Cleto Escobedo III, the talented saxophonist and beloved bandleader of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” passed away at the age of 59. His death, announced by Jimmy Kimmel on Instagram, marks the loss of not only a gifted musician but also one of late-night television’s most enduring friendships.
Kimmel described Escobedo as his “inseparable” childhood friend from Las Vegas, sharing that their bond began when they were just 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,” Kimmel wrote.
Escobedo’s band, Cleto and the Cletones, had been the musical backbone of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” since its debut in 2003. But the connection between Kimmel and Escobedo went far deeper than television. The two grew up in the same neighborhood, spent countless nights at each other’s homes, and shared an unbreakable friendship built on laughter, mischief, and a shared love of music and comedy.
During Tuesday night’s broadcast, Kimmel fought back tears as he delivered what he called “the hardest monologue” of his career. “We lost someone very special who was much too young to go,” he said, his voice breaking as he remembered their early adventures. “One summer I slept over at the Escobedo house 33 nights in a row. We were never bored, always up to something.”
Kimmel went on to recall how his best friend’s musical gift had always stood out. When he was offered his late-night show, Kimmel insisted on bringing Escobedo along as the bandleader. “I knew it wasn’t the strongest pitch — my best friend from growing up plays the saxophone — but it had to happen,” Kimmel said. He also convinced the network to include Cleto’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., making the father-son duo one of the most unique partnerships in television.
Cleto Valentine Escobedo III was born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas to Sylvia Escobedo and Cleto Escobedo Jr. His father, also a saxophonist, became his lifelong inspiration. Escobedo began playing gigs on the Las Vegas Strip while studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and later toured with stars including Paula Abdul, Luis Miguel, and Marc Anthony.
When Kimmel called him in 2003 with the offer to lead the band on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Escobedo was touring with Marc Anthony. He accepted immediately, reuniting with his childhood friend for a collaboration that would last more than two decades.
Kimmel also praised Escobedo as a devoted husband, father, and son. “He was wild when we were kids,” Kimmel said, “but as an adult, he became the most loving, loyal, and dedicated family man.”
Escobedo’s passing has left an unmistakable void in the world of music and television. His legacy lives on through his performances and the joy he brought to millions of viewers. He is survived by his parents, his wife Lori, and their children, Cruz and Jesse.
Before closing his emotional tribute, Kimmel thanked the medical team that cared for Escobedo and told viewers that the show would take a short break to allow the crew and family time to grieve. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel said. “Cherish your friends, and please keep Cleto’s family in your prayers.”
