He had led the band for a long time, but now could not.
When the Other left, he would take the chance and lead his band away.
From the 1950s on he usually led his own band.
Long continued to lead the band, with various members, up until his death in 1972.
He continues to lead the band to the present day.
By 1959, he was leading his own band in Chicago.
He led a big band while serving in the Army from 1942-45.
From 1931 through 1938 he led a band in Jackson.
The success of the tour led the band to start another one the following year.
He is reported to later have led a band of his own in Hollywood.