Jimmy Kimmel's longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo Iii, recently passed away at 59, and new details reveal the complex health conditions that led to his death. His life-long friendship with Kimmel and musical legacy are now being celebrated with an outpouring of love from Hollywood and beyond.

TL;DR: Key Details About Cleto Escobedo III's Passing

  • Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, died at age 59 on November 11, 2025.
  • His immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock, with underlying conditions including alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and complications from a previous liver transplant.
  • Jimmy Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute, and many stars, including Paula Abdul and Sheila E., shared heartfelt condolences, celebrating Cleto's profound impact on their lives and music.

A Heartbreaking Farewell to a Lifelong Musical Comrade

"It's just not fair," a visibly heartbroken Jimmy Kimmel shared with his audience on November 11, 2025, struggling to hold back tears. He was speaking about the profound loss of his best friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away that morning at 59 years old. The candid outpouring from Kimmel underscored the deep bond they shared, a friendship that began when they were just nine years old in Las Vegas. Source: [E! Online, "Jimmy Kimmel addresses Cleto Escobedo's health battle before his death", Published November 14, 2025]

Kimmel recalled countless adventures, a shared language only they understood, and an unbreakable connection forged over decades. This wasn't just a professional relationship; it was a brotherhood, a fact evident in Kimmel's emotional monologue and subsequent tributes. Cleto, affectionately known as "Junior" in their younger days, was more than just the guy leading Cleto and the Cletones; he was family.

Unveiling the Complex Health Conditions Contributing to His Passing

Days after the initial announcement, the immediate and underlying causes of Cleto Escobedo III's death were officially revealed through his death certificate, obtained by TMZ on November 14, 2025. The primary cause was listed as cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Source: [TMZ, "Jimmy Kimmel's Band Leader Cleto of Cleto and the Cletones Dead", undated, accessed November 14, 2025]

Beyond the immediate cause, the certificate detailed several severe underlying conditions: vasodilatory shock (blood vessel dilation), disseminated intravascular coagulation (blood clotting that blocks blood flow to organs), and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. The Mayo Clinic explains that alcoholic cirrhosis represents advanced liver damage caused by excessive, long-term alcohol consumption. Source: [TMZ, "Jimmy Kimmel's Band Leader Cleto of Cleto and the Cletones Dead", undated, accessed November 14, 2025]

Further contributing to his decline were conditions like sepsis, graft versus host disease, an immunosuppressed state, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia. It was previously reported by Page Six and Rolling Stone that Escobedo had been dealing with complications stemming from a liver transplant, which aligns with the listed conditions of graft versus host disease and being immunosuppressed. Kimmel himself had canceled a November 6 taping to be by his friend's side, hinting at the severity of Cleto's health battle. Source: [Page Six, "Jimmy Kimmel’s former bandleader Cleto Escobedo’s cause of death has been revealed", undated, accessed November 14, 2025]

While the death certificate provides a clear clinical picture, it's important to remember that these medical terms represent a very personal and arduous health journey. The complexities of battling multiple chronic conditions, especially those requiring organ transplantation, often involve unseen struggles and a significant toll on an individual and their loved ones. The official details give us facts, but the full human story of his long health battle is far more intricate and personal than any document can convey.

From Prodigy to Prime Time: Cleto's Unforgettable Musical Journey

Cleto's passion for music started early. He picked up the saxophone in sixth grade, following in the footsteps of his father, Cleto Escobedo II, who was also a professional saxophonist. Jimmy Kimmel remembers him as a "phenomenal sax player from a very young age," a "child prodigy" who could even get standing ovations in junior high school. Source: [NPR, "Cleto Escobedo III, leader of Jimmy Kimmel's house band, dies at 59", November 12, 2025]

His talent quickly propelled him into the professional world. He performed in various bar bands, tackling everything from country to Phil Collins, before successfully auditioning to tour with pop superstar Paula Abdul in 1990. This experience led to a record deal with Virgin Records, where he released a Latin-y, pop, R&B album that was perhaps "a little too early" for the burgeoning Latin Explosion. Despite the album not launching a solo career, Cleto's reputation as a skilled musician grew, leading him to tour with other major artists like Luis Miguel, Marc Anthony, Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Tom Scott, and Take 6. Source: [NPR, "Cleto Escobedo III, leader of Jimmy Kimmel's house band, dies at 59", November 12, 2025]

When Jimmy Kimmel landed his late-night talk show in 2002, there was only one person he wanted to lead the band: Cleto. Kimmel fought hard for his childhood friend, insisting that no one else had better chemistry with him. What made it even more special was that Cleto's father, Cleto Escobedo II, who had given up his music career to focus on family, was also brought into the band, "Cleto and the Cletones." The father-son duo performing together on late-night television was a source of immense pride for them both and a testament to the power of shared dreams. They worked side-by-side for nearly 23 years, creating the vibrant musical backdrop for Jimmy Kimmel Live!

"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."

— Jimmy Kimmel, on Instagram, November 11, 2025 Jimmy Kimmel's heartfelt Instagram post mourning his best friend. Hollywood Remembers: Tributes Pour In For a Kind Soul

The news of Cleto's passing sparked an outpouring of condolences from across the entertainment industry. Jimmy Kimmel's initial Instagram post, sharing his heartbreak, quickly filled with messages from colleagues and stars. Actor Adam Scott, comedian Wanda Sykes, and legendary actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus were among those who shared their sorrow, remembering Cleto as a kind and talented individual. Source: [E! Online, "Jimmy Kimmel announces death of bandleader and close friend Cleto Escobedo III", November 11, 2025]

Paula Abdul, with whom Cleto had toured early in his career, posted a touching tribute. She recalled meeting him playing saxophone at a small bar in Caesars Palace and immediately knowing she had to hire him for her first world tour, despite his lack of touring experience. "His talent and energy were undeniable," Abdul wrote, adding, "Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage." Grammy-nominated artist Sheila E. also expressed her grief, calling Cleto "a true brother and an amazing musician and artist" and remembering their jokes about being related. Source: [The Daily Beast, "Jimmy Kimmel’s Band Leader’s Cause of Death Revealed", Updated Nov. 15, 2025]

Jeff Babko, keyboardist and musical arranger for Cleto and the Cletones for over 30 years, shared a deeply personal reflection with Rolling Stone. He described Cleto as a musician who "loved groove... His playing was soulful, genuine – no math, no patterns, no cerebral showing-off. Just purpose and soul. Every note meant something." Babko also highlighted Cleto's fierce determination to live for his family, and the vast network of "deep, wide, loyal friendships" he cultivated. Source: [Rolling Stone, "'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III's Cause of Death Revealed", November 14, 2025]

Kimmel's Enduring Promise: Honoring Cleto's Compassionate Spirit

Beyond his emotional tributes, Jimmy Kimmel has committed to keeping Cleto's legacy alive through action. He announced the establishment of two fundraisers in Cleto's honor, reflecting his friend's giving nature. The first is for the UCLA Medical Center, where Cleto received "incredible care" during his health battle, aiming to help vulnerable patients and families in financial need. Source: [E! Online, "Jimmy Kimmel addresses Cleto Escobedo's health battle before his death", Published November 14, 2025]

The second fundraiser is for The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, a cause close to Cleto's heart due to his love for animals. This initiative offers a tangible way for fans and friends to contribute to causes that mattered to Cleto, extending his kindness beyond his lifetime. It's a poignant example of how personal tragedy can be channeled into positive community impact, reflecting the spirit of someone who was "always kind and eager to help others."

Example: Imagine a busy late-night show studio. The camera light is red, the host is launching into a joke, but the rhythm of the segment isn't quite right. Suddenly, a subtle saxophone cue from the bandleader, a perfectly timed chord change, shifts the energy, landing the joke with comedic precision. That was Cleto Escobedo III, a master musician whose contributions went far beyond just playing notes. He was an integral part of the show's pulse, a non-verbal collaborator who understood the art of live television and how to elevate every moment with sound. His absence will leave an undeniable, deeply felt void in that studio.

Practical Takeaways From This Heartfelt Loss

  • Cherish Your Connections: Jimmy Kimmel's poignant message to "cherish your friends" resonates deeply. The strength of decades-long friendships provides invaluable support through life's highs and lows.
  • Understand Health Complexities: Cleto's multiple health challenges highlight the often-unseen struggles individuals face with chronic illnesses. Compassion and awareness can make a significant difference.
  • Support What Matters: Kimmel's fundraisers for medical care and animal welfare exemplify how we can honor loved ones by contributing to causes important to them, turning grief into positive impact.
  • Recognize the Unsung Heroes: Bandleaders like Cleto are essential to the fabric of live television, often working behind the scenes to create the magic we see. Appreciate the talent and dedication that make entertainment possible.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered About Cleto Escobedo III

Who was Cleto Escobedo III? Cleto Escobedo III was an acclaimed saxophonist and the longtime bandleader for "Cleto and the Cletones" on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! He was also a childhood best friend of Jimmy Kimmel. What is cardiogenic shock? Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening medical emergency where the heart suddenly becomes unable to pump enough blood to adequately supply the body's needs. It often results in insufficient oxygen delivery to vital organs. What other health conditions contributed to his passing? Beyond cardiogenic shock, his death certificate listed underlying causes such as vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Contributing conditions included sepsis, graft versus host disease, being immunosuppressed, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia. He also experienced complications from a liver transplant. What charities did Jimmy Kimmel establish in Cleto's honor? Jimmy Kimmel has started two fundraisers: one for the UCLA Medical Center, where Cleto received care, to help vulnerable patients, and another for The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas, reflecting Cleto's love for animals.

Sources

  • TMZ, "Jimmy Kimmel's Band Leader Cleto of Cleto and the Cletones Dead", undated, accessed November 14, 2025.
  • E! Online, "Jimmy Kimmel addresses Cleto Escobedo's health battle before his death", Published November 14, 2025.
  • The Daily Beast, "Jimmy Kimmel’s Band Leader’s Cause of Death Revealed", Updated Nov. 15, 2025.
  • NPR, "Cleto Escobedo III, leader of Jimmy Kimmel's house band, dies at 59", November 12, 2025.
  • Rolling Stone, "'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III's Cause of Death Revealed", November 14, 2025.
  • Page Six, "Jimmy Kimmel’s former bandleader Cleto Escobedo’s cause of death has been revealed", undated, accessed November 14, 2025.