Jimmy Kimmel Pauses Show, Mourns Bandleader Cleto Escobedo’s Sudden Death

Jimmy Kimmel is mourning the loss of his best friend and longtime bandleader. Cleto Escobedo III, the musical force behind Jimmy Kimmel Live for 23 years, has died. He was 59 years old.

Kimmel announced the devastating news during his monologue on Tuesday night. The host fought back tears while sharing childhood memories with his friend.

Kimmel’s Emotional Tribute Recalls Lifelong Friendship

Kimmel remembered meeting Escobedo in their Las Vegas neighborhood in 1979. He described Escobedo as the older boy who lived two houses away. They became inseparable friends almost instantly.

“We were like 24/7, ‘Mom please let me sleep over,’ kind of friends,” Kimmel told the audience. He recalled one summer where he slept over at the Escobedo house for 33 consecutive nights. Their shared love of comedy and music forged an unbreakable bond.

Kimmel highlighted Escobedo’s incredible musical talent from a young age. He was a child prodigy on the saxophone who received standing ovations in junior high school. Escobedo’s career later included touring with Paula Abdul.

Building a Late-Night Legacy Together

When ABC offered Kimmel his own talk show in 2002, his first thought was for Escobedo to lead the band. Kimmel arranged a performance for network executives featuring Escobedo and his father. The executive approved the father-son duo immediately.

For over two decades, Escobedo led the show’s band, Cleto and the Cletones. His father, Cleto Escobedo II, played saxophone alongside him. This created a unique family legacy on late-night television.

Kimmel emphasized how meaningful it was to help Escobedo’s father resume his musical career. The host called this opportunity the single best part of doing his show.

The sudden death of Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader Cleto Escobedo has left the entertainment world in mourning. Kimmel’s show will remain dark this week as the team grieves this profound loss.

Thought you’d like to know

How did Cleto Escobedo die?

The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. News of his passing was confirmed by Jimmy Kimmel during his Tuesday night broadcast.

Is Jimmy Kimmel Live airing new episodes this week?

No. Jimmy Kimmel announced the show will pause taping for the remainder of the week. This decision allows the staff and crew to grieve their loss properly.

How long was Cleto Escobedo the bandleader?

Escobedo led the band for the show’s entire 23-year run. He started with the program from its very first episode in 2003 up until his death.

Was Cleto’s father also in the band?

Yes. Cleto Escobedo II, his father, played saxophone in the band. This created a special father-son dynamic that Kimmel often celebrated.

What was Jimmy Kimmel’s relationship with Cleto?

They were childhood best friends who grew up together in Las Vegas. Their friendship spanned over four decades before their professional collaboration.