Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is grieving the loss of Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader of his television program, who was also one of his long-time friends. Kimmel shared the news of Escobedo’s passing on Instagram, expressing deep sadness over the loss. The two had known each other since childhood, having grown up as neighbors in Las Vegas.
During a 2022 interview for Texas Tech University’s Southwest Collection oral history archive, Escobedo reminisced about their friendship, highlighting their shared sense of humor and mutual admiration for David Letterman during their youth. Escobedo, a talented saxophonist, had a successful music career, performing with renowned artists such as Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and others.
When Kimmel launched his late-night talk show on ABC in 2003, he insisted on having Escobedo as the bandleader due to their strong chemistry and close friendship. Kimmel fondly recalled their shared memories and pranks, including riding a bicycle with a sidecar and playing practical jokes together.
The sudden cancellation of a recent episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was attributed to Escobedo’s unexpected passing, with guests David Duchovny, Joe Keery, and Madison Beer scheduled to appear. The cause of Escobedo’s death remains undisclosed at this time.
Escobedo’s father, a fellow member of the Kimmel house band, also plays a significant role in their musical performances. The duo celebrated nearly two decades of on-screen collaboration in January 2022. Escobedo emphasized the importance of family time that came with his bandleader role, acknowledging the challenges of touring and being away from loved ones.
Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori and their two children. Kimmel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Escobedo daily, a dream they never imagined would come true. He urged everyone to cherish their friendships and offer prayers for Cleto’s family during this difficult time.