In the world of late-night television, where relationships between hosts and their teams often remain behind the scenes, the connection between Jimmy Kimmel and his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, stood out as something incredibly special. Their bond was not just that of a host and a musician, but of lifelong friends who shared decades of history together. The news of Cleto’s passing, at the age of 59, sent waves of sadness through not just the entertainment world, but the many fans who had grown to love the musical presence he brought to Jimmy Kimmel Live! for over two decades.
The News of His Passing
On November 11, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel shared the heartbreaking news on his social media platforms, writing an emotional tribute to his childhood friend and bandleader. His post began with the solemn words: “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.” These words echoed the profound loss that Kimmel, his family, and the entire Jimmy Kimmel Live! team felt.
Kimmel’s grief was palpable as he reflected on their lifelong friendship, stating, “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.”
Their relationship wasn’t just about work. It was about a deep friendship that spanned decades, full of laughter, shared memories, and musical journeys. Kimmel’s message was not only a tribute to Cleto’s musical talents but also to his character and his role as a friend, father, and husband.
A Bond That Spanned Decades
The friendship between Kimmel and Cleto began when they were just children, growing up in Las Vegas. The two bonded early on over their shared love for music and comedy. They spent their youth pulling pranks and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Kimmel has often shared funny stories about their childhood antics. He recalled, “Cleto had a bicycle with a sidecar attached to it. We called it the side hack. I would get in the sidecar, and then Cleto would drive me directly into garbage cans and bushes.” This playful, mischievous spirit continued well into their teenage years, and the two were inseparable.
As Kimmel noted in one interview, “Cleto would quietly, in the back, slip out of his pants and moon people from the back of our car.” These innocent but hilarious pranks were just the beginning of a lifetime of shared laughter. It was clear that Cleto was not just Kimmel’s bandleader, but a brother in every sense of the word.
From Childhood Pranks to Late-Night Legends
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, there was never any doubt in Kimmel’s mind about who would be leading the band. He had known Cleto for years, and their shared history made him the obvious choice. Kimmel once explained, “I’ll tell you one thing, it had to have my bandleader, Cleto.”
However, Kimmel was nervous about whether the network would approve of this decision. “I was nervous, because I thought they’d say, ‘We don’t want your friend to be the bandleader,’” he recalled. But Kimmel was determined to have Cleto involved, and to his relief, ABC agreed without hesitation after seeing Cleto’s impressive musicianship firsthand.
Cleto’s talent, combined with his easy rapport with Kimmel, made Jimmy Kimmel Live! a unique late-night show. For more than two decades, Cleto and his band, Cleto and the Cletones, brought energy, warmth, and unforgettable music to the stage every night. Their presence helped establish the show as not just another late-night program, but as a cultural touchstone where music and humor were seamlessly intertwined.
A Musician’s Journey
Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Cleto Escobedo III was destined for a life in music. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was a musician himself, and music was ever-present in Cleto’s home. As a child, he recalled being deeply moved by his father’s performances. “I distinctly remember my dad was playing in Hawaii. I was 5 years old and watching his band and him play, and I used to get teared up watching my dad play. I was so excited by the music of it all,” Cleto shared in a past interview.
By the time he reached college, Cleto was already performing in Las Vegas. His skills as a musician quickly led to gigs on the Las Vegas Strip, where he played for a variety of audiences. Cleto’s talent was undeniable, and he soon found himself traveling the world, performing with some of the biggest names in music. He toured with artists like Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind & Fire, Luis Miguel, and Marc Anthony, gaining recognition as one of the industry’s most versatile and accomplished musicians.
A Family Affair
When Cleto received the call from his childhood friend Jimmy Kimmel to join Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. The decision to bring Cleto onto the show wasn’t just about his musical ability; it was about their deep bond. Kimmel wanted Cleto to be a part of the show not just as a musician, but as someone who could bring authenticity and warmth to the program.
One of the most special aspects of Cleto’s involvement in the show was the chance for him to share the stage with his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., who played saxophone in the band. The father-son duo shared a bond that went beyond music, and their performances together were a testament to their close-knit family. Cleto Jr. once said, “I’m in seventh heaven every night. I’m playing music with my son on a show with my other son. There’s not another son and dad on late-night TV.”
This rare father-son musical partnership added an extra layer of heart to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and it became one of the signature features of the show’s musical segments. The Escobedo family’s legacy in music was honored nightly, and their performances became a beloved part of the show’s identity.
A Friend, A Father, A Musician
Cleto’s contributions to Jimmy Kimmel Live! extended far beyond his musical talents. He was a constant presence on the show, and his easygoing personality made him a fan favorite. He became a fixture on late-night television, known not only for his musical prowess but also for his natural charm and wit. His connection with Kimmel was palpable, and their chemistry helped define the show’s tone and success.
Cleto’s death has left a huge void in Kimmel’s life, and the grief that Kimmel expressed on Instagram spoke volumes about the depth of their friendship. “Cleto was not just a bandleader; he was family. He was a brother,” Kimmel wrote in his tribute. The loss of such a close friend is something that Kimmel and his team will no doubt feel deeply, but Cleto’s legacy will continue through the music, laughter, and memories he leaves behind.
Remembering Cleto Escobedo III
Cleto Escobedo III is survived by his wife, Lori, their children Cruz and Jesse, his parents, and millions of fans who admired his warmth, talent, and unshakeable friendship with Jimmy Kimmel. His death marks the end of an era for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but his contributions to late-night television, music, and the hearts of those who knew him will never be forgotten.
For over two decades, Cleto Escobedo III brought joy to millions of viewers. His life was a testament to the power of friendship, music, and dedication. His legacy will continue through his family, his fans, and the many people whose lives he touched with his music, humor, and kindness.
As we remember Cleto, let us celebrate his incredible journey — one that began with childhood pranks and ended with a lifetime of unforgettable music and moments of laughter. Cleto’s story will live on, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing those who walk beside us, through every twist and turn in life.
In the world of late-night television, where relationships between hosts and their teams often remain behind the scenes, the connection between Jimmy Kimmel and his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, stood out as something incredibly special. Their bond was not just that of a host and a musician, but of lifelong friends who shared decades of history together. The news of Cleto’s passing, at the age of 59, sent waves of sadness through not just the entertainment world, but the many fans who had grown to love the musical presence he brought to Jimmy Kimmel Live! for over two decades.
The News of His Passing
On November 11, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel shared the heartbreaking news on his social media platforms, writing an emotional tribute to his childhood friend and bandleader. His post began with the solemn words: “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.” These words echoed the profound loss that Kimmel, his family, and the entire Jimmy Kimmel Live! team felt.
Kimmel’s grief was palpable as he reflected on their lifelong friendship, stating, “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.”
Their relationship wasn’t just about work. It was about a deep friendship that spanned decades, full of laughter, shared memories, and musical journeys. Kimmel’s message was not only a tribute to Cleto’s musical talents but also to his character and his role as a friend, father, and husband.
A Bond That Spanned Decades
The friendship between Kimmel and Cleto began when they were just children, growing up in Las Vegas. The two bonded early on over their shared love for music and comedy. They spent their youth pulling pranks and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Kimmel has often shared funny stories about their childhood antics. He recalled, “Cleto had a bicycle with a sidecar attached to it. We called it the side hack. I would get in the sidecar, and then Cleto would drive me directly into garbage cans and bushes.” This playful, mischievous spirit continued well into their teenage years, and the two were inseparable.
As Kimmel noted in one interview, “Cleto would quietly, in the back, slip out of his pants and moon people from the back of our car.” These innocent but hilarious pranks were just the beginning of a lifetime of shared laughter. It was clear that Cleto was not just Kimmel’s bandleader, but a brother in every sense of the word.
From Childhood Pranks to Late-Night Legends
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, there was never any doubt in Kimmel’s mind about who would be leading the band. He had known Cleto for years, and their shared history made him the obvious choice. Kimmel once explained, “I’ll tell you one thing, it had to have my bandleader, Cleto.”
However, Kimmel was nervous about whether the network would approve of this decision. “I was nervous, because I thought they’d say, ‘We don’t want your friend to be the bandleader,’” he recalled. But Kimmel was determined to have Cleto involved, and to his relief, ABC agreed without hesitation after seeing Cleto’s impressive musicianship firsthand.
Cleto’s talent, combined with his easy rapport with Kimmel, made Jimmy Kimmel Live! a unique late-night show. For more than two decades, Cleto and his band, Cleto and the Cletones, brought energy, warmth, and unforgettable music to the stage every night. Their presence helped establish the show as not just another late-night program, but as a cultural touchstone where music and humor were seamlessly intertwined.
A Musician’s Journey
Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Cleto Escobedo III was destined for a life in music. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was a musician himself, and music was ever-present in Cleto’s home. As a child, he recalled being deeply moved by his father’s performances. “I distinctly remember my dad was playing in Hawaii. I was 5 years old and watching his band and him play, and I used to get teared up watching my dad play. I was so excited by the music of it all,” Cleto shared in a past interview.
By the time he reached college, Cleto was already performing in Las Vegas. His skills as a musician quickly led to gigs on the Las Vegas Strip, where he played for a variety of audiences. Cleto’s talent was undeniable, and he soon found himself traveling the world, performing with some of the biggest names in music. He toured with artists like Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind & Fire, Luis Miguel, and Marc Anthony, gaining recognition as one of the industry’s most versatile and accomplished musicians.
A Family Affair
When Cleto received the call from his childhood friend Jimmy Kimmel to join Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. The decision to bring Cleto onto the show wasn’t just about his musical ability; it was about their deep bond. Kimmel wanted Cleto to be a part of the show not just as a musician, but as someone who could bring authenticity and warmth to the program.
One of the most special aspects of Cleto’s involvement in the show was the chance for him to share the stage with his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., who played saxophone in the band. The father-son duo shared a bond that went beyond music, and their performances together were a testament to their close-knit family. Cleto Jr. once said, “I’m in seventh heaven every night. I’m playing music with my son on a show with my other son. There’s not another son and dad on late-night TV.”
This rare father-son musical partnership added an extra layer of heart to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and it became one of the signature features of the show’s musical segments. The Escobedo family’s legacy in music was honored nightly, and their performances became a beloved part of the show’s identity.
A Friend, A Father, A Musician
Cleto’s contributions to Jimmy Kimmel Live! extended far beyond his musical talents. He was a constant presence on the show, and his easygoing personality made him a fan favorite. He became a fixture on late-night television, known not only for his musical prowess but also for his natural charm and wit. His connection with Kimmel was palpable, and their chemistry helped define the show’s tone and success.
Cleto’s death has left a huge void in Kimmel’s life, and the grief that Kimmel expressed on Instagram spoke volumes about the depth of their friendship. “Cleto was not just a bandleader; he was family. He was a brother,” Kimmel wrote in his tribute. The loss of such a close friend is something that Kimmel and his team will no doubt feel deeply, but Cleto’s legacy will continue through the music, laughter, and memories he leaves behind.
Remembering Cleto Escobedo III
Cleto Escobedo III is survived by his wife, Lori, their children Cruz and Jesse, his parents, and millions of fans who admired his warmth, talent, and unshakeable friendship with Jimmy Kimmel. His death marks the end of an era for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, but his contributions to late-night television, music, and the hearts of those who knew him will never be forgotten.
For over two decades, Cleto Escobedo III brought joy to millions of viewers. His life was a testament to the power of friendship, music, and dedication. His legacy will continue through his family, his fans, and the many people whose lives he touched with his music, humor, and kindness.
As we remember Cleto, let us celebrate his incredible journey — one that began with childhood pranks and ended with a lifetime of unforgettable music and moments of laughter. Cleto’s story will live on, reminding us all of the importance of cherishing those who walk beside us, through every twist and turn in life.
