Jimmy Kimmel

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.”