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Remembering Cleto Escobedo III: A Tribute to Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s Beloved Bandleader
11/14/2025, 4:38:40 AM
Cleto Escobedo III's Legacy and Friendship with Jimmy Kimmel
Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and a lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. Kimmel announced Escobedo's death via Instagram, expressing profound sorrow and emphasizing their inseparable bond since childhood. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement," Kimmel wrote, urging followers to keep Escobedo's family in their thoughts. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, but reports indicate complications from a liver transplant.
Escobedo was born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, into a musical family. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was a saxophonist who paused his career to raise his son. Cleto III began playing the saxophone at age 11, inspired by his father's musical legacy. The two met when Kimmel's family moved across the street from the Escobedo family in 1977, forming a friendship that would last a lifetime.
A Musical Journey
Before joining "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in 2003, Escobedo built a successful career as a musician, touring with notable artists such as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire. He founded the band Cleto and the Cletones, which became the house band for Kimmel's late-night show. Kimmel insisted on hiring Escobedo, stating, "The idea that anyone other than him would lead the band was terrifying."
During his emotional tribute on the show, Kimmel recalled their shared childhood experiences, including pranks and a mutual love for late-night television. "We had our own language that almost no one else understood," Kimmel said, highlighting the depth of their friendship.
Official Statements and Responses
In his monologue, Kimmel expressed gratitude for the support from the medical staff at UCLA Medical Center, where Escobedo had been treated. He thanked Escobedo's parents for their role in his life, stating, "I want to thank Cleto's parents for making him and for sharing him with me and with all of us." Kimmel also announced that the show would take a brief hiatus to allow the team to grieve.
Criticism and Opposition
While the overwhelming sentiment surrounding Escobedo's passing has been one of mourning, some viewers have expressed concern over the lack of transparency regarding the circumstances of his death. Questions have arisen about his health prior to his passing, with Kimmel acknowledging "these awful few months" during which Escobedo was reportedly unwell.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.” — Jimmy Kimmel
- “Everyone loves Cleto. Everyone here at the show. We're devastated by this. It's just not fair. He was the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person,” — Jimmy Kimmel
What's Next
Following Escobedo's death, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will reschedule upcoming guests and take a few nights off to honor his memory. Kimmel's heartfelt tribute and the show's temporary hiatus reflect the significant impact Escobedo had on both Kimmel's life and the late-night television landscape. As the show moves forward, the legacy of Cleto Escobedo III will undoubtedly resonate with fans and colleagues alike.
