Have you heard who is going to replace Kevin Eubanks at ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’ on NBC? Well you won’t believe it! It is Rickey Minor. Yes it’s him – the musical director of American Idol. He is the new band leader of the popular NBC show.

Earlier in the month Kevin Eubanks, who was performing as a band leader at ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’, has announced his official departure from the show in the first half of this month? Eubanks was with the popular DISH Network show for over 18 years. Interestingly, Eubanks official decision came on the same day when Conan O’Brian announced his upcoming show on TBS. Within a day of his official announcement NBC has chosen Ricky Minor as his replacement. We hope that Minor will surely be able to exceed the viewers’ expectations.

Ricky Minor will take his position as a bandleader at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in June after American Idol, a popular DISH TV reality show ends for the season. Eubanks is going to be the bandleader till then.

Eubanks told the press “After 18 years, I just need a change of pace and see what else is going on. 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 people really love the show and it’s been a wonderful experience to be here.” We will miss you Kevin!!!

Kevin Eubanks announces he’s leaving

The show authorities, on the other hand are very excited about the inclusion of Ricky Minor in the show. “We couldn’t be more excited,” said Debbie Vickers, executive producer, Tonight Show. “[The Tonight Show] has a long tradition of acclaimed musicians in this role, and it’s great to now include Rickey alongside Kevin and Branford.”

There is a lot of expectation from Ricky Minor, who is going to replace the existing bandleader of the show. But whether he lives up to the expectation or not can only be known after he joins the satellite TV show. Good Luck Ricky!!!

Do you think Ricky will be able to live up to the expectations? Keep us posted.

Photo: NBC