Jimmy Kimmel is grieving the loss of his lifelong friend and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away on November 11 at the age of 59.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, Kimmel wrote: “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man — my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. 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.”
The news came shortly after Jimmy Kimmel Live! postponed its November 6 episode, citing a “personal matter” involving the host.
JUST IN: Jimmy Kimmel says his childhood friend, and band leader Cleto Escobedo, has died at 59. pic.twitter.com/v6LgvZg80l
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 11, 2025
A Friendship That Spanned Decades
Kimmel and Escobedo shared a lifelong friendship dating back to their childhood in Las Vegas. Their bond extended from mischievous childhood adventures to a professional partnership spanning more than two decades on national television.
During a 2016 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! celebrating Escobedo’s 50th birthday, Kimmel recalled their early memories: “Cleto had a bicycle with a sidecar attached to it. We called it the side hack,” Kimmel said. “I would get in the sidecar and then Cleto would drive me directly into garbage cans and bushes.”
He also laughed about how Escobedo “shot BB guns at him from the lawn” and once helped “shoot kites out of the sky” with his father’s shotgun. “Cleto would quietly slip out of his pants and moon people from the back of our car,” Kimmel joked, reflecting their close, brotherly bond.
Who Was Cleto Escobedo III?
Cleto Escobedo III was a celebrated musician, composer, and saxophonist, best known as the bandleader of ‘Cleto and the Cletones’, the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show’s launch in 2003.
His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also performed in the band, creating a father-son musical duo beloved by audiences.
In January 2022, Escobedo shared a heartfelt post marking their shared career milestone: “19 years of this!! Love ya Dad,” he wrote on Instagram alongside a backstage photo.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Escobedo’s musical journey began early. Kimmel recalled, “The whole school would gather to watch. He’d get standing ovations. It was a crazy thing.”
Before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo worked with major artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Marc Anthony, and Paula Abdul, and even released his own record.
Musical Legacy: Cleto and the Cletones
Cleto formed Cleto and the Cletones in 1995, featuring his father on saxophone, Jeff Babko (keyboardist), Toshi Yanagi (guitarist), Jimmy Earl (bassist), and Jonathan Dresel (drummer).
Their jazz-infused performances became a signature element of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, seamlessly blending humor and musicianship.
When Kimmel launched the show, he made sure his best friend was part of it.
“Of course I wanted great musicians,” Kimmel said, “but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
Cause of Death Not Yet Revealed
As of now, the cause of Cleto Escobedo III’s death has not been publicly disclosed. Fans and fellow musicians have flooded social media with messages of love and condolences, remembering his warm spirit and extraordinary musical talent.
Remembering a Lifelong Bond and Musical Talent
Kimmel’s heartfelt tribute has resonated deeply with fans, many of whom have long admired the duo’s on-screen camaraderie. Escobedo’s presence was central to the rhythm, humor, and warmth of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Behind the spotlight, he was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and son who shared his passion for music and family with equal enthusiasm.
Cleto Escobedo III’s legacy will live on through his music, his family, and the millions who laughed and sang along with him for over 20 years.
