Kleto Escobedo III, a friend and colleague of Jimmy Kimmel, has passed away
12 november 2025 в 18:50
Jimmy Kimmel mourns the loss of one of his close friends and colleagues, Cleto Escobedo III. The long-time bandleader and saxophonist for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, who had been with the show since its premiere in 2003, passed away at the age of 59 on November 11, 2025.
Shortly before this, Kimmel shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram in honor of his friend. He wrote: «Early this morning we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say we are devastated is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we could work together every day is a dream neither of us could have imagined coming true. Cherish your friends and please pray for Cleto’s wife, children, and parents».
Cleto and Jimmy’s friendship began when they were just nine years old in Las Vegas. They grew up together, attended the same school, and bonded over their shared love of music and comedy. Their long-standing friendship became the foundation of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with Kimmel often referring to Cleto as more of a brother than a colleague.
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, Cleto became the bandleader and saxophonist for the show — a role he held for over 20 years. He led Cleto & The Cletones, the show’s official house band, and helped define the fun, soulful sound of the show. Cleto’s humor, energy, and easy chemistry with Kimmel made him a favorite character on late-night television.
Cleto’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was also a musician — and they performed together on the stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for many years. The father-son duo quickly became audience favorites, often joking with Kimmel and performing side by side.
Before joining Kimmel in the early 2000s, Cleto already had an impressive portfolio as a professional saxophonist. He toured with pop icon Paula Abdul, performing at her concerts and honing his skills on some of the biggest stages of the 1990s. Later, his versatility led him to work with acclaimed artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Marc Anthony, and Santana.
Cleto was married to Lori Escobedo, and the couple had two children, Cruz and Jessie
Shortly before this, Kimmel shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram in honor of his friend. He wrote: «Early this morning we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say we are devastated is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we could work together every day is a dream neither of us could have imagined coming true. Cherish your friends and please pray for Cleto’s wife, children, and parents».
Cleto and Jimmy’s friendship began when they were just nine years old in Las Vegas. They grew up together, attended the same school, and bonded over their shared love of music and comedy. Their long-standing friendship became the foundation of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with Kimmel often referring to Cleto as more of a brother than a colleague.
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, Cleto became the bandleader and saxophonist for the show — a role he held for over 20 years. He led Cleto & The Cletones, the show’s official house band, and helped define the fun, soulful sound of the show. Cleto’s humor, energy, and easy chemistry with Kimmel made him a favorite character on late-night television.
Cleto’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was also a musician — and they performed together on the stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for many years. The father-son duo quickly became audience favorites, often joking with Kimmel and performing side by side.
Before joining Kimmel in the early 2000s, Cleto already had an impressive portfolio as a professional saxophonist. He toured with pop icon Paula Abdul, performing at her concerts and honing his skills on some of the biggest stages of the 1990s. Later, his versatility led him to work with acclaimed artists including Earth, Wind & Fire, Marc Anthony, and Santana.
Cleto was married to Lori Escobedo, and the couple had two children, Cruz and Jessie
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
