Kevin Eubanks refuses to let me interview him, leaving me no choice but to go rifling through his personal Web site in search of facts about his life.
And what a treasure trove I found on kevineubanks.com! It seems that Eubanks, 51, the very cheerful bandleader and de facto sidekick to Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show,” has for years been penning his own answers to fans’ questions in a section of his Web site he calls “Personals.”
A number of the questions and answers concern Kevin’s pot use, something Jay often jokes about on the show. Until I perused Kevin’s Web site, I thought it was just that, a joke. How wrong I was!
Kevin, a vegetarian and bodybuilder who otherwise leads a healthy lifestyle, not only smokes dope, he supports its legalization.
“You are an amazing guitarist, but I know you would even do better if you didn’t smoke weed,” wrote on e-mailer.
Answered Eubanks, “I think pot should be legal and I think it will be… I don’t really do that much, and practice is what makes you a better guitar player, not smoking pot.”
Eubanks reminisced in one “Personal” about how he was nearly arrested for pot smoking.
“I got caught once by the cops right after I inhaled (unlike Clinton) and to answer the cop, I had to let out a big cloud of smoke. He actually laughed…,” wrote the fun-loving band man.
“Hey, Kevin, tell the truth. Have you ever been high or drunk while doing “The Tonight Show’?” asked an e-mailer.
“Only when Willie Nelson is here. I don’t drink,” Eubanks replied.
Was he joking about toking with the legendary singer? Beats me. I suppose I could ask him if he ever gets on the phone with me.
The truth is, I wasn’t even going to ask him about pot-smoking. I wanted to interview him about his future, now that Conan O’Brien’s people, including Max Weinberg and his band, are coming to take over “The Tonight Show” next spring.
Eubanks is a popular TV personality who has enlivened Leno’s “Tonight Show” ever since he took over as bandleader from sourpuss Branford Marsalis back in 1995.
I just thought Post readers, many of whom are his fans, would like to know what’s on Kevin’s mind as his run on “The Tonight Show” nears the end.
Kevin, if you’re reading this, my offer of an interview still stands. Please feel free to call anytime. I’m here for you, man!