🎷 Farewell to a Legend: Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader, Dies at 59
The world of late-night television and music is mourning a profound loss. Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of the house band Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the cherished lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, has sadly passed away at the age of 59.
The news was announced by Kimmel himself on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in a heartbreaking tribute shared across social media, stating, “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
A Partnership Decades in the Making
Cleto Escobedo III was more than just a bandleader; he was an integral part of the show’s identity since its debut in 2003. His signature saxophone melodies ushered the show in and out of every commercial break, providing the vibrant, jazzy soundtrack to late-night comedy.
The bond between Escobedo and Kimmel stretched back much further than television—they were childhood friends, growing up across the street from each other in Las Vegas. Kimmel’s tribute emphasized the deep personal connection: “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.”
The Soul of Cleto and the Cletones
As the leader of Cleto and the Cletones, Cleto III assembled a top-tier group of musicians, including his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., who also played the saxophone on the show. Their father-son dynamic on stage was often a highlight, symbolizing the family feel of the Kimmel show.
Before his long tenure in late-night, Cleto III was a highly regarded touring musician, lending his talent to major acts including Paula Abdul. His musical expertise and charismatic presence helped elevate Jimmy Kimmel Live! to its status as a late-night powerhouse.
A Lasting Musical Legacy
The recent news has led to an outpouring of condolences from the entertainment industry and fans alike, underscoring the enormous impact Escobedo had on the show's audience. His consistent presence, musical talent, and genuine connection with Kimmel created a nightly atmosphere of warmth and professionalism.
The sudden passing of Cleto Escobedo III leaves a tremendous void in the late-night music scene. Our thoughts are with his family—including his wife Lori, their children, and his father, Cleto Jr.—as well as Jimmy Kimmel and the entire Jimmy Kimmel Live! family.
His music will continue to resonate, a lasting testament to a great friend, musician, and man.
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Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Cleto and the Cletones, Bandleader Death, Jimmy Kimmel Friend, Saxophonist, Late Night Music, Cleto Escobedo Jr., Jimmy Kimmel Tribute, Cleto III Age 59
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