Cleto Escobedo III, Bandleader for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', Dies at 59

Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and childhood friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59. Kimmel announced the news on social media, expressing profound heartbreak and urging fans to keep Escobedo's family in their thoughts.

"Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," Kimmel wrote. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement."

Escobedo and Kimmel's friendship began in their childhood, growing up across the street from each other in Las Vegas. Their shared interests, including a mutual admiration for David Letterman, fostered a lifelong bond. Escobedo pursued a successful music career as a saxophonist, touring with artists such as Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Paula Abdul, and Marc Anthony. In 2003, when Kimmel launched his late-night show, he invited Escobedo to lead the house band, Cleto and the Cletones, a role he held for over two decades.

In a 2015 interview, Kimmel highlighted their chemistry: "Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there's nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him."

Escobedo's father also performed in the show's house band, creating a unique father-son duo on screen. In a 2022 interview, Escobedo emphasized the importance of the job for allowing time with family, which included his wife Lori and their two children.

The cause of death has not been disclosed. Kimmel asked fans to cherish their friends and keep Escobedo's family in their prayers.