The Washingtonians

The Washingtonians grew out of the music group led by banjoist Elmer Snowden in the first ‘20s; later on in the 10 years it evolved in to the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Snowden’s music group included saxophonist Otto Hardwicke and trumpeter Arthur Whetsol. The group performed in Washington D.C. and Atlantic Town before shifting to NY in 1923; Ellington, trombonist Charlie Irvis and drummer Sonny Greer arrived aboard, and Bubber Miley changed Whetsol (Whetsol would come back in 1928 following the instrumentation have been extended). The music group became referred to as the Washingtonians in 1923. Snowden remaining the group in March 1924 to become listed on the Broadway Jones Music group, and Ellington assumed management. Snowden returned towards the Washingtonians later on that 12 months, but Ellington continued to be in control. From 1923 until 1927 the music group was in home in the Hollywood Golf club (renamed the Kentucky Golf club in 1924). The name “Washingtonians” was rarely used following the band’s 1927 proceed to the Natural cotton Golf club, although it do show up on recordings until 1929.