Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dies at 59

Longtime Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader Cleto Escobedo Iii, a childhood friend of the host, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of vibrant music and an unbreakable bond.

TL;DR: Quick Takeaways on Cleto Escobedo III's Passing

• Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Jimmy Kimmel's childhood friend, died at age 59 on November 11, 2025.
• Kimmel shared a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their "inseparable" friendship that began when they were nine years old.
• Escobedo was an accomplished musician who toured with major artists before leading Cleto and the Cletones for over two decades.

A Lifelong Friendship Forged in Las Vegas Childhood Shenanigans

What if your very best friend from childhood became your colleague, working alongside you every single day for over two decades? For Jimmy Kimmel, that dream wasn't just a fantasy; it was the reality he shared with Cleto Escobedo III, a testament to a bond forged in playful childhood antics and cemented in the world of late-night television.

Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Kimmel's lifelong confidante, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. The news was shared by a visibly heartbroken Jimmy Kimmel on social media, describing Escobedo as "a great friend, father, son, musician and man."

"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. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, via Instagram (November 11, 2025)

From Childhood Pranks to Professional Harmony in Their Amazing Journey

Kimmel and Escobedo’s bond dated back to 1977 when Kimmel's family moved across the street from the Escobedos in Las Vegas. Kimmel, then just nine years old, quickly found a partner in mischief and music in Cleto. This wasn't just any friendship; it was the deep, foundational kind that shapes you.

Kimmel often fondly joked about their "sibling-like torture," recalling hilarious, if slightly dangerous, stories. One memorable tale involved Cleto steering Kimmel, sitting in the sidecar of his bicycle, directly into trash cans and bushes. Another saw a young Kimmel building a wooden go-kart, only for Cleto to "sabotage" it by gluing the steering column "left or right," sending him "right into traffic." These stories, shared publicly, painted a vivid picture of a unique and unbreakable connection, full of the kind of playful rivalry only true friends understand. Kimmel even dedicated a segment to Cleto for his 50th birthday in 2016, reminiscing about their shared youth. Source: [NBC News, "Cleto Escobedo III, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' bandleader, dies", November 11, 2025].

Cleto Escobedo III's Musical Prowess Before Late-Night Television

Escobedo wasn't merely Jimmy Kimmel's friend; he was a "child prodigy" and an accomplished musician long before he graced the late-night stage. He honed his craft early, becoming a professional touring musician whose talent was undeniable. He possessed his own record deal and toured extensively with major artists, including pop icon Paula Abdul, Latin superstar Marc Anthony, and the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey. His versatility on the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, coupled with his occasional vocals, made him a highly sought-after performer in the music industry. He also recorded with notable artists like Tom Scott and Take Six. Source: [Los Angeles Times, "Jimmy Kimmel’s band leader and longtime friend Cleto Escobedo III dies at 59", November 11, 2025].

How a Childhood Pact Led to a Dream Collaboration on the Air

When the opportunity arose for Jimmy Kimmel to host his own ABC late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which first aired in 2003, there was no doubt in his mind who would lead the house band. He knew it had to be Cleto. However, Kimmel admitted to being "nervous" that the network might push for a more conventionally famous bandleader instead of his childhood buddy.

Displaying remarkable loyalty and conviction, Kimmel took matters into his own hands. He brought ABC President Lloyd Braun to see Cleto's band perform, a pivotal moment in securing his friend's role. "He loved it," Kimmel recounted, effectively sealing the deal and turning a lifelong dream into a shared reality. Source: [Deadline, "Cleto Escobedo III Dies: ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Musical Director Was 59", November 11, 2025]. Cleto, recalling the call while on tour with Marc Anthony, immediately began assembling a versatile group for the show, noting it needed to be "able to play every kind of music and play things on the fly."

The Enduring Sound of Cleto and the Cletones, a Family Affair

For over two decades, "Cleto and the Cletones" have been an integral part of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! experience, providing the musical backdrop for countless interviews and sketches. The band comprised a talented group of musicians, including guitarist Toshi Yanagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboardist Jeff Babko, and drummer Jonathan Dresel. But the band had a particularly special, familial touch.

Cleto's father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., himself an accomplished saxophonist who played in the 1960s rock/soul band Los Blues, came out of retirement to join his son on the show. This intergenerational collaboration was a source of immense pride for Cleto III, who highlighted his father's 19 years with the show in a 2022 social media post, writing, "19 years of this!! Love ya Dad." This dynamic showcased not only Cleto's talent but also the deep family roots embedded in his musical journey. Source: [Rolling Stone, "‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dead at 59", November 11, 2025].

Unspoken Sadness: Navigating Health Concerns and Loss

The news of Escobedo's passing followed a subtle, yet telling, shift in the show's schedule. A November 6 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly canceled and replaced with a rerun due to a "personal matter" concerning the host. Kimmel had also reportedly missed a Thursday taping in the preceding days, presumably to be by his friend's side during his illness. These cancellations, though not explicitly detailed at the time, now carry the weight of a painful premonition.

While many sources reported that the cause of Cleto Escobedo III's death was not immediately disclosed by official channels, one publication, Page Six, cited "complications stemming from a liver transplant." [Source: Page Six, "Jimmy Kimmel’s band leader and lifelong best friend Cleto Escobedo has died. He was 59", November 11, 2025]. This detail, while not universally confirmed by all outlets, offers a glimpse into the private health battle Cleto may have been facing.

The Unique Chemistry: Loyalty Beyond the Expected Norms

One might consider the traditional path for a major late-night show bandleader, often filled by a renowned figure with a national profile. Kimmel’s insistence on his childhood friend, Cleto, was a deviation from this norm, highlighting a powerful professional tradeoff. While some network executives might prioritize celebrity, Kimmel clearly valued a deep, authentic chemistry above all else. His famous quote, "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," perfectly encapsulates this decision. It speaks volumes about the trust and understanding they shared, which undoubtedly contributed to the show's unique vibe.

Moreover, while the stories of childhood "torture" are endearing, it's a specific, almost sibling-like dynamic not universally applicable to professional relationships. For many, integrating such a deeply personal, history-rich friendship into a high-stakes professional environment could be challenging. However, for Kimmel and Escobedo, it was the bedrock of their successful collaboration, demonstrating that sometimes, the most unconventional choices lead to the most enduring partnerships.

Example: Imagine a talented, seasoned musician, years into a successful touring career with major artists, who then gets a call from an old friend from the neighborhood. This friend, now a burgeoning television host, tells him, "I'm getting a big show, and I want your band to be the house band. No one else." It’s a moment where decades of friendship, shared dreams, and unwavering loyalty converge, opening a completely new chapter. This isn't a hypothetical scenario; it was the exact conversation that brought Cleto Escobedo III from the road to the heart of late-night television, a testament to Kimmel's belief in his friend's talent and their undeniable connection.

Practical Takeaways from a Remarkable Friendship and Career

• Nurture Your Lifelong Bonds: Cleto and Jimmy's story is a powerful reminder that childhood friendships can blossom into extraordinary personal and professional partnerships, bringing unexpected joy and success.
• Value Authentic Chemistry: Sometimes, the most successful collaborations are built on genuine human connection and trust, rather than just impressive resumes or industry clout.
• Support Your Creative Peers: Kimmel's unwavering belief in Cleto's talent and his fight to bring him onto the show underscores the importance of advocating for those you believe in.
• Embrace Family in Your Craft: The inclusion of Cleto's father in the band highlights how personal relationships can enrich professional endeavors, creating unique and heartwarming dynamics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleto Escobedo III

• When did Cleto Escobedo III pass away?Cleto Escobedo III passed away on Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025.
• How old was Cleto Escobedo III at the time of his death?He was 59 years old.
• What instrument was Cleto Escobedo III primarily known for playing?Cleto Escobedo III was a talented saxophonist, playing the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones.
• Did Cleto Escobedo III's father also perform in the band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!?Yes, his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., a saxophonist himself, was also a member of Cleto and the Cletones.

Sources

• NBC News, "Cleto Escobedo III, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' bandleader, dies", November 11, 2025.
• Rolling Stone, "‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dead at 59", November 11, 2025.
• Deadline, "Cleto Escobedo III Dies: ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Musical Director Was 59", November 11, 2025.
• Los Angeles Times, "Jimmy Kimmel’s band leader and longtime friend Cleto Escobedo III dies at 59", November 11, 2025.
• Gray News, "Jimmy Kimmel announces death of longtime friend, bandleader Cleto Escobedo III", November 11, 2025.
• The Hollywood Reporter, "Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader, Dies at 59", November 11, 2025.
• Page Six, "Jimmy Kimmel’s band leader and lifelong best friend Cleto Escobedo has died. He was 59", November 11, 2025.
• ABC News, "Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies", November 11, 2025.
• E! News, "Watch: Cleto Escobedo, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Band Leader, Dead at 59", November 11, 2025.