Jimmy Kimmel Mourns Cleto Escobedo III, Longtime Bandleader and ‘Musical Backbone’ of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
LOS ANGELES, CA – Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to Cleto Escobedo III, his bandleader and close friend for nearly 23 years, following Escobedo’s death. Kimmel announced the loss on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday night, sharing personal anecdotes and highlighting Escobedo’s unusual musical talent and the profound impact he had on his life and the show.
Kimmel recounted his first appearance on Late Show with David Letterman in 1999 as a pivotal moment they shared, recalling a phone call made while nervously walking in New York City. “I called him just so we could be amazed together that this was happening and it was an amazing thing,” Kimmel said. He also praised Escobedo’s early musical prowess, describing him as a “child prodigy who would get standing ovations in junior high school.”
The relationship deepened when Kimmel was offered his own late-night show in 2002. “One day in September of 2002, I got a talk show just out of nowhere,” Kimmel explained. “And when you do a show like this, you need a few things…and of course, I wanted Cleto to lead my band.” He emphasized the importance of Escobedo’s leadership, stating, “The idea that anyone other than him would lead the band was terrifying.”
kimmel successfully pitched the idea of Escobedo leading the band – and including his father – to ABC executive Lloyd Braun. He described a memorable audition where Escobedo and his father performed “Pick Up the Pieces” by the Average White Band on two saxophones. “Lloyd saw it. He saw the father and son together. He said, ‘I love it.’ And he just got up and left,” Kimmel recalled.
The host became emotional while reflecting on the prospect the show provided Escobedo’s father. “I’ve frequently enough said that the single best thing about doing this show was getting the opportunity to allow Cleto Senior to pick up where he left off in 1966 and become a musician again with his son.”
Kimmel noted the widespread affection for Escobedo within the show’s team, stating, “Everyone here at the show, we are devastated.” Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be taking a few nights off to honor Escobedo’s memory. despite his grief, Kimmel expressed gratitude for thier years together, saying, “Even though I’m heartbroken to lose him, I’m going to take yet another lesson from him and acknowledge how lucky I was to have him literally at my side for so many years.”
