Cleto Escobedo III, leader of Jimmy Kimmel's house band, passes away at 59

Cleto Escobedo III, longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, has sadly passed away at the age of 59. Kimmel confirmed the news on Instagram, sharing that Escobedo died early Tuesday morning.

"To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true," Kimmel wrote.

Kimmel also said to keep Escobedo's wife, children, and parents in their prayers. Escobedo’s cause of death has not been made public.

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Who is Cleto Escobedo III?

Cleto Escobedo III at the Annual Power Of Love Gala (Image via Getty)

Cleto Escobedo III served as the bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show’s debut on ABC in 2003. He led the house band, Cleto and the Cletones, which performed a mix of jazz, funk, and soul. His work became a consistent part of the program’s format, supporting the show’s musical segments and live performances.

Escobedo and Jimmy Kimmel had known each other since childhood. They grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas and became close friends. Their connection lasted for more than 50 years.

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The career of Cleto Escobedo III

Before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Cleto Escobedo III worked as a professional musician and saxophonist. He performed with artists such as Paula Abdul, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Marc Anthony, and Tom Scott. He played alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, combining elements of R&B and jazz in his performances.

In 1995, he formed his own group, Cleto and the Cletones, which performed in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. When Jimmy Kimmel launched his late-night talk show in 2003, he asked Escobedo to lead the house band. Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., also joined the band. The two performed together on television for nearly twenty years.

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Friendship with Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmy Awards (Image via Getty)

Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo III maintained a friendship that extended beyond their work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. In 2016, during Escobedo’s 50th birthday celebration on the show, Kimmel recalled childhood memories from their time growing up in Las Vegas. He shared how Escobedo would ride a bicycle with a sidecar and often steer it into garbage cans and bushes for fun.

Their long friendship carried over to television, where their natural rapport added familiarity to the show. Kimmel often described working with Escobedo as a privilege, saying that being able to collaborate with his lifelong friend every day was something he deeply valued.

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Tributes

News of Cleto Escobedo III’s passing came shortly after Jimmy Kimmel Live! abruptly canceled a scheduled episode on Thursday, citing “personal reasons.” Variety later confirmed that the cancellation was linked to Escobedo’s condition. The show returned to air the following week, with future episodes expected to include tributes honoring Escobedo’s legacy.

Throughout his career, Escobedo remained a respected figure among musicians and television professionals alike. His versatility as a performer and his commitment to collaboration earned him admiration across the entertainment industry. His contributions extended beyond late-night television.

Specifically, his work with major artists and his mentorship of younger musicians solidified his status as a dedicated artist.

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Escobedo is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children.

Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez