Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘s beloved bandleader and 59, has died. Escobedo was Kimmel‘s childhood best friend since age 9 in Las Vegas. He led the house band Cleto and the Cletones for 22 years on the show.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Cleto Escobedo III died from complications following a liver transplant.
- He and Kimmel grew up as neighbors across the street in Las Vegas.
- Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones for 22 years since 2003.
- He was a saxophonist who toured with Phillip Bailey, Paula Abdul, and others.
- Tuesday, November 11 marked the day of his passing at age 59.
A Lifelong Bond Forged on a Las Vegas Street
Kimmel and Escobedo met as children on a Las Vegas street near their homes. Their friendship became immediate and inseparable. “We just became pals, and we’ve been pals ever since,” Escobedo said in a 2022 interview.
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The two shared a deep love of comedy and the same sense of humor. Both were huge fans of David Letterman as kids. Growing up, they shared countless memories together, from BB gun pranks to wild adventures on a bicycle with a sidecar.
“Cleto had a bicycle with a sidecar attached to it. We called it the side hack. I would get in the sidecar and then Cleto would drive me directly into garbage cans and bushes.”
When Kimmel launched Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003, he personally lobbied ABC to hire his best friend. “I wanted somebody I had chemistry with,” Kimmel told WABC in 2015. “There’s nobody I have better chemistry with than him.”
A Musical Career Built on Excellence
Before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo had already established himself as a professional saxophonist. He toured extensively with legendary artists including Phillip Bailey from Earth, Wind & Fire and pop icon Paula Abdul.
Escobedo recorded with renowned musicians such as Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and the acclaimed group Take Six. His talent on the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones made him a sought-after collaborator in the music industry.
His work on Jimmy Kimmel Live! showcased his versatility and creativity. Escobedo served as co-creator of the show’s iconic theme tune. He and his band performed energetic musical segments and comedy sketches throughout his 22 years on the program.
Why Staying Put Mattered Most
In a 2022 Texas Tech University interview, Escobedo explained why the stable job at Kimmel’s show was perfect. “Touring is fun, but it’s more of a young man’s game,” he said. “Touring isn’t really conducive for family life.”
Escobedo valued time with his family: his wife Lori, his two children, and his father Cleto Escobedo Jr. His father also played in the house band as a saxophonist for nearly two decades.
The Heartfelt Tribute No One Expected
Jimmy Kimmel opened his show on Tuesday, November 12, visibly devastated. He broke down in tears while paying tribute to his lifelong friend and musical partner. The emotional monologue showcased their deep bond.
Kimmel also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing: “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.” He continued, “The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined.”
He urged his followers to “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
In 2016, when Escobedo turned 50, Kimmel dedicated an entire show segment to celebrating their “lifetime of friendship.” The tribute included reminiscences of their shared past.
Timeline: Nearly 50 Years of Brotherhood
| Year/Event | Details |
| 1977-1982 | Childhood: Kimmel and Escobedo meet as neighbors in Las Vegas at age 9. |
| 1980s-2000s | Professional Growth: Escobedo builds career as session and touring saxophonist. |
| January 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! Premiere: Escobedo becomes bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones. |
| 2016 | Escobedo’s 50th Birthday: Kimmel dedicates full show tribute to their friendship. |
| January 2022 | Father-Son Milestone: Cleto III and Cleto Jr celebrate nearly 20 years performing together. |
| November 11, 2025 | Passing: Escobedo dies from liver transplant complications at age 59. |
What Happens to the Show Band Now?
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has aired since January 2003, never missing a musical director in its entire run. Cleto and the Cletones have been integral to the show’s identity for 22 consecutive years.
No announcements have been made yet regarding the band’s future. The show abruptly cancelled its Thursday episode prior to Escobedo’s death on what the network termed a “personal matter.”
Industry sources expect ABC to make formal announcements within the coming weeks. The question remains: will another bandleader take over, or will the show honor Cleto’s legacy differently?
Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr, played tenor and alto saxophones in the band. The family’s deep roots in the show suggest his legacy will remain an important part of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for years to come.
How Should We Remember His Impact on Late Night Television?
Cleto Escobedo III represented something rare in late-night television: authentic friendship meeting professional excellence. For 22 years, he didn’t just perform—he brought joy, energy, and genuine connection to every episode.
He proved that you could build a legendary career while prioritizing family and meaningful relationships. He toured with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, yet chose stability and family time over endless touring.
His story challenges the “work-hard-above-all” mentality of entertainment. Escobedo showed that professional success and personal fulfillment aren’t mutually exclusive.
Watch his 57-minute interview on the Music On The Run Podcast where he discussed his journey to becoming a musical director in late night television:
How many of us get to work alongside our childhood best friend for two decades? Cleto and Jimmy did. That’s a friendship story for the ages, and it’s one Hollywood will remember for generations to come.
Sources
- CBS News — Official obituary with quotes from Jimmy Kimmel and biographical information
- The New York Times — Career retrospective and timeline covering Escobedo’s professional journey
- Billboard — Music career accomplishments and co-creation of the show’s theme
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.