He contributed greatly to jazz in its early days as both a player and a bandleader, and launched the careers of many top musicians.
[1] Unable to gain a booking, Snowden sent for Duke Ellington,[1] who was with the group when it recorded three test sides for Victor that were never issued.
[1] Snowden was also a renowned band leader – Count Basie, Jimmie Lunceford, Bubber Miley, "Tricky Sam" Nanton, Frankie Newton, Benny Carter, Rex Stewart, Roy Eldridge and Chick Webb are among the musicians who worked in his bands.
[1] Very active in the 1920s as an agent and musician,[1] Snowden at one time had five bands playing under his name in New York, one of which was led by pianist Cliff Jackson.
In 1960, Albertson brought Snowden and singer-guitarist Lonnie Johnson together for two Prestige albums, assembled a quartet that included Cliff Jackson for a Riverside session, Harlem Banjo, and, in 1961, a sextet session with Roy Eldridge, Bud Freeman, Jo Jones, and Ray and Tommy Bryant—it was released on the Fontana and Black Lion labels.