Secrets of Cleto Escobedo: Remembering Jimmy Kimmel’s Lifelong Friend and Band Leader

Jimmy Kimmel’s world was shaken on November 11, 2025, when he announced the death of Cleto Escobedo III — his childhood best friend and the longtime band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Escobedo was 59 years old and had led the show’s band, Cleto and the Cletones, since its 2003 debut.

Kimmel confirmed the news on Instagram, calling Escobedo “a great friend, father, son, musician, and man.” Later that evening, he delivered a heartfelt monologue on his show, paying tribute to the man who had stood beside him for over five decades. The two first met as children in Las Vegas and remained inseparable ever since.

From Las Vegas Neighbors to Television Legends

Cleto Escobedo III was born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His connection with Jimmy Kimmel began in childhood, when Kimmel’s family moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas in 1977 — just two houses down from the Escobedos. The two boys quickly became best friends, bonding over pranks, late-night TV, and their shared love for David Letterman.

As they grew up, Escobedo’s musical gifts became clear. Kimmel described him as a “child prodigy,” recalling that his school would often gather to watch him perform. Escobedo would go on to play saxophone professionally, touring with major acts like Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind & Fire before finding his home on late-night television.

The Musical Heart of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

When ABC greenlit Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003, Kimmel knew exactly who he wanted to lead his band. Despite initial nerves about pitching his childhood friend for the job, Escobedo and his father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., were both hired after auditions. Together, they built the vibrant sound of the Cletones, mixing jazz, funk, and soul to create the signature energy that defined the show for more than 20 years.

“It had to be him,” Kimmel said in his tribute monologue. “I’ve often said that the single best thing about doing this show was getting the opportunity to allow Cleto Sr. to pick up where he left off and become a musician again with his son.”

Over the years, Escobedo’s presence became a cornerstone of the show — always smiling, always soulful, and always by Kimmel’s side. The two even stood as best men at each other’s weddings, underscoring a bond that was as personal as it was professional.

Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo III on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’.

A Family Man Remembered With Love

Beyond the spotlight, Escobedo was a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Lori, shared two children, Jesse and Cruz. On social media, he often posted about their family adventures and milestones, showing a softer side away from the stage lights. His 2019 tribute to his daughter Jesse captured his warmth: “I never REALLY knew what love was ‘till you looked at me. You ARE my world, Jesse.”

In his monologue, Kimmel reminded viewers of Escobedo’s boundless love for his family. “I hope I can remind them as they grow up how much he loves them because it’s a lot,” he said through tears.

A Legacy That Lives On

Cleto Escobedo’s sudden death has left the entertainment world in mourning. His music, humor, and generosity shaped a generation of late-night television. Though his cause of death has not been disclosed, Kimmel thanked the doctors at UCLA Medical Center and Sherman Oaks Hospital for their care during his final moments.

Cleto Escobedo’s story is one of loyalty, talent, and love — a reminder that friendship and music can create legacies that never fade.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who was Cleto Escobedo?

Cleto Escobedo III was a Las Vegas-born musician best known as the band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Jimmy Kimmel’s lifelong best friend.

Q2: How did Cleto Escobedo and Jimmy Kimmel meet?

They met as children in Las Vegas after the Kimmel family moved two houses away from the Escobedos in 1977.

Q3: What bands did Cleto Escobedo play with before joining Kimmel?

He toured with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul before becoming the leader of Cleto and the Cletones on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Q4: Did Cleto Escobedo have children?

Yes. He and his wife Lori shared two children, Jesse and Cruz, who were often featured on his social media posts.

Q5: What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Cleto Escobedo’s death?

Kimmel said it was the hardest monologue of his life and called Escobedo “the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person.”