Jimmy Kimmel’s Longtime Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Passes Away at 59
Los Angeles is mourning the loss of a beloved musician and a fixture of late-night television. Cleto Escobedo III, the esteemed bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and a lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away early Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. His death leaves a significant void in the entertainment world and a deep personal loss for Kimmel.
A Heartfelt Announcement from Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing profound sorrow over the loss. “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.”
While an official cause of death was not immediately announced, Page Six reported that Escobedo had been experiencing complications stemming from a liver transplant. His declining health was reportedly the reason behind the abrupt cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Thursday, November 6, when Kimmel opted to be by his friend’s side. The show returned on Monday, November 10, and Kimmel is expected to address Escobedo’s passing during Tuesday’s broadcast.
A Friendship Forged in Childhood
The bond between Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo III stretched back five decades, originating in their childhood in Las Vegas. They met when Kimmel was just nine years old, growing up across the street from each other. Their shared passion for music and comedy, particularly their mutual admiration for David Letterman, laid the foundation for an enduring friendship.
Kimmel often spoke of Escobedo’s prodigious musical talent from a young age. In a 2015 interview with ABC7, Kimmel recalled, “He was a child prodigy. Like the whole school would gather to watch. He’d get standing ovations.” This early talent would shape Escobedo’s remarkable career.
The Musical Backbone of Late Night
When “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” premiered on ABC in 2003, Kimmel was resolute in his decision to have Escobedo lead the house band. Despite network executives potentially preferring a more established name, Kimmel fought for his friend, taking the president of ABC to see Escobedo perform. “Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with,” Kimmel explained. “And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
Escobedo, along with his band Cleto and the Cletones, became an integral part of the show’s identity, providing live music and participating in various comedic segments for over two decades. He also co-wrote the show’s theme song with Les Pierce and Jonathan Kimmel. The band notably includes Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., a veteran saxophonist who came out of retirement to play alongside his son on the show.
A Rich Musical Legacy
Beyond his prominent role on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Cleto Escobedo III had a distinguished career as a saxophonist and musician. Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, he briefly attended the University of Nevada-Las Vegas before joining the band Santa Fe. His talent led him to tour with major musical acts, including pop icon Paula Abdul, Latin superstar Marc Anthony, and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. In 1995, he formed the Cletones with guitarist Toshi Yanagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboard player Jeff Babko, and drummer Jonathan Dresel, and also released a solo jazz project titled “Cleto.”
Cleto Escobedo III’s passing is a profound loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless fans who appreciated his musical contributions and his warm presence on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. His legacy as a talented musician and a cherished friend will undoubtedly live on.
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