Jimmy Kimmel’s Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dies at 59
Late-night TV lost one of its most familiar faces this week. Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and one of Jimmy Kimmel’s closest friends, passed away at 59.
On Tuesday’s episode, Kimmel opened the show visibly emotional, calling Escobedo “my best friend since I was nine years old.” The two grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas and stayed inseparable ever since. “One summer, I spent 32 nights in a row at his house,” Kimmel shared during his tribute.
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! launched in 2003, Kimmel didn’t even consider anyone else to lead the band. “The idea that someone other than Cleto would lead it was terrifying,” he said.
From the Stage to the Studio
Before his late-night fame, Escobedo was already a seasoned musician. He toured with Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Phillip Bailey, known for his smooth saxophone playing and laid-back charm.
He later brought that same energy to Jimmy Kimmel Live! as the frontman of Cleto and the Cletones. The band became part of the show’s DNA — opening every episode, backing guest artists, and even joining in on comedy sketches. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also played in the band, making them one of the few father-son duos in late-night TV history.
Jimmy Kimmel’s On-Air Tribute
Kimmel’s tribute was raw and heartfelt. Fighting through tears, he remembered Cleto not only as a musician but as a brother figure. “He ended every text with ‘I love you, brother.’, was patient, funny, and just cool in every way,” Kimmel said.
He also thanked the medical teams at UCLA and Sherman Oaks hospitals, who cared for Escobedo in recent months. The cause of death hasn’t been shared publicly, but Kimmel used the moment to remind viewers to reach out to their loved ones. “Cherish your friends,” he said. “We’re not here forever.”
The Legacy He Leaves Behind
For more than 20 years, Cleto Escobedo III was the heartbeat of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. His sound shaped the show’s identity — lively, soulful, and effortlessly fun. As NPR put it, Escobedo’s passing marks the end of one of late-night television’s most enduring musical partnerships.
He’s survived by his wife, Lori, their two children, and his parents. Beyond the music, Escobedo is remembered for his warmth, humor, and the friendship that became the emotional core of a late-night institution.
“Cleto wasn’t just my bandleader,” Kimmel said. “He was my family.”
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