The entertainment world is reeling after the sudden death of Cleto Escobedo III, the charismatic bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a cherished figure in late-night television. Escobedo, who was just 59, passed away on Tuesday morning, leaving behind a legacy of music, laughter, and an unbreakable friendship with host Jimmy Kimmel.
A Friendship Forged in Childhood
Cleto Escobedo III wasn’t just the musical backbone of
Jimmy Kimmel Live!—he was Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood friend, a bond that began when they were just nine years old. Their friendship, spanning five decades, became the heart and soul of the show. Kimmel, visibly emotional, announced the news on social media, calling Escobedo “a great friend, father, son, musician, and man,” and admitted,
“It’s an understatement to say we are heartbroken”.
Kimmel’s tribute was raw and deeply personal. He reminisced about their mischievous childhood adventures, like riding a bike with a sidecar into trash cans, and emphasized how working together every day was a dream neither could have imagined coming true.
The Soul of Late-Night: Cleto and the Cletones
Since the launch of
Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003, Escobedo led the house band,
Cleto and the Cletones, infusing the show with energy, humor, and musical brilliance. His saxophone—whether alto, tenor, or soprano—became a signature sound for the program, and his leadership helped define the show’s unique identity.
Escobedo’s musical journey extended far beyond late-night TV. He toured with legends like Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, and recorded with artists such as Marc Anthony and Tom Scott. But it was his role on
Jimmy Kimmel Live! that brought his talent and warmth into millions of homes each night.
An Outpouring of Grief and Love
The news of Escobedo’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Kimmel’s heartfelt Instagram post urged fans to “value your friends,” a poignant reminder of the deep connections that shape our lives. The show’s Thursday episode was abruptly canceled in the wake of the tragedy, underscoring the profound impact of Escobedo’s loss on the entire production team.
Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori and their two children. Kimmel asked for privacy and prayers for Escobedo’s family, highlighting the close-knit nature of their relationship both on and off the screen.
What Cleto Escobedo Leaves Behind
Cleto Escobedo III’s influence on late-night television and the music world is undeniable. His artistry, humor, and unwavering friendship with Jimmy Kimmel created a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. As Kimmel wrote, “The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could have imagined coming true. Appreciate your friends, and please keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your prayers”.
The entertainment world has lost not just a bandleader, but a true friend and a beacon of joy.
Sources
1. Adiós a Cleto Escobedo III, líder de la banda de Jimmy ...
2. Entertainment Tonight: The Leading Source for Entertainment ...
3. Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies - ABC News
4. Daily Herald - Suburban Chicago's Information Source
5. Cleto Escobedo III, director de orquesta y amigo de la ...
6. Jimmy Kimmel anuncia la muerte de su amigo y director de ...
