Washington DC (US): Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and frontman of Cleto and the Cletones, passed away at the age of 59. The news was shared by host Jimmy Kimmel on Tuesday, November 11, who paid an emotional tribute to his childhood friend and longtime collaborator.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man — my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel wrote in a heartfelt post. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
Reflecting on their bond, Kimmel said, “Cleto and I have been together since we were nine years old. Getting to work side by side every day was something we could never have dreamed of, but we got to live it.”
He ended his message urging people to “cherish your friends” and to keep Cleto’s family — his wife, children, and parents — in their thoughts and prayers.
A gifted saxophonist, Escobedo built an impressive career performing with major artists such as Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six.
When Kimmel’s late-night show premiered in 2003, he turned to his lifelong friend to lead the house band — a decision rooted not just in Escobedo’s talent, but in their deep friendship.
“Of course I wanted great musicians, but more than that, I wanted someone I had real chemistry with,” Kimmel said in a 2015 interview. “There’s no one I’ve ever had better chemistry with than Cleto.”
Escobedo’s passing leaves a void in the Jimmy Kimmel Live! family and in the hearts of countless fans who admired his warmth, humor, and musical brilliance.
