Jimmy Kimmel’s Bandleader and Best Friend Cleto Escobedo III Dies at 59

Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime bandleader and best friend, Cleto Escobedo III, has died. He was 59 years old. Kimmel shared the emotional news during his late-night monologue on Tuesday.The host paid a moving tribute to his childhood friend. The show will now take a brief hiatus to honor his memory.

A Friendship Forged in Childhood

Kimmel and Escobedo became best friends as kids. Their bond formed after Kimmel’s family moved across the street in Las Vegas. They shared a deep connection for decades.Kimmel described their unique relationship during the show. He said they had their own language that almost no one else understood. They shared a love for baseball, fishing, and comedy legends like Richard Pryor.

A Musical Prodigy and a Late-Night Staple

Escobedo was a phenomenal saxophone player from a young age. Kimmel called him a child prodigy who received standing ovations in junior high. His talent was evident early on.When ABC hired Kimmel for his talk show in 2003, he knew he wanted Escobedo. He also wanted Escobedo’s father, Cleto Senior, in the band. The father-son duo auditioned together, playing “Pick Up the Pieces” by the Average White Band.The network executive loved the idea. Cleto and the Cletones became the show’s band from its very beginning. They have been a fixture for nearly 23 years.Kimmel often said the best part of having the show was giving Cleto Senior a chance to be a musician again with his son. The entire show staff is reportedly devastated by the loss. Kimmel acknowledged how lucky he was to have had Escobedo at his side for so many years.

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The death of Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, marks the end of an era for the long-running show. Kimmel’s heartfelt tribute underscored a friendship that lasted a lifetime and defined the show’s musical soul.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who was Cleto Escobedo III?

He was the bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Kimmel’s childhood best friend. Escobedo led the show’s house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since the program began in 2003.

How did Jimmy Kimmel announce the death?

Kimmel announced the news during an emotional monologue on his Tuesday night show. He called it the hardest monologue he has ever had to deliver.

What was the musical background of Cleto Escobedo?

He was a highly skilled saxophonist described as a child prodigy. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., was also a professional musician and played in the band with him.

Will Jimmy Kimmel Live! air new episodes this week?

The show is taking a few nights off following Escobedo’s passing. This break allows the cast and crew to grieve their profound loss.

How long had Kimmel and Escobedo been friends?

Their friendship began in childhood and lasted over five decades. They were best friends since Kimmel’s family moved across the street from Escobedo in Las Vegas.