50 a week.
      Paul Specht and his orchestra were the first to inaugurate this idea Monday when they broadcasted [sic] direct from the Hotel Alamac. ...
      The WHN radio type of "plugging" is said to have had its direct returns, and the fact WHN is licensed will probably result in the Radio Corporation of America's stations (WJZ and WJY) losing several of its broadcasting features. The bands are not enthused over being restricted to "independent" dance music, and will probably influence their employers to pay a nominal weekly fee for the WHN service.
      When the Loew station waged "war" recently with the American Telephone & Telegraph Co., which operates station WEAF, the latter sought to restrict the "commercial" features of broadcasting to itself. WEAF was unsuccessful, which gave WHN the same privileges as the 195 Broadway station. Since then, WAAM and the Gimbel Brothers' new broadcast central have also decided to invade the metropolis with a radio "advertising" project.'

    The Clipper, New York, N.Y.
    1924-06-14 p.15
    ...SL/KS/djpNew
    added
    2019-12-14
    circa
    1924 06 10
    ...Personnel change
    • Ellington recalled hearing Sidney Bechet (soprano saxophone and clarinet), at the Howard Theatre in Washington around 1921, and Bechet spoke of meeting Ellington in Washington in 1922.
    • Ellington said Bechet toured New England with the Washingtonians.
    • Bechet (1897-1959) claimed he joined the Washingtonians when they returned to the Kentucky Club after it fired James P. Johnson.
    Notes:
    • Chilton has Bechet in Europe from June 1919 to November 1922, then playing with Ford Dabney before acting and playing in Donald Haywood's 'How Come?' on tour.
    • Variety 1923-01-23 p.28 says "The Howard, Washington's colored theatre, has "How Come?"
    • Chilton has Bechet quitting the show in New York in the spring of 1923.

    Bechet:

    '  I met Duke in Washington the time that I was there in How Come [see note]. He was hanging around the stage door then, coming in all the time when we were doing our rehearsals and asking to play the piano. He played it James P. Johnson fashion then. At that time, 1922, he and Elmer Snowden had a band together called the Washingtonians, and we hung out some; we were good buddies for hanging out together. Duke was a fine man to be with, an easy man in himself. I'll come back to him.
      The Seven Eleven show finished after a year or so and I was in New York. I joined James P. Johnson and we played at the Old Kentucky Club over on Eighth Avenue off Broadway. [Bechet then describes being fired by Johnson, and Johnson being fired in turn by the club.]
      ... and after James P. had got me out..., he went and got himself fired. And the band which took his place was Duke and me.
      Duke had come up to New York. He remembered me from Washington and he wanted to make up a band together, so we did that. And that was a fine time, playing with Duke in 1924. He had his feelings inside the music where they belonged, and none of any kind of meanness outside the music. When we played, we were playing together, doing what the music wanted done with none of this personal me me feuding through what we were doing. That music was just liking itself because we let it be itself. ... [Duke]...wasn't as good a piano player as he is now, but he had right feelings, and he let the music come first. That was a good time in that Kentucky Club. We made some records, too, while we were together, but for some reason I don't know, they were never released. I feel real sad about that because they were good records, and now there is no trace of them.
      That's why when Duke and I went in there, we had this big success. We were working around each other. We were using our feelings, and the people listening had to feel because we were feeling it. There was none of this trying to give a name to Jazz, Orchestrational Jazz, Concert Jazz, Fancy-Arrangement Jazz - there wasn't any of that kind of pushing from Duke.
      But after a time, even then, I was still having trouble with two fellows in the band ... they were Bubber Miley and Charlie Irvis, the trumpet and trombone. ... When I first joined the band Bubber Miley was in jail over some trouble concerning a girl. And the first money that was put up for him, the pool that was started for having him put on bail so he could come join the band, it was from me. But still, just as soon as we were all working in the band, I could see Bubber and Charlie still had this trouble going. There was still this talking aside business in the music. There was a competition for the wrong things at the wrong time: all this tugging when they should be carrying, and sulking when they should be following, and this refusing to be with the music when they should be leading.
      Everyone in the band could feel that. There was a fellow with us, Otto Hardwick was his name, who played clarinet and alto saxophone. He was my friend and he tried to talk to them, tell them what was the sense, they'd be hurting themselves. But no, they went right on making it hard.
      At that time Otto, Duke and myself used to go over to Duke's place evenings to fool around on the piano, talk how we were going to build this thing with all the band. Duke, he'd be making arrangements for the band - not this kind of hit-parade arrangements I been saying about, but a kind of dividing of the piece, placing its parts. What we were after, it was to get the feeling for the band, playing it together. That way the music is working for itself. From hearing Otto play to me, me playing to Otto - playing for each other - we were making up what the band was to be, how it was to feel itself. The arrangements, they came out of that. And that was good times there in Duke's apartment. That was real music. But still, I could see those were just evenings after a fashion - there wasn't going to be much to it. That Bubber Miley and Charlie, they had it all too uncomfortable.
      So I had some money coming to me from some records I'd made, and I thought I'd like to open my own cabaret. So that's just the way of it...
      But that Duke - I've seen him off and on all these years. There's no limit to what I can say about Duke. He's a man with a life in him. And some of the things he's done are really great; he's a real musicianer. Duke, he belongs to the music, and the music belongs to him.'

    It isn't certain when Bechet left The Washingtonians; in May 1925 he is reported to have been added to the musical unit in Seven-Eleven.

    • MIMM p.47
    • Sidney Bechet:
      Treat It Gentle, pp.141-143
    • John Chilton:
      Who's Who of Jazz, fourth edition 1985 (soft cover), p.27
    ..
      .djpNew
      added
      2015-10-01
      updated
      2018-11-18
      1924 06 10
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency resumed, with "The Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01
      Ellington and the Washingtonians with Sidney Bechet return to replace James P. Johnson's band.
      While the New York Times reported Judgement by default will be taken today against the Hollywood Restaurant...The place will be closed for one year. - this apparently didn't happen. It seems likely the club challenged the charges, for its liquor was returned in December.
      ....Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar ClubAdded
      2011
      updated
      2013-09-01
      2014-03-29
      2015-10-01
      2018-11-18
      1924 06 11
      Wednesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 12
      Thursday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 13
      Friday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 14
      Saturday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 15
      Sunday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 16
      Monday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 17
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 18
      Wednesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 19
      Thursday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 20
      Friday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 21
      Saturday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 22
      Sunday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 23
      Monday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 24
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 25
      Wednesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 26
      Thursday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 27
      Friday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 28
      Saturday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 29
      Sunday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 06 30
      Monday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011

      July 1924

      1924 07 01
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 02
      Wednesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 03
      Thursday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 04
      Friday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 05
      Saturday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 06
      Sunday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 07
      Monday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 08
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 09
      Wednesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 10
      Thursday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 11
      Friday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 12
      Saturday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 13
      Sunday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 14
      Monday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency, "Virginia Girls" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 06 10.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 15
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Sunday's Morning Telegraph said George Hammond, partner in the Hollywood, planned to take the entire revue to the Empire Race Track as his guests, then take them, including the Hollywood Orchestra, home. The Orchestra would serenade his wife with a few tunes for her birthday.Morning Telegraph, Hotels, Restaurants and Cabarets, 1924-07-13....New
      added 2013-09-02
      1924 07 15
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Steiner, Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club, says the Morning Telegraph Hotels Restaurants and Cabarets column in the July 13 edition of the Morning Telegraph is the last mention of the Hollywood until the autumn. The column itself says the warm weather did not affect the club and Bernstein said it would remain open all summer.

      Steiner suggests The Washingtonians may have continued at the club for the rest of the summer, or may have toured New England, since Ellington recalled, in MIMM, a summer tour of New England with Bechet, and it seems that can only have been this summer.

      Until evidence of their activities between July 16 and Sept.5 is found, we simply say this period is undocumented.
      .....Added
      2011
      1924 07 16
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15.....Added
      2011
      1924 07 17
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 18
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 19
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15
      On this date, "Choo Choo, I Gotta Hurry Home" was registered for copyright as an unpublished musical composition. A copyright application and two copies of the sheet music for a version published by Broadway Music Corp. was received at the copyright office in September - see 1924 09 05 and 1924 09 06 below.
      Email Lasker-Palmquist 2022-01-05....New
      added
      2022-01-06
      1924 07 20
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 21
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 22
      Tuesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 23
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 24
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 25
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 26
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 27
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 28
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 29
      Tuesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 30
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 07 31
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......

      August 1924

      1924 08 01
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 02
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 03
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 04
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 05
      Tuesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 06
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 07
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 08
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 08
      Friday
      .New York, N.Y.. Peripheral event
      Otto Van Schenck record label, Choo Choo

      Image courtesy S.Lasker
      Click to Enlarge
      S.Lasker

      'In New York City, the vaudeville comedy team of Gus Van and Joe Schenck record Choo Choo (Gotta Hurry Home). Released circa early September 1924 on Columbia 197-D, this is both the earliest documented recording of an Ellington composition as well as the first Ellington song to be issued on a record. The label credits the song to "Ringle, Ellington and Schafer." This marked the first appearance of Ellington's name on a record label.'

      E-mail S.Lasker-Palmquist
      2015-02-07
      2019-12-09
      ...slNew
      added
      2015-02-08
      2019-12-09
      1924 08 09
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 10
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 11
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 12
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y..Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 12
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.. Peripheral event
      Some speculate Ellington was the pianist for Wilbur C. Sweatman's August 12 Gennett recording session in which Sweatman made an unreleased recording of Battleship Kate. The Gennett files don't show personnel present at the date other than Sweatman. The report that Ellington was on the date originated in the autobiography of Mike Danzi, "American Musician in Germany, 1924-39" (Schmitten, Germany, 1986). Danzi recalled that he playing banjo on Battleship Kate and Ellington played piano. Steven Lasker:

      '...what I hear on the record leads me to conclude that contrary to Mike Danzi's recollection, the pianist on Sweatman's 10oct24 Battleship Kate isn't Ellington...Danzi might instead have recalled an unissued Gennett session, held circa 12Aug24, at which Sweatman recorded a version of Battleship Kate that was never issued. '

      Steven points out that Sweatman himself denied ever having recorded with Ellington (see DEMS 05/3-32).
      ..DEMS.SLAdded
      2011
      updated
      2014-03-30
      2014-08-17
      2015-03-23
      2020-02-17
      2020-02-18
      1924 08 13
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 14
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 15
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 16
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 17
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 18
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 19
      Tuesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 20
      Wednesday
      .Bayonne, N.J..Birth of singer and children's television show host Joya Yvonne Sherrill Guilmenot. The family lived in New York in 1930 census and Detroit in 1940.

      Ms Sherrill first joined Ellington in August 1942 at age 17 - see 1942 08 13 but went back to school that fall Returning in November 1944, she left the band again in January 1946, although she would record with it several times in the 1950s and 1960s. Ms Sherrill married Richard Guilmenot in February 1946

      Mrs. Guilmenot died June 28 2010 in Great Neck, N.Y. Her New York Times obituary by Peter Keepnews quotes her as saying

      'I never really left the band. Duke would call me for jobs once a year at least. '


      ...SL/djpNew
      added
      2012-10-10
      updated
      2020-08-05
      1924 08 20
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 21
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 22
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 23
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented
      possibly working at the Hollywood - see 1924 07 15 - or touring New England (perhaps with Bechet)
      The August 23 edition of the Chicago Defender reported Otto Hardwick was now with the White Brothers orchestra in Chicago. Since the Defender is dated the end of the week it is published, the report could be from up to two weeks before August 23.
      ......
      1924 08 24
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 25
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 26
      Tuesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 27
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 28
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 29
      Friday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 30
      Saturday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 08 31
      Sunday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......

      September 1924

      1924 09 01
      Monday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 09 02
      Tuesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 09 03
      Wednesday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 09 04
      Thursday
      ...Activities not documented - see 1924 07 15......
      1924 09 05
      Friday
      ...
      Sheet music cover<br>Courtesy S.Lasker
      Sheet music cover
      Courtesy S.Lasker

      Click to Enlarge
      Steven Lasker:

      'A copyright application for Choo-Choo (I Gotta Hurry Home), published by Broadway Music Corp., was received at the copyright office.

      It showed music by Duke Ellington and words by Dave Ringle and Bob Schafer.

      On the following day, 1924-09-06, two copies of the song's sheet music were received and registered.

      This was the earliest publication of an Ellington song in sheet music form. '

      The piece had already been registered for copyright as an unpublished musical composition 1924-07-19
      • Lasker, The Washingtonians: A Miscellany, p.25
      • Email, Lasker-Palmquist
        • 2020-12-20
        • 2022-01-05
      ...djpAdded
      2014-03-29
      Updated
      2020-12-21
      2022-01-06
      1924 09 05
      Friday
      ...Musicians' activities not documented
      - see 1924 07 15
      ......
      1924 09 06
      Saturday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency (see 1923 09 01) continues (or resumes?), with the new Leonard Harper revue, "Creole Follies," which played 2 shows nightly.
      Hollywood ads refer to the band either as "Washingtonian's Hollywood Jazz Orchestra" or "Washington's Hollywood Jazz Orchestra."

      HOLLYWOOD
      203 WEST 49TH ST., NEAR BROADWAY
      DANCING — A LA CARTE AT ALL HOURS
      LEONARD HARPER'S
      CREOLE FOLLIES REVUE
      SUPERB SHOW TWICE NIGHTLY

      FEATURING:–GREENLEE & DRAYTON, late stars of LIZA; BILLY HIGGINS,
      Comedian from "HOW COME"; VIOLA McCOY, Blue Record Star; MERCIA
      MARGUX, from "SHUFFLE ALONG."
      WASHINGTONIAN'S HOLLYWOOD JAZZ ORCHESTRA.
      For Reservations Telephone Circle–7457

      • The New York Telegram and Evening Mail, New York, N.Y.
        • 1924-09-12 p.15
        • 1924-09-17 p.20
        • 1924-09-24 p.13
        • 1924-11-01
      • Ken Steiner,
        Wild Throng Dances Madly in Cellar Club
        pp.18-19
      ...djpAdded
      2011
      updated
      2013-09-03
      2020-07-28
      1924 09 07
      Sunday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency with "Creole Follies" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 09 06.....Added
      2011
      1924 09 08
      Monday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency with "Creole Follies" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 09 06.....Added
      2011
      1924 09 09
      Tuesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency with "Creole Follies" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 09 06The Morning Telegraph, New York, N.Y.
      1924-09-09 p.8
      ....Added
      2011
      updated
      2018-01-07
      1924 09 10
      Wednesday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency with "Creole Follies" revue - see 1923 09 01 and 1924 09 06.....Added
      2011
      1924 09 11
      Thursday
      .New York, N.Y.Hollywood Cabaret
      203 West 49th St.
      Club residency with "Creole Fol