Cleto Escobedo III, Longtime Bandleader for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and Childhood Friend of Host, Dies at 59
Cleto Escobedo III, the charismatic saxophonist who led the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for over two decades and shared a lifelong bond with host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. Kimmel announced the news on Instagram early that morning, describing Escobedo as “a great friend, father, son, musician and man” and noting that the two had been “inseparable since I was 9 years old.” The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, though Escobedo had been absent from the show since the summer, and a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was preempted due to a “personal matter.”
Escobedo’s passing marks the end of an era for the late-night staple, where his band, Cleto and the Cletones, provided the show’s signature musical energy since its 2003 debut. Kimmel, visibly emotional in his tribute, reflected on their shared history: “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.”
A Musical Prodigy and Lifelong Partnership
Born in Las Vegas, Escobedo met Kimmel in 1977 when the two became neighbors as kids. Their bond formed over pranks—like BB gun antics and mooning passersby from a car—and a mutual love for comedy icons like David Letterman. Escobedo, a musical prodigy on alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, briefly attended the University of Nevada-Las Vegas before touring with stars like Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey. In 1995, he formed Cleto and the Cletones with guitarist Toshi Yanagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboardist Jeff Babko, and drummer Jonathan Dresel—a lineup that became the backbone of Jimmy Kimmel Live! when Kimmel lobbied ABC to hire them sight unseen.
Kimmel later shared in a 2015 interview: “Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.” Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.—a Vegas entertainment legend and fellow saxophonist—joined the band, making it a family affair. The group not only backed celebrity performances but also infused the show with humor, including viral bits like Escobedo’s occasional vocals and on-air antics.
Legacy and Tributes
Escobedo’s influence extended beyond the studio; he was a staple at Las Vegas events, including the 2025 Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” gala honoring Kimmel. Fellow musicians, like percussionist Sheila E., paid tearful homage, calling him a “true artist and brother.” On X, Las Vegas journalist John Katsilometes expressed shock, noting Escobedo’s ties to the city’s entertainment scene and his recent absence from the show. Fans and colleagues flooded social media with memories of his infectious energy and the band’s tight grooves.
| Milestone | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood Friendship with Kimmel | 1977 | Met as neighbors in Las Vegas; bonded over pranks and comedy. |
| Forms Cleto and the Cletones | 1995 | Core band lineup established; early tours with major artists. |
| Joins Jimmy Kimmel Live! | 2003 | Hired as house bandleader; father Cleto Jr. joins later. |
| 50th Birthday Tribute | 2016 | Kimmel dedicates segment recalling their wild youth. |
| Recent Absence | Summer 2025 | Stepped away from show; details private. |
Escobedo is survived by his wife, Lori, their two children, and his parents, including Cleto Jr. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned with new episodes on November 11 and 12, where Kimmel is expected to deliver a full monologue honoring his friend. As Kimmel urged, this loss is a reminder to “cherish your friends.” For those moved by his story, revisit classic Cleto and the Cletones performances or Kimmel’s heartfelt 2016 tribute—testaments to a friendship that turned into television magic.