Celebs React to Jimmy Kimmel Band Leader Cleto Escobedo’s Death

Hollywood is in mourning over the death of Jimmy Kimmel Live! mainstay Cleto Escobedo.

Jimmy Kimmel announced the sad passing of his bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, on November 11th. In an Instagram post, Kimmel described Escobedo as a wonderful friend, father, son, and musician.

It’s hard to express how sad we are,” the talk show host said. “Cleto and I have been best friends since childhood. Getting to work with him every day was a dream come true for both of us.”

Other comedians also expressed their sympathy, including Wanda Sykes, who wrote a simple, heartfelt message: “Heartbreaking. So, very sorry.”

“So sorry,” Howie Mandel shared, while Jeffrey Ross added, “Love to his incredible family.”

Paula Abdul shared a memory on Instagram about the first time she met Cleto, a fellow performer she toured with in the late 1980s.

Hollywood is in mourning over the death of Jimmy Kimmel Live! mainstay Cleto Escobedo.

Jimmy Kimmel announced the sad passing of his bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, on November 11th. In a post on Instagram, Kimmel described Escobedo as a wonderful friend, father, son, and musician.

I’m absolutely devastated to hear this news. Cleto and I have been best friends since we were kids – I was only nine when we first met! It was a dream come true for both of us to get to work together every single day, something we never even dared to hope for.

Other comedians also expressed their sadness after hearing the news. Wanda Sykes wrote a simple message in the comments, saying, “Heartbreaking. So, very sorry.”

“So sorry,” Howie Mandel shared, while Jeffrey Ross added, “Love to his incredible family.”

Paula Abdul shared a memory on Instagram about the first time she met Cleto, a fellow performer she toured with in the late 1980s.

The singer recalled first hearing Cleto play saxophone at a small bar inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. He was in the process of assembling his band for his debut world tour and was immediately impressed. Despite Cleto lacking experience touring, the singer knew he had to bring him on board.

I was absolutely heartbroken to hear about Cleto. Paula said it so perfectly – he truly had an undeniable gift. He wasn’t just a performer; he radiated warmth and kindness both on and off stage. My heart goes out to his family and everyone who was touched by his incredible spirit. He will be deeply missed.

She wasn’t alone in remembering him. Musician Sheila E. posted a picture of Cleto performing with his band, Cleto and the Cletones, and shared how saddened she was by the news.

The drummer, who worked with Cleto on his 1995 album, simply said, ‘There are no words.’ He added, ‘You will be missed. I love you.’

For more heartfelt messages about Cleto, read on.

She wasn’t alone in honoring him. Drummer Sheila E. posted a picture of Cleto performing with his band, Cleto and the Cletones, and shared how deeply saddened she was.

The drummer, who worked with Cleto on his 1995 album, simply said, ‘There are no words.’ He added, ‘You will be missed. I love you.’

For more heartfelt messages about Cleto, read on.

Jimmy Kimmel announced on Instagram November 11th that his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, had passed away. Kimmel described the loss as devastating, saying they were all heartbroken.

The talk show host added that he and Cleto “have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”

Honestly, getting to work with him every single day felt like a total fantasy, something I never even dared to hope would happen. It was just… incredible. And he asked everyone to remember his family – Cleto’s wife, kids, and parents – and keep them in their thoughts and prayers, which just shows what a good person he was. I’ll definitely be keeping them close to my heart.

The artist behind “Glamorous Life” shared the sad news of Cleto Escobedo’s passing on Instagram on November 11th. They first met Cleto in 1994 and produced a track for his album the following year. They often playfully suggested they were related and even attempted to confirm it.

She wrote that he had “been a true brother and an amazing musician and artist.”

She expressed immense grief, saying she was completely heartbroken. She sent her condolences and prayers to Jimmy Kimmel’s wife, children, family, and friends, adding that he would be deeply missed and that she loved him. She wished him peace.

The singer of “Straight Up” posted a heartfelt message on Instagram on November 11th, mourning the loss of Cleto Escobedo III.

Paula remembered first hearing Cleto play saxophone at a small bar in Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace. She was assembling her band for her debut world tour and instantly knew she wanted to hire him, despite his lack of prior touring experience.

She enthusiastically praised Cleto’s exceptional talent and energy, expressing her excitement to see him flourish in his career. She was particularly happy that he was able to rejoin his close friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

She described Cleto as a genuinely kind and radiant person, both when he was performing and in his everyday life. She also expressed her sympathy to his family and all those who cared for him.

Actor Zach Cherry shared the news of Cleto Escobedo III’s passing on Instagram on November 11th, describing him as a kind and talented person who will be deeply missed. He sent condolences to Escobedo’s family and colleagues at Jimmy Kimmel Live.