IDOL's Minor Will Replace Eubanks On 'Tonight Show'

Rickey Minor of American Idol will take as music director of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The announcement from NBC follows news that current music director Kevin Eubanks will depart the show May 28.

NBC's announcement indicates that Minor is expected to debut on the show June 7.

USA Today adds that Rickey Minor, the Emmy-nominated music director of American Idol, whose season ends in late May, "will continue to consult with American Idol creator Simon Fuller on various projects."

Yesterday,THR reported that "Tonight Show" bandleader & sideman Kevin Eubanks will leave the show May 28.

The performer has been with the show since Jay Leno took over "Tonight Show" in 1992. He took over as musical director following Branford Marsalis' exit in 1995.

THR adds that Eubanks "told Leno during Monday's taping of "Tonight" in Burbank that he was ready for a career change of pace, but he didn't announce specific plans. Eubanks called the NBC late-night show his "home" and said it had been "a wonderful experience" working there."

Before Jay Leno followed in the footsteps of legendary NBC late-night hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson as the host of the Emmy Award-winning and top-rated "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," he honed his comedy in clubs all over the country often exceeding 300 dates per year. He opened for the likes of Tom Jones and John Denver, and after moving to Los Angeles began his career in television and film, both writing behind the scenes and making appearances in shows such as "Welcome Back Kotter" and films including "American Hot Wax." On March 2, 1977, Leno made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and was named permanent guest host in 1987. While he took over the desk full-time in 1992, Leno never stopped touring on the comedy circuit and still averages over 150 gigs a year.

The comedian is not just for grown-ups. Appealing to a younger generation, Leno has authored two New York Times best-selling children's books, "How to be the Funniest Kid in the Whole Wide World (Or Just In Your Class)" and "If Roast Beef Could Fly" (both from Simon & Schuster). His other book, "Leading with My Chin" (from HarperCollins), hit the bookstores in 1998. He also has published four versions of "Headlines," the compilation of books and desk calendars featuring his favorite funny newspaper headlines, and "Police Blotter," a book with more humorous newspaper clips involving police stories (book proceeds go to various charities).

Leno's worldwide stand-up comedy appearances around the country and his writing career, Leno can also include Emmy-nominated internet star/producer to his resume. In 2006, the car aficionado brought his expertise to the web; fans can peek into Jay's famous garage by logging on to www.jaylenosgarage.com.

Leno was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., and raised in Andover, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Mavis, live in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his collection of classic cars and motorcycles.

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