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Eubanks came to the show in 1992 as a guitarist and eventually became the band leader.
I've never really understood Kevin Eubanks' role on The Tonight Show, since a part of me always squirmed at the site of a black man forced to sit to the side and laugh heartily at every one of Jay Leno's jokes. But then again, Ed McMahon had the same role with Johnny Carson for years, and he wasn't black.
Eubanks' role was once held by famed musician Branford Marsalis. When asked why he chose to leave The Tonight Show after three years, Marsalis responsed: "I needed to realize that I'm not an entertainer, I'm an artist."
This is not to say that Eubanks was not an artist. I am not sure if Marsalis has the right to make that distinction for anyone. Where art ends and entertainment begins, I am not sure. Most artists are in front of an audience while perfecting their craft and if others are paying money to see you, then it would seem that you're also an entertainer too.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (4)
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By: gary on 2/17/2010 10:00AM
Forced to sit? Forced to sit? Watkins, you are really a race-baiting loser! Seems like Kevin Eubanks makes his own decisions and that he is not subservient to anyone. What is he were laugh at the jokes of say--a Black comedian? Would that make you less uncomfortable? What difference does it make? You are really an embarrassment to academia!!
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By: JOHN on 2/17/2010 11:22AM
Gary , I agree with you. Shame on you Dr. Watkins. Play the race card for what? Kevin is a great part of jays show ,he will be missed.
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By: Nicia on 2/17/2010 6:26PM
Kevin is an excellent band leader and if anyone had the pleasure of seeing Jay Leno live would understand how truly gifted he is. Dr. Watkins, throwing in your short tirade on him being black and laughing at all of Jay's jokes was uncalled for and irrelevant. Kevin Eubanks transcended race and should be remembered as a trendsetter for band leaders and entertainers. Congratulations Kevin on 18yrs of rhythmic commercial breaks and good luck on whatever you decide to do in the future. You will me missed.
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By: Greg on 5/28/2010 2:01AM
You are kidding. I'd sit and laugh at you for $5 MILLION!!!! a year... Yes I am white. I don't seem to have a problem with race as you do... I don't wake up and look at everything as black or white... I feel sad for people that think in race and find problems where there are none... I remember Branford Marsalis in the first days of Leno taking the Tonight Show. He had no personality JERK with a chip on his shoulder and constipated look on his face. I'm from new Orleans originally and knew him. NOT a nice person, over rated musician and race has nothing to do with it.
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