VIDEO: Kevin Eubanks Leaves The Tonight Show

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Comedy, Late Night, Talk Shows, NBC, Video,

After 18 years working with Jay Leno, Kevin Eubanks and his infectious laugh said goodbye to the comedian and The Tonight Show Friday night. The 52-year-old - who supposedly did not leave because of the network’s late-night drama - said he simply wanted to pursue other musical interests including a program that supports high school students.

Eubanks was just one of six band members to leave the talk show. Vicki Randle (singer/percussions), Gerry Etkins (keyboards), Derrick “Dock” Murdock (bass guitar), Ralph Moore (saxophone) and Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drums) are also moving on.

So who’ll be responsible for laughing at Leno’s jokes now? That would be Rickey Minor - the band leader who recently felt snubbed by American Idol. Hopefully, Minor will someday earn himself a farewell montage like the one Eubanks got above.

Read More | E! Online

American Idol: Rickey Minor Snubbed

Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Gossip, Video,

American Idol was so busy crowning Lee DeWyze and bidding farewell to Simon Cowell at the end of its ninth season, the show never got around to telling the audience that another very important cast member has left the series: band leader Ricky Rickey Minor. You might recognize the name - Ryan Seacrest frequently shouts “Ricky

Ricky Minor and the band!” during Idol performance nights.

Minor has been a part of the Idol family for six years, receiving many compliments from contestants and judges alike during his time with the show. Minor worked closely with the contestants, helping them with the arrangements and other musical concerns related to their performances.

And after all that, Idol didn’t so much as wave good-bye to the musician. Reportedly,

Rickey Minor was extremely upset at the end of the big Season 9 finale, which featured a huge send-off for former judge Simon Cowell.

Read More | CMR