Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has died at the age of 59. Known to late-night audiences as the frontman of Cleto and the Cletones, Escobedo was more than a musical maestro—he was Jimmy Kimmel’s lifelong friend, a gifted performer, and a familiar presence in millions of homes.
Kimmel announced the loss in a heartfelt Instagram tribute, revealing the depth of their bond, which began when they were children. Their friendship, forged in mischief and music, would later evolve into a unique professional partnership that shaped the sound and soul of Kimmel’s show.
Escobedo’s musical résumé included tours with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, alongside his own solo projects. But his most enduring role was by Kimmel’s side, leading the show’s house band since its debut in 2003. Notably, his father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., shared the stage with him, making their on-air presence a rare father-son fixture in late-night television.
A natural performer from an early age, Escobedo wowed school audiences and won the admiration of peers and professionals alike. Kimmel, recognizing this talent and their undeniable chemistry, insisted he be part of the show’s DNA from the start—personally securing his friend’s place with a performance that impressed ABC executives.
This week’s earlier postponement of Jimmy Kimmel Live! now takes on a deeper significance, reflecting the gravity of Escobedo’s passing. As tributes pour in, it’s clear that Cleto Escobedo III was not just a bandleader but a heartbeat of the show, a lifelong friend, and an unforgettable force in music and television.