It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of Cleto Escobedo III, the charismatic band leader of the house ensemble on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, known as Cleto and the Cletones. He died at the age of 59, as confirmed by his longtime friend and collaborator, host Jimmy Kimmel, on November 11 2025.
Escobedo’s journey began long before his national television exposure. He grew up in Las Vegas, where he and Jimmy Kimmel became inseparable at the young age of nine. Kimmel described their bond as “we’ve been inseparable since I was nine years old.”
From childhood mischief to shared dreams, the pair nurtured a lifelong friendship. Escobedo was widely described as a “child prodigy” on the saxophone—a talent that earned him standing ovations even as a school-kid.
As a professional musician, Escobedo toured with major acts, including Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, before becoming the band leader for Kimmel’s show.
When Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show premiered in 2003, Escobedo became the leader of “Cleto and the Cletones,” bringing live music, saxophone flair, and on-air personality to the nightly program.
Kimmel made it clear that choosing Escobedo as his band leader was non-negotiable: “It had to have my band leader, Cleto,” he said, underscoring the extraordinary chemistry they shared.
Over two decades, Escobedo’s saxophone became a familiar presence to millions of viewers, blending seamlessly into the nightly rhythms of talk-show culture while also anchoring the band with genuine musicianship and friendship.
Kimmel announced Escobedo’s passing in an emotional Instagram post, 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.”
While the official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed, multiple reports indicate that Escobedo had recently experienced serious health issues related to a liver transplant, and the complications from that transplant may have contributed to his death.
Escobedo leaves behind his wife, children, and parents, including his father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., who had also joined the house band.
The outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and the late-night community has been immediate and heartfelt. Kimmel urged viewers to “cherish your friends” and keep Escobedo’s family in their thoughts.
His legacy extends far beyond nightly television — Escobedo was a musician of deep talent, a collaborator of enduring trust, and a friend who shared both life and luminescence with someone who became a household name. The presence of real friendship in the often-glossy world of show business was palpable in their history together.
In remembering Cleto Escobedo III, we honour a life where music and friendship met the spotlight. From childhood side-hack adventures in Las Vegas to sax-led harmonies on late-night television, his story is threaded with rhythm, loyalty, and art. The world of entertainment and all who tuned in nightly are dimmer without his sound and spirit.
We extend sincere condolences to his family, his musical colleagues, and his longtime friend Jimmy Kimmel. May his memory inspire us to appreciate our friends, our collaborations, and the joy of a shared passion unleashed.
