Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s close friend and the band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live, has tragically passed away at the age of 59. Kimmel and Escobedo had been friends since childhood. Kimmel confirmed the bandleader’s passing on his Instagram page.
Cleto Escobedo III passes away at 59, Jimmy Kimmel pays tribute to Cleto Escobedo III
Hours ago, Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of Cleto Escobedo III, his long-term friend and the leader of Cleto and the Cletones. Kimmel and Escobedo share a long history with each other. Kimmel first announced the death in a touching tribute on Instagram.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel wrote. “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 and Kimmel were childhood friends and neighbors who grew up together in Las Vegas. As Kimmel pursued comedy, Escobedo followed his passion for music. In 1995, he formed Cleto and the Cletones, where he played the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones. Escobedo occasionally sang for the band as well. Other members included his father, Cleto Escobedo Sr, along with keyboardist Jeff Babko, guitarist Toshi Yanagi, bassist Jimmy Earl, and drummer Jonathan Dresel.
So far, there has been no confirmation about the cause of death. Kimmel is expected to address the death of his friend on Tuesday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Kimmel had previously talked about Escobedo on his show when the band leader turned 50. “We began a lifetime of friendship that was highlighted by the kind of torture that only an older brother can inflict on you without being arrested,” he said on the show before describing the numerous pranks they played on each other.
