Late-Night Heartbreak: Jimmy Kimmel Pays Emotional Tribute to Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III
Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live and Kimmel’s childhood friend, has died at 59, with Kimmel honoring him in a heartfelt Instagram tribute.
Tough news out of late night: Jimmy Kimmel Live has lost its bandleader and Kimmel has lost one of his oldest friends. Cleto Escobedo III has died at 59.
What happened
Kimmel shared the news on Instagram and made it clear this was personal, not just a show announcement. He and Escobedo grew up together, kept working together as adults, and basically built the show's musical identity side by side.
"Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," Kimmel wrote. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto's wife, children, and parents in your prayers."
As of now, there's no confirmed cause of death. Kimmel is expected to address it on Tuesday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Their history goes way back
Kimmel and Escobedo weren't just coworkers who clicked; they were childhood friends and neighbors in Las Vegas. While Kimmel chased comedy, Escobedo committed to music and never looked back. When Cleto turned 50, Kimmel told a story on the show about how their friendship kicked off early and came with the kind of playful torment you only get from someone who feels like an older brother. Translation: a lifetime of pranks and deep loyalty.
Cleto and the Cletones
Escobedo formed Cleto and the Cletones in 1995, years before Jimmy Kimmel Live hit the air. He led the band and played alto, tenor, and soprano sax, and sometimes jumped on vocals. The group always had that family energy for a reason: Escobedo's dad performed with him.
- Cleto Escobedo III – bandleader; alto, tenor, and soprano sax; occasional vocals
- Cleto Escobedo Sr – band member
- Jeff Babko – keyboards
- Toshi Yanagi – guitar
- Jimmy Earl – bass
- Jonathan Dresel – drums
It's rare to see a late-night house band feel both polished and genuinely personal. Cleto was a big reason that show pulled it off. This one hurts.