The world of late-night television is grieving the loss of a beloved musician and cherished friend. Cleto Escobedo III, longtime bandleader of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and childhood companion to host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away early Tuesday morning at age 59.
A Friendship That Spanned a Lifetime
Kimmel shared the devastating news on Instagram, writing, “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was 9 years old.”
The two men’s bond began in January 1977 when Kimmel’s family relocated from Brooklyn to Las Vegas. Escobedo lived just across the street, and what started as a neighborhood friendship blossomed into an inseparable brotherhood. During one memorable summer, young Kimmel slept over at the Escobedo house 33 consecutive nights—a testament to their deep connection.
From Childhood Dreams to Late-Night Success
During Tuesday night’s emotional tribute, Kimmel fought back tears as he reminisced about their shared journey. “We were never bored. We were always up to something,” Kimmel recalled, as childhood photographs flashed across the screen. Escobedo’s parents, including his father who also performs in the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” band, were present in the audience and visibly moved by the heartfelt remembrance.
When Kimmel launched “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC in 2003, choosing his best friend as bandleader was an easy decision, though perhaps not the conventional one. “My best friend from growing up plays the saxophone, he could lead the band—it didn’t sound good,” Kimmel admitted. But Escobedo and his father auditioned with “Pick Up the Pieces” by the Average White Band and won over the producers immediately.
“I always thank him for this gig because he could have tried to get somebody that was established and would help the show more,” Escobedo told ABC7 in a 2013 interview. “But he trusted me with this job, and I’ve tried to do the best I can.”
A Distinguished Musical Career
Escobedo formed Cleto and the Cletones in 1995, showcasing his talents on alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones while also contributing vocals. Beyond his nearly 23-year tenure on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, he toured with music legends including Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Phillip Bailey.
His musical legacy extended to his family as well. Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., performs alongside him in the show’s house band, creating a touching father-son collaboration that audiences have enjoyed for over two decades.
A Community in Mourning
Kimmel had to cancel Thursday’s episode of the show as Escobedo’s condition deteriorated, staying by his friend’s side during his final hours. The host concluded Tuesday’s tribute by announcing the show would take “the next couple of nights off” to allow everyone time to grieve.
“Everyone here at the show, we are devastated by this. It’s just not fair,” Kimmel said through tears. “He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person.”
The cause of Escobedo’s death has not been disclosed. He is survived by his wife, children, and parents, who now face an unimaginable loss.
Remembering a Remarkable Man
Kimmel’s tribute painted a picture of a man whose warmth, humility, and talent touched everyone around him. In 2016, Kimmel celebrated Escobedo’s 50th birthday on air, describing their friendship as “highlighted by the kind of torture that only an older brother can inflict on you without being arrested.”
The late-night host, known for his fierce loyalty to friends and family—many of whom work on his show—demonstrated once again that some bonds transcend professional obligations. In closing his tribute, Kimmel offered a simple but profound message: “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
As the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” family takes time to honor Escobedo’s memory, they do so knowing that his music, laughter, and spirit will continue to resonate with everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
