Kevin Eubanks

Kevin Eubanks is a guitarist and prolific composer, widely recognized as the former Music Director of "The Tonight Show" band, where he served from 1992 to 2010. During his tenure, he was not only a key musical figure but also assumed the role of a comic foil for host Jay Leno. Eubanks' contributions to the show included composing the show's closing theme song, "Kevin's Country." His engaging personality and musicianship won him admiration from a diverse audience.

After completing his education at Berklee College of Music, Eubanks moved to New York where he began his career playing with jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Slide Hampton, McCoy Tyner, and others. His early experiences also included tours in regions like Jordan, Pakistan, India, and Kuwait, sponsored by the US State Department. Eubanks has recorded and performed with notable artists such as Branford Marsalis, Dave Grusin, and Ron Carter, further cementing his reputation in the jazz community.

In addition to his work on television, Eubanks has been involved in composing scores for various projects, including the HBO Pictures presentation "Rebound" and the PBS documentary series "Black Westerners." His discography includes albums like "Live At Bradley's," "Spirit Talk 2: Revelations," and "Shadow Prophets," with the latter gaining significant popularity on jazz radio in 1988. His album "Zen Food," released in November 2010, debuted in the Top Five on the Billboard Jazz Chart, and his 2013 release, "The Messenger," earned a 2014 NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Jazz Album.”

Beyond his musical career, Eubanks is dedicated to music education and has held positions such as the Artistic Director of the Jazz In The Classroom Program for The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. He continues to engage in volunteer work and maintains an active relationship with The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Eubanks remains passionate about performing and sharing his insights not only as a musician but also as a motivational speaker.