As one of the greatest and longest running franchises in television history continues to flounder into oblivion like a rudderless barge, Jay Leno-sidekick Kevin Eubanks has submitted his notice to jump ship to “pursue other interests.”
It’s time to seriously rethink the tonight show.
Branford Marsalis
Why not bring back Leno’s first bandleader, Branford Marsalis?
First time around, Marsalis' band performed bumper music that incorporated electronic high-pitched strings. The music sounded great -- on paper. Problem was, TV speakers back in 1992 couldn’t properly recreate their sound. Old school, monophonic analogue systems produced a piercing, tinny sound.
It didn’t help that Leno and Marsalis had less chemistry than Dick Clark and the then-19 year-old Prince during the Purple One’s first national TV appearance (must-see video!).
We’re all older and wiser now, and Branford is one of the greatest sax performers/composers around.
Roy Hargrove
If Jay and Branford can’t kiss and make up, see if Roy Hargrove and his funkedelic RH-Factor are available (see video.)
Get Chappelle back on TV
Jay needs to take some time off once in a while. But don’t turn over the Tonight Show desk to just anybody -- appoint Dave Chappelle permanent guest host, and stay the hell out of his way.
This writer saw Jay back in the Comedy-Store days when David Letterman, Jerry Seinfeld, Gary Shandling, Michael Keaton -- and especially the great Richard Belzer -- often performed on the same night. Leno was among the best, but no comedian can do new material every night and sound fresh five days a week indefinitely.
Tonight Show through the years
The Tonight Show has been hosted by Steve Allen (1954-1957), Ernie Kovacs (1955-1956 Monday/Tuesday), Al “Jazzbeaux” Collins, Jack Paar (1957-1962), Johnny Carson (1962-1992), Jay Leno (1992-2009), Conan O'Brien (2009-2010), Jay Leno (2010-?).
"Permanent" guest hosts: Joan Rivers (1983-1986), Garry Shandling (1986-1987), and Jay Leno (1987-1992).
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Photos: Top right, Branford Marsalis/Palma Kolansky. Bottom left, Dave Chappelle/"Chappelle's Show" on Comedy Central.
Comments
Personally, the Tonight Show is history to me as long as Leno is hosting it.
This is a joke. Roy and Branford are way too big now to play on the tonight show. What a joke. Although it would be sweet!
Glad to see someone acknowledging that Ernie Kovacs hosted the Tonight Show at one point. If we could bring him back that would be great!
Al Quagliata
www.alquagliata.net
To learn more about Ernie Kovacs tenure as host of The Tonight Show:
erniekovacs.blogspot.com/2009/04/ernie-tonight-another-nairobi-trio-ek.html
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