What Happened to Jimmy Kimmel's Friend and Band Leader Cleto Escobedo III?
Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live, died at the age of 59. Jimmy Kimmel shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, calling him a great friend, father, son, and musician.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ7f5moEYYy/
Cleto and Jimmy grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas. They became inseparable when Jimmy was just nine years old.
The two spent their childhood having adventures and laughing together. They even developed their own language that almost no one else could understand.
Jimmy recalled pranks like mooning people from the back of his mom's car and riding Cleto's bicycle with a sidecar attached. Cleto would drive him directly into garbage cans and bushes.
Paula Abdul says goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III
His Musical Career
Cleto was a talented saxophonist. He toured with Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind and Fire's Phillip Bailey, and recorded with Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six.
Paula Abdul discovered him playing saxophone at a small bar in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. She hired him for her first world tour even though he had no touring experience at the time.
Leading the Band on Jimmy Kimmel Live
When Jimmy got his own ABC late-night talk show in 2003, he pushed for Cleto to lead the house band.
Cleto led Cleto and the Cletones since the show's start.
Jimmy told WABC in 2015 that he wanted someone he had chemistry with. He said there was nobody in his life he had better chemistry with than Cleto.
They worked together every day, fulfilling a dream neither thought would come true.
Cleto Escobedo's Family
Cleto was married to Lori and had two children. His family has stayed away from the spotlight and wants privacy during this difficult time.
His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., also plays in the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band on tenor and alto saxophones. The father and son performed together on screen for nearly two decades.
Jimmy gave an emotional tribute on his show, breaking down in tears as he remembered his childhood friend. He ended his Instagram post asking people to cherish their friends and keep Cleto's wife, children, and parents in their prayers.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on the latest official announcements and tributes. For updates and additional details, please refer to official sources or statements from family and close friends.
