Ask American Profile 7/29/2007

Q Kevin Eubanks’ band on Jay Leno’s show has a singer and percussionist named Vicki. Can you tell us about her?
—Tona Yarmen, Medina, Ohio

San Francisco-born Vicki Randle, 52, the daughter of an accomplished jazz pianist father, began singing as a toddler and taught herself to play several musical instruments before she was 18. The only female member of The Tonight Show band, which she joined in 1992, her credits also include backup singing for Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Lionel Richie and Kenny Loggins. She recently released a CD called Sleep City.

Q Is Bob Barker really retired from The Price Is Right?
—Nancy Chandler, Brekinridge, Ky.

Yes, indeed, the longtime game-show icon has invited contestants to “Come on down!” for the last time. Barker stepped aside in June after 50 years on television and 35 as host of The Price Is Right. “I decided to retire while I’m still young,” says Barker, 83, who enjoys having more time to devote to a cause close to his heart: animal rights, through his DJ&T Foundation, which he founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and his mother, Tillie. The Price Is Right will continue with a 36th season next fall and a successor who has yet to be chosen.

Q Whatever happened to action star Jackie Chan? Is he still acting?
—Shelby D., Memphis, Tenn.

Chan remains in action, teaming up once more with Chris Tucker to reprise their very successful roles as Los Angeles Police Department Detective James Carter and Chinese Chief Inspector Lee in the new movie Rush Hour 3. This time, the duo travels to Paris to battle an organized-crime family highly skilled in the martial arts. Chan, 53, was born in Hong Kong and trained in music, dance and self-defense from the age of 6, and he performs all of his own remarkable movie stunts.

Q What can you tell me about Alton Brown on the Food Network?
—Linda Motley, Corvallis, Ore.

Food Network’s resident scientist and culinary investigator-turned-biker hits the road again on a quest to find the most interesting food in America in Feasting on Asphalt 2, premiering Aug. 4. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to experience America’s best road food than traveling the nation’s highways on the back of a bike,” says Brown, 45. The Los Angeles native credits his interest in cooking to his mother and grandmother, and says he used his culinary talents “as a way to get dates” in college. He also writes, produces and stars in Good Eats, another Food Network series, and serves as a commentator and food historian on the network’s Iron Chef America. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and daughter.

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