Cleto Escobedo III, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" bandleader, dies at 59
The vibrant world of late-night television and the music community are mourning the profound loss of Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" who passed away at the age of 59. The news was shared with a heavy heart by his lifelong friend and show host, Jimmy Kimmel, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, leaving fans, colleagues, and friends in shock and sorrow. While the date and cause of his untimely death were not immediately disclosed, the abrupt cancellation of Thursday’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" episode had already hinted at a significant and somber development behind the scenes.
Kimmel’s announcement on Instagram was a raw and deeply personal testament to a friendship that spanned five decades, characterizing Cleto not just as a colleague but as one of his oldest and dearest friends. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement," Kimmel wrote, conveying the depth of the grief felt by himself, the show’s crew, and undoubtedly, the millions of viewers who had come to cherish Cleto’s genial presence and musical prowess. He continued, "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." This heartfelt message underscored the unique bond they shared, a bond forged in childhood and solidified over two decades on national television.
Their story began in the quintessential American landscape of Las Vegas, where fate placed their childhood homes across the street from each other. Jimmy and Cleto, just nine years old when they first met, quickly became inseparable. They were kindred spirits, drawn together by a shared sense of humor and a mutual admiration for the burgeoning world of late-night television, particularly the irreverent wit of David Letterman. In a revealing 2022 interview for Texas Tech University’s Southwest Collection oral history archive, Escobedo reminisced about their early days: "We just met one day on the street, and there were a few kids on the street, and him and I just became really close friends, and we kind of had the same sense of humor. We just became pals, and we’ve been pals ever since." This foundational friendship, built on shared laughter and innocent mischief, would unexpectedly become the cornerstone of one of television’s most enduring and beloved on-screen partnerships.
As they navigated adolescence and young adulthood, their paths diverged professionally but never personally. While Kimmel pursued a career in radio and eventually television hosting, Cleto dedicated himself to music, honing his skills as a professional saxophonist. His talent was undeniable, marked by a soulful mastery of the instrument that allowed him to traverse various genres and collaborate with music legends. Before joining Kimmel, Escobedo’s resume boasted impressive credentials, including touring with the iconic Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, and pop superstar Paula Abdul. He also lent his saxophone to studio recordings for a diverse array of artists such as Latin music titan Marc Anthony, renowned jazz saxophonist Tom Scott, and the celebrated vocal group Take Six. These experiences not only polished his musical chops but also exposed him to the rigorous demands and collaborative spirit of the professional music industry, preparing him for the unique challenges of leading a house band on a national talk show.
When Jimmy Kimmel was offered his own late-night talk show on ABC in 2003, one of his first and most crucial decisions was about the house band. He knew he needed not just exceptional musicians, but a bandleader with whom he shared an undeniable rapport. His mind immediately turned to Cleto. Kimmel’s unwavering loyalty and belief in his friend were evident as he lobbied tirelessly for Escobedo to lead the house band on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" It was a move rooted in deep personal trust and an astute understanding of television dynamics. "Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with," Kimmel told WABC in 2015. "And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him." This decision proved to be inspired, as Cleto and his band, "The Cletones," quickly became an integral and beloved part of the show’s identity, providing not just musical accompaniment but also comedic timing, playful banter, and a warm, improvisational energy.
Their on-screen chemistry was a natural extension of their lifelong friendship, often manifesting in spontaneous moments of humor and genuine affection. In 2016, on the occasion of Escobedo’s 50th birthday, Kimmel dedicated a heartfelt segment to his friend, offering viewers a glimpse into their shared past. He recounted tales of youthful escapades and harmless pranks that painted a vivid picture of their enduring bond. "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," Kimmel recalled, eliciting laughter and underlining the playful spirit that characterized their relationship from childhood to the set of a major television show. Other anecdotes, like "pranks with a BB gun or mooning people from the back of his mom’s car," further cemented the image of two inseparable friends who found joy in each other’s company and never truly lost their youthful exuberance. These stories weren’t just funny; they were testaments to a rare and precious friendship that managed to thrive amidst the pressures of show business.
Adding another unique layer to Cleto’s story and the band’s dynamic was the presence of his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., who also played tenor and alto saxophones in The Cletones. This father-son duo performing together on national television for nearly two decades was a heartwarming sight and a testament to the family’s deep musical roots. In January 2022, they celebrated this remarkable milestone, a moment that highlighted not just their musical talent but also the family values that Cleto held so dear. Escobedo recounted how his father came to join the band: "Jimmy asked me, ‘Who are we going to get in the band?’ I said, ‘Well, my normal guys,’ and he knew my guys because he had been coming to see us and stuff before he was famous, just to come support me and whatever. I’d invite him to gigs, and if he didn’t have anything to do he’d come check it out, so he knew my guys." Then, with a flash of Kimmel’s signature genius for personal connection, he suggested, "Then he just said, ‘Hey, man, what about your dad? Wouldn’t that be kind of cool?’ I was like, ‘That would be way cool.’" This decision created a truly special dynamic, both on and off-screen, adding warmth and a sense of legacy to the show’s musical foundation.
Beyond the bright lights and the laughter, Cleto Escobedo III was a devoted family man. In the same 2022 interview, he reflected on the profound benefit of his bandleader job: family time. He openly discussed the trade-offs of a musician’s life, especially the demanding nature of touring. "Touring and all that stuff is fun, but it’s more of a young man’s game. Touring, also, too, is not really conducive for family life. I’ve learned over the years, being on the road and watching how hard it is, leaving your kids for so long. Sometimes they’re babies; you come back and then they’re talking, it’s like, ‘What?’" This candid perspective revealed a man who prioritized being present for his loved ones, finding immense satisfaction in a career that allowed him to pursue his passion for music without sacrificing precious moments with his wife, Lori, and their two children. His commitment to family was a quiet but powerful testament to his character, making his presence on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" not just a professional achievement but a deeply personal one.
The news of Escobedo’s passing has cast a pall over the entertainment industry, particularly for those who knew him best. While the immediate cause and exact date of his death remain undisclosed, the suddenness of the loss has only amplified the shock and grief. His legacy, however, is clear and resonant. Cleto Escobedo III was more than just a talented musician; he was a symbol of unwavering friendship, a testament to the power of following one’s passion, and a beacon of warmth and humor in the often-frenetic world of television. He brought joy, rhythm, and a genuine smile to millions every night, enriching the fabric of late-night television with his unique blend of professionalism and personality.
His absence will be deeply felt, not only by Jimmy Kimmel and the entire "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" family but also by the countless viewers who welcomed his music and presence into their homes each evening. Cleto Escobedo III leaves behind a loving family – his wife Lori, their two children, and his parents – as well as a rich musical legacy and the enduring memory of a man who lived his dream alongside his best friend. His life serves as a beautiful reminder of the profound impact one individual can have through talent, loyalty, and a genuinely kind spirit. The music may fade, but the melody of his life, his friendship, and his contributions will resonate for years to come.
