FRED GUY

        Born in 1897 Guy grew up in New York City and worked with Joseph C. Smith's Orchestra. He later led his own group however, he spent most of his career with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Guy joined Duke Ellington's Washingtonian's in the spring of 1925. Elmer Snowden was the leader and banjo player for the group but left after a money dispute. Duke Ellington took over the leadership role and Guy took over playing banjo. Guy was with Ellington for the next 24 years.
        In the 1930s Guy switched from banjo to guitar. However by switching to guitar Guy was less audible. He departed from Ellington in 1949 and was never again a fulltime musician. He continued working as a manager of a ballroom in Chicago and passed away in 1971.