Cleto Escobedo, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Band Leader, Dead at 59

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Jimmy Kimmel is grieving a personal and professional loss.

Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show began in 2003, passed away on November 11th, Jimmy Kimmel announced on social media. He was 59 years old.

Jimmy shared the sad news on Instagram that his longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, has passed away. He described Cleto as a wonderful friend, father, son, and musician, and said they are all deeply heartbroken.

The comedian didn’t say how the musician died, but he emphasized that their relationship was much more than just professional; they were very close friends.

Jimmy, 57, shared that he and Cleto have been best friends ever since he was nine. He added that being able to work together daily was a dream come true for both of them.

He ended his touching message by asking everyone to value their friends and remember to pray for Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents.

As a huge fan, I was really worried when the November 6th taping of JKL was suddenly postponed – I heard Jimmy was dealing with something personal, and we all just wanted him to be okay. It was especially concerning since the show had already been briefly paused back in September. Thankfully, JKL was back on the air on November 10th, but I was a little disappointed he didn’t mention what had happened. I totally understand needing privacy, though!

Besides working late nights, Cleto also toured with famous artists like Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Jimmy has often said Cleto was incredibly talented from a young age, and he really worked hard to get his close friend a spot on his talk show.

He admitted he was worried they wouldn’t choose his friend to lead the band. He explained to ABC7 in 2015, ‘I was afraid they’d say no.’ So, he brought the network president to one of his friend’s performances, and the president was very impressed.

Fortunately, Jimmy got his way in the end, hiring his first—and only—pick for the role.

Look, talent is important, obviously, but I needed someone I connected with, you know? And honestly? There’s just no one I vibe with more than him. It’s just…effortless. We just get each other, and that’s everything to me. I had to have that, more than anything.

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2025-11-12 01:17