Cleto Escobedo, Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader, dies at 59 from liver transplant complications

Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, died on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. He was 59 years old. Jimmy Kimmel announced the death in an emotional Instagram post early Tuesday morning. Escobedo’s band, Cleto and the Cletones, defined the show’s sound for more than 22 years.

What Happened: A Musician Leaves Hollywood

Cleto Escobedo died early Tuesday morning from complications following a liver transplant surgery. Kimmel canceled the previous Thursday’s episode, citing a “personal matter.” The exact timing of his hospitalization remains unclear from public statements.

In his Instagram tribute, Kimmel wrote: “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.” He expressed the profound loss of losing a man who was not only his bandleader but his closest lifelong friend. Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori, their two children, his father Cleto Escobedo Jr., and his parents.

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”

Escobedo was a multi-talented saxophonist who played alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones on the show. Beyond his work on late-night television, he had an impressive musical resume. He toured with Paula Abdul and Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also recorded with Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six.

Why This Matters: The Heart of a Show

Escobedo’s death represents an almost unimaginable loss for late-night television. For over two decades, he defined the musical identity of one of America’s most recognizable late-night shows. His presence meant continuity and excellence on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since day one in 2003.

The loss extends far beyond the television industry. Kimmel and Escobedo shared a bond that transcended professional collaboration. They grew up together on the same street in Las Vegas when Kimmel’s family relocated there during his childhood. This wasn’t a typical boss-employee relationship; it was a brothers-in-spirit dynamic.

In a 2016 on-air tribute, Kimmel shared stories of their childhood together, describing the “kind of torture that only an older brother can inflict on you without being arrested.” He revealed they had made a pact to work together if either achieved success. When Kimmel launched his ABC show in 2003, securing Escobedo as bandleader was non-negotiable.

Escobedo’s legacy includes representing Latino excellence in late-night television. As a prominent Latino musician and bandleader in mainstream American entertainment, his presence mattered culturally and inspirationally.

The Details: A Musician’s Journey

Cleto Escobedo III was born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was also a musician who played saxophone for Los Blues, a 1960s rock and soul band. Music ran deep in the family bloodline and shaped Escobedo’s entire path.

Career Milestone	Details
Birth	August 23, 1966 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Early Career	Toured with Paula Abdul and Phillip Bailey
Band Formation	1995 – Founded Cleto and the Cletones
JKL! Start	2003 – Became bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Tenure	22 years as house band leader for ABC late-night show

After high school, Escobedo briefly attended the University of Nevada-Las Vegas before pursuing music professionally. He first gained attention performing in a band called Santa Fe. His big break came when he joined Paula Abdul’s touring band during her massive 1990s tour.

In 1995, Escobedo formed the core band that would eventually become Cleto and the Cletones. His founding lineup included guitarist Toshi Yanagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboard player Jeff Babko, and drummer Jonathan Dresel. When the band was recruited for Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003, his father Cleto Escobedo Jr. joined as a saxophonist.

What to Watch For: The Future of Jimmy Kimmel Live

The entertainment world now awaits decisions about the future of the iconic house band. Several questions loom:

• Who will assume leadership of Cleto and the Cletones going forward?
• Will Jimmy Kimmel Live! return to normal production scheduling soon?
• How will the show honor Escobedo’s legacy in upcoming episodes?
• Will there be a special tribute episode or memorial performance?
• The band’s remaining members will need to navigate moving forward without their longtime leader.

This moment marks a significant turning point for late-night television. The partnership between Kimmel and Escobedo defined an entire era of American comedy and entertainment. Viewers grew accustomed to their symbiotic relationship playing out nightly on ABC.

What Does This Mean for Late-Night Television?

Cleto Escobedo represented something rare in modern entertainment: authenticity and longevity. In an age of constant change, his 22-year tenure with one show provided remarkable stability. His musicianship enhanced countless memorable moments on late-night television.

The partnership between Kimmel and Escobedo demonstrated how genuine friendship can elevate professional collaboration. They didn’t just work together; they thrived together. Escobedo’s band provided the perfect sonic backdrop for Kimmel’s comedy night after night.

Entertainment Tonight covered the story with an emotional tribute:

Will Jimmy Kimmel Live! ever feel the same without Cleto’s distinctive sound anchoring the show?

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter – Comprehensive report on Escobedo’s career and partnership with Kimmel
• Los Angeles Times – In-depth coverage of his 22-year tenure and personal relationship with Kimmel
• Page Six – Reporting on cause of death related to liver transplant complications