Cleto Escobedo III: Jimmy Kimmel’s Lifelong Friend and Band Leader Dies at 59

Cleto Escobedo III

Cleto Escobedo III was born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He became a highly skilled saxophonist (alto, tenor, soprano) and performed with noted artists before his television tenure—touring with artists such as Paula Abdul and contributing to other recording projects.
In 2003, when Jimmy Kimmel launched his late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo became bandleader of the house band Cleto and the Cletones—a role he held for over two decades.

Escobedo and Jimmy Kimmel were childhood friends—they grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas, with their friendship beginning when Jimmy was around nine years old.
Kimmel has spoken fondly of how their long friendship and chemistry made the decision to bring Escobedo into the show a natural one:

“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.”
Their on-screen work together was built upon years of off-screen camaraderie: pranks, shared interests (they were fans of David Letterman as kids), and deep loyalty.

On November 11, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of Cleto Escobedo III at the age of 59.
In his tribute, Kimmel described Escobedo as “a great friend, father, son, musician and man.” He added:

“The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.”
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed.
The news led to an emotional monologue on Kimmel’s show in which he admitted it was one of the hardest he’d ever given, and that he and the show would be taking “the next couple of nights off” to grieve.

Escobedo was not just a background musician: as bandleader he shaped the musical identity of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for more than two decades.
His story exemplifies a rare thing in entertainment—the blending of lifelong friendship and professional collaboration at the highest level.
Many will remember him for his saxophone solos, his on-TV presence, and the warmth he brought to the nightly show.
For those in the music and TV industries, his career is a reminder of how musical talent, loyalty, and a strong personal bond can combine to create something enduring.

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend…”
“Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”