Jimmy Kimmel Mourns the Loss of Bandleader and Childhood Friend Cleto Escobedo III

Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' and childhood friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, has died at age 59. Kimmel announced the news on Instagram, expressing profound heartbreak. The two grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas and bonded over shared interests, including a love for David Letterman.

Escobedo pursued a successful music career as a saxophonist, playing with notable artists like Phillip Bailey, Paula Abdul, and Marc Anthony before joining Kimmel's late-night show in 2003 as the bandleader. His father also performed in the show's house band, forming 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.