Kevin Eubanks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kevin Eubanks
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Eubanks performing at the 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kevin Tyrone Eubanks |
| Born | November 15, 1957 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Labels | Mack Avenue |
| Associated acts | The Tonight Show Band, Branford Marsalis |
Kevin Tyrone Eubanks (born November 15, 1957) is an American jazz and fusion guitarist and composer. He is well-known for leading The Tonight Show Band with host Jay Leno. He was the bandleader from 1995 to 2010. He also led the Primetime Band on The Jay Leno Show.
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Early Life and Musical Roots
Kevin Eubanks grew up in a family full of musicians. His older brother, Robin Eubanks, plays the trombone. His younger brother, Duane Eubanks, plays the trumpet. Another brother, Shane Eubanks, is a DJ.
Kevin started learning music at a young age. He played the violin, trumpet, and piano. He studied at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. Later, he went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Personal Habits
Kevin Eubanks follows a special diet. He is a pescetarian, which means he eats fish but no other meat. His diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, egg whites, and fish.
Kevin's Music Career
After college, Kevin Eubanks moved to New York City. There, he started playing with famous jazz musicians. Some of these included Art Blakey and Roy Haynes. He also played on records with Dave Holland.
In 1983, Kevin started his own music group. They traveled to places like Jordan, Pakistan, and India. This tour was supported by the U.S. government.
More recently, Kevin has appeared on TV shows. In 2020, he was a guest on The George Lucas Talk Show. In 2021, he worked with Jay Leno again. He became a sidekick on the TV game show You Bet Your Life.
Making Albums
Kevin Eubanks released his first album, Guitarist, when he was 25. This led to many more albums. He has appeared on over 100 albums in total. In 2001, he started his own music company called Insoul Music. He has released several albums through his own company.
Teaching Music
Kevin Eubanks has also shared his musical knowledge. He taught at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Canada. He also taught at Rutgers University. In 2005, he received a special honorary degree from Berklee College of Music. This was the same school he attended as a student.
The Tonight Show Years
In 1992, Kevin Eubanks moved to the West Coast. He joined The Tonight Show Band as a guitarist. He even wrote "Kevin's Country," which was the closing song for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
In 1995, Kevin became the leader of the band. He took over from Branford Marsalis. When Jay Leno's show moved to prime time, Kevin and the band went with him. They became "The Primetime Band" on The Jay Leno Show.
On April 12, 2010, Kevin announced he would leave The Tonight Show. His last show was in May 2010. He said he wanted to focus more on his own music. He also said there were no problems with Jay Leno or NBC. After leaving the show, he started touring with other musicians.
Albums by Kevin Eubanks
Kevin Eubanks has released many albums as a leader. Here are some of them:
- Guitarist (Elektra Musician, 1983)
- Sundance (GRP, 1984)
- Opening Night (GRP, 1985)
- Face to Face (GRP, 1986)
- The Heat of Heat (GRP, 1987)
- Shadow Prophets (GRP, 1988)
- The Searcher (GRP, 1989)
- Promise of Tomorrow (GRP, 1990)
- Turning Point (Blue Note, 1992)
- Spirit Talk (Blue Note, 1993)
- Live at Bradley's (Blue Note, 1994)
- Spirit Talk 2 – Revelations (Blue Note, 1995)
- Zen Food (Mack Avenue, 2010)
- The Messenger (Mack Avenue, 2012)
- Duets with Stanley Jordan (Mack Avenue, 2015)
- East West Time Line (Mack Avenue, 2017)
Images for kids
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Eubanks in 1978
See also
- Jazz Bridge
