Kevin Eubanks to Leave Tonight Show

The Tonight Show is losing bandleader Kevin Eubanks, who often bantered with Jay Leno during their 17 years working together in late night. After a transition period beginning when Jay Leno resumes his spot as host of the Tonight Show, Eubanks eventually will leave to pursue "personal touring and recording opportunities." "Kevin is talking it over with Jay and Debbie," a colleague told The New York Times in reference to the show's producer, Debbie Vickers. "He would never leave them in the lurch." The move means more turmoil for the talk show, which was turned over to Conan O'Brien, only to be returned to Leno seven months later.