'American Idol' Music Director Replacing Kevin Eubanks on 'Tonight Show'

By PopEater Staff Posted Apr 14th 2010 07:01AM

As Kevin Eubanks prepares to leave Jay Leno and 'The Tonight Show,' NBC has announced he'll be replaced by 'American Idol' music director Rickey Minor. Eubanks made his May 28 exit date official during Monday's episode. Minor is expected to debut at 'Tonight' on June 7.

"We couldn't be more excited," said Debbie Vickers, 'Tonight' executive producer. She said the show "has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it's great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford (Marsalis)."

When the current season of 'American Idol' ends in late May, Minor will continue to consult with 'Idol' creator Simon Fuller on various projects, NBC said. In the past, Minor has served as music director of the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.

Minor has also collaborated with such performing artists as Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Ray Charles and Beyonce.

Eubanks has been on 'Tonight' since Leno took over as host in 1992. In February, NBC said Eubanks had expressed interest in personal touring and recording.

During Monday's show, Eubanks explained why he was leaving. "After 18 years, I just need a change of pace and see what else is going on," Eubanks said. "But it's a really difficult decision because this has become my second home, as it has been for the band, and I love the audience and the American people really love the show and it's been a wonderful experience to be here," he added.

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Tags: jay leno, kevin eubanks, tonight show

Comments

(9)

Wednesday 14 April

By BluesDaddy411

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Let's see, Simon and Ricky are jumping ship, so who's next? Let's get this season of AI over with and put a bow on it. But then I guess Ryan will be left with saying "THIS, is American Idol" to himself in the mirror. (He really needs to dail himself back on that show).

By ashlee

LOL!!! I am sick to death of Ryan saying that crap....THISSSSS is American Idol. I've had enough of him and all the shows he produces! Dude is mega rich, lucky terd!

By MAGOOS

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This program needs to develop a way of gauging true potential among contestants. This season has been lacklustre; last night's butchery of Elvis numbers was saved only by the gentle purring of Teflon Tim. Lynche came back well enough, Siobahn proved her voice but I am sure Elvis would have been sadly ddisappointed by it all.

By carole del monte

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Just let me say one thing about Sandra Bullock & the tattooed lady. Some apologies are too little, too late. TL knew about Jessie's marital status.
I will miss Kevin Eubanks on The Tonight Show for his music & especially his personality. He smiles, we smile. Good luck to him.

By WILL

K/U SMILES B/C HE'S STONED : )

By ohlori

I wish Ricky Miner all the best. He never got the acknowledgment he deserved on Idol, you did an excellent job for them and even though Kevin Eubanks was good I'm sure you will step right up and do great.

By Donna

The artical stated Kevin was with the show from when Jay took over. That is not true. Branford Marsalis was Jay's first band leader and even in the article Debbie Victor a producer for the show mentions him.

Thursday 15 April

By jason

He was the guitar player in the band Marsalis lead... hence, he was WITH the show since 1992.

Thank you for clarifying Jason

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