Cleto Escobedo III, Bandleader of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and Lifelong Friend of Host, Dies at 59
Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and a friend of host Jimmy kimmel as childhood, has died. He was 59.
Kimmel confirmed Escobedo’s death in an Instagram post Tuesday, stating, “We lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man.” He continued, “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. Cherish your friends and please keep cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
Escobedo led the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” house band since the show’s premiere in 2003, performing alongside his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., among other musicians.
Prior to his role on the late-night program, Escobedo had a successful career as a professional musician, touring with Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire and Paula Abdul, and recording with artists including Marc anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six. Kimmel specifically requested Escobedo to led his band when he launched his ABC talk show,citing their long-standing rapport. “Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with,” Kimmel told WABC in 2015. “And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship began in 1977, when Kimmel’s family moved across the street from the Escobedos in Las Vegas. Kimmel often spoke about their close bond on air, including a segment in august 2016 where he celebrated Escobedo’s 50th birthday and recounted childhood memories.
Escobedo is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children, and also his father and other family members.The cause of death has not been released.
News of Escobedo’s passing follows the abrupt cancellation of Thursday’s episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to a reported “personal matter.”
