Duke Ellington's early breakthrough defined all of these aspects of New York's musical culture EXCEPT he

Select one:

a$.$ developed a big$-$band jazz style beyond that of Whiteman and Henderson.

b$.$ solidified the influence of stride piano on jazz.

c$.$ proved that musicians could have $100$ percent control of the profits that resulted from their work.

d$.$ proved that popular songs could contain adventurous jazz writing.