Jimmy Kimmel Mourns the Loss of His Lifelong Friend and Bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is grieving the loss of his lifelong best friend and Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who has died at 59.
Kimmel shared the news on Instagram, writing:
“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… Please keep his family in your prayers.”
The two met as kids in Las Vegas, bonding over music and mischief. Kimmel often joked about their wild childhood, recalling bike crashes and pranks that defined their friendship.
When Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003, there was no question who would lead the band. “It had to be Cleto,” Kimmel said. For over two decades, Cleto and his band, Cleto and the Cletones, filled the studio with laughter and unforgettable music—often joined by his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.
Born in Las Vegas on August 23, 1966, Cleto grew up surrounded by music and went on to perform with artists like Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind & Fire before joining Kimmel’s show.
Kimmel called their partnership a lifelong dream come true. Their friendship—rooted in childhood and carried through decades of music and laughter—remains a lasting legacy.
Cleto is survived by his parents, wife Lori, children Cruz and Jesse, and countless fans who will never forget his warmth and talent.