Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has died. The news was shared Tuesday morning by host Jimmy Kimmel, who paid tribute to his friend and colleague on social media, calling him a “great friend, father, son, musician, and man.” Kimmel asked fans to keep Escobedo’s family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. 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. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
Page Six wrote “We hear that Escobedo had complications stemming from a liver transplant.” Reports say Escobedo was hospitalized last week, prompting Kimmel to cancel his Thursday show at the last minute to stay by his longtime friend’s side.
Cleto Escobedo III was an accomplished musician and bandleader best known for leading the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its debut in 2003. A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Escobedo’s passion for music began at an early age, nurtured by his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., a well-known local musician. The father-son duo shared the stage for decades, with Cleto Jr. also appearing regularly on Jimmy Kimmel Live! as part of the show’s band and comedic segments.
Before joining Kimmel, Escobedo built a successful career performing and touring with major artists, most notably as a saxophonist and musical director for pop superstar Paula Abdul. His energetic presence, smooth musicianship, and infectious humor made him a beloved figure both on and off screen.
Cleto Escobedo III, a Las Vegas native, led Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for more than 20 years. His friendship with Jimmy Kimmel went back decades — the two met in 1977 when Kimmel’s family moved in across the street from Escobedo’s in Las Vegas.
The pair grew up together, bonding over music, humor, and countless childhood adventures. In 2016, Kimmel celebrated Escobedo’s 50th birthday on the show, sharing stories from their youth. He joked about the playful “torture” between them, recalling times Escobedo would steer him into trash cans while giving him a ride in his bike’s sidecar, or when Escobedo sabotaged a wooden go-kart Kimmel built as a kid.
Kimmel ended the segment by showing old photos of their friendship — including one of them as children making music together, with Kimmel on clarinet and Escobedo on saxophone — a fitting tribute to a lifelong bond built on laughter and music.
