Cleto Escobedo III Cause of Death: What Happened to Jimmy Kimmel’s Longtime Bandleader?

Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and one of Jimmy Kimmel’s closest lifelong friends, has died at the age of 59. The news was confirmed by Kimmel on November 11, 2025, through an emotional social media post. While a cause of death has not been publicly revealed, reports confirm that Escobedo passed away early Tuesday morning. His sudden death has left the entertainment world and fans in shock.

Escobedo had led the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since the late-night show’s debut on ABC in 2003. His saxophone solos, quick humor, and camaraderie with Kimmel became staples of the program’s identity for more than two decades.

Cleto Escobedo III’s Death and Career Remembered

Jimmy Kimmel shared a heartfelt message announcing Escobedo’s passing, writing, “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.”

Kimmel added, “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.”

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Escobedo developed a deep love for music from an early age, inspired by his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., also a saxophonist. The younger Escobedo’s musical journey led him to perform with world-renowned artists such as Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire before joining forces with Kimmel for the talk show that would make him a household name.

Cleto and the Cletones—featuring members Toshi Yanagi, Jimmy Earl, Jonathan Dresel, and Jeff Babko—became an essential part of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Their performances and comedic timing helped define the show’s personality, making Escobedo an irreplaceable presence in the world of late-night television.

Tributes and Impact on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

The news of Escobedo’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes across the entertainment industry. Musicians, comedians, and fans alike remembered him not only for his musical talent but also for his humility and warmth. Kimmel’s colleagues described the friendship between the host and Escobedo as “one of the purest in television.”

Cleto’s sudden passing leaves behind a major void on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” ABC has not yet announced plans for a tribute episode or who might lead the band moving forward. The network and production team are expected to honor his life and contributions in the coming days.

Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death remains undisclosed as of now. His death marks the end of a 22-year chapter in late-night television and the loss of a man whose music and friendship touched millions.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Cleto Escobedo III’s role on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”?

He was the bandleader and saxophonist for Cleto and the Cletones, performing nightly since the show’s debut in 2003.

Q2: When did Cleto Escobedo III die?

He passed away early on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 59, according to Jimmy Kimmel’s announcement.

Q3: Has Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death been confirmed?

No, the official cause of death has not been disclosed by his family or representatives.

Q4: How did Jimmy Kimmel react to Cleto Escobedo III’s death?

Kimmel shared a deeply emotional tribute, calling Escobedo his lifelong best friend and describing the loss as heartbreaking.

Q5: Who was Cleto Escobedo III’s father?

His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., is also a saxophonist and performed with him in Cleto and the Cletones on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”