Longtime 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dead at 59, Host Mourns Loss of Friend and Fellow Musician.
Cleto Escobedo III, the talented saxophonist who led the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has passed away at the age of 59. The news was announced by his long-time friend and fellow host, Jimmy Kimmel, on Tuesday.
Kimmel, who met Escobedo as a child and grew up across the street from him in Las Vegas, described their friendship as "inseparable." The two shared a love for music and comedy, often exchanging pranks and jokes over the years. In fact, Kimmel recalled one particularly memorable prank where Escobedo would drive his mom's car with a sidecar attached to it, leading Kimmel to be "mooned" by him.
As the bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo brought his musical talents to millions of viewers every week. He was not only an accomplished saxophonist but also a seasoned musician who has toured with big-name acts like Earth, Wind and Fire's Phillip Bailey and Paula Abdul, as well as recording artists Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six.
Kimmel praised Escobedo for his exceptional musicianship, saying he wanted someone with "great chemistry" to lead the show's house band. Their partnership was not only musically successful but also personally fulfilling, allowing them to balance their work and family life. In 2022, Escobedo even credited having a stable home life as one of the benefits of taking on his role as bandleader.
Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori, their two children, and his father, who has been a member of the show's house band for nearly two decades. News of his passing comes after Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly canceled, but Kimmel has promised to dedicate more time to celebrating Escobedo's life and legacy in future episodes.
As news of Escobedo's death spread, fans and fellow musicians alike took to social media to pay tribute to the talented musician. His love for music and his ability to bring people together through comedy will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
Cleto Escobedo III, the talented saxophonist who led the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has passed away at the age of 59. The news was announced by his long-time friend and fellow host, Jimmy Kimmel, on Tuesday.
Kimmel, who met Escobedo as a child and grew up across the street from him in Las Vegas, described their friendship as "inseparable." The two shared a love for music and comedy, often exchanging pranks and jokes over the years. In fact, Kimmel recalled one particularly memorable prank where Escobedo would drive his mom's car with a sidecar attached to it, leading Kimmel to be "mooned" by him.
As the bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo brought his musical talents to millions of viewers every week. He was not only an accomplished saxophonist but also a seasoned musician who has toured with big-name acts like Earth, Wind and Fire's Phillip Bailey and Paula Abdul, as well as recording artists Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six.
Kimmel praised Escobedo for his exceptional musicianship, saying he wanted someone with "great chemistry" to lead the show's house band. Their partnership was not only musically successful but also personally fulfilling, allowing them to balance their work and family life. In 2022, Escobedo even credited having a stable home life as one of the benefits of taking on his role as bandleader.
Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori, their two children, and his father, who has been a member of the show's house band for nearly two decades. News of his passing comes after Thursday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly canceled, but Kimmel has promised to dedicate more time to celebrating Escobedo's life and legacy in future episodes.
As news of Escobedo's death spread, fans and fellow musicians alike took to social media to pay tribute to the talented musician. His love for music and his ability to bring people together through comedy will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
he was an amazing guy and saxophonist, can't believe he's gone so soon. jimmy kimmel must be heartbroken, they were like two peas in a pod, you know? 
anyway, i'm sure cleto left behind an incredible legacy through his music and the countless people he touched with his talents. he'll be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through all the amazing things he did 
my heart goes out to Jimmy Kimmel & his family right now... Cleto was more than just a bandleader, he was a friend & a brother 
it's amazing how much impact one person can have on our lives, Cleto brought joy to millions of people every week through his music 
rest in peace, you will be deeply missed 
always loved watching Jimmy Kimmel Live! when he'd drive around with the sidecar on his mom's car lol 
but seriously, it's a big loss for music and TV. felt like we were all just getting started with him in that role 
. The guy could play the sax like nobody's business 
Can't we just have a stable lineup on Jimmy Kimmel Live! for once?! 
And why do they always cancel an episode after someone dies?! Can't just dedicate it to the deceased and be done with it? 
It's just so... unnecessary. 
just heard about Cleto Escobedo III 
anyway, I'm glad Jimmy Kimmel is taking the time to celebrate his life & legacy 
it's great that they had such a strong bond, both musically and personally 
their friendship seemed so genuine 
RIP Cleto, you will be deeply missed 
He brought this level of energy and talent to every show, it's crazy that he won't be there anymore 
I mean, who does that as a kid?! 
. Rest in peace, Cleto - your music and legacy will live on forever 
Now he's gone and it's really hitting me - those were some wild times in Vegas, growing up across the street from him. And who can forget that time he pulled off that epic prank on Jimmy? 
. I remember watching Jimmy Kimmel Live! and being blown away by his sax skills - he was like the heart of the show 
. But seriously, it's clear that Cleto was more than just a musician - he brought people together through his music and sense of humor 
He was such an iconic part of Jimmy Kimmel Live! 
I loved watching the show every week, not just for Jimmy's witty humor, but also for Cleto and the band's talented performances 
. I loved how they balanced work & family life, it's so inspiring 
. Escobedo's talent & chemistry with the show is still missed by millions 
. I loved how they described their friendship - inseparable is an understatement 
. He'll be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on through Jimmy's show