Late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel is deeply saddened by the passing of his long-time friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, from his television show.
Kimmel shared the news of Escobedo’s death on Instagram, revealing that he passed away early in the morning. Expressing profound grief, Kimmel described their bond as irreplaceable. Escobedo, aged 59, and Kimmel’s friendship began in Las Vegas during their childhood as neighbors.
In a 2022 interview with Texas Tech University’s Southwest Collection oral history archive, Escobedo reminisced about their chance meeting as kids and their shared sense of humor. Both were avid fans of David Letterman during their youth.
Escobedo pursued a successful music career specializing in the saxophone, collaborating with renowned artists like Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind and Fire, Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six. When Kimmel launched his late-night show on ABC in 2003, he insisted on having Escobedo as the bandleader due to their exceptional chemistry.
On Escobedo’s 50th birthday in 2016, Kimmel dedicated a segment to their friendship, recalling humorous memories from their past antics together. The sudden cancellation of a recent episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” featuring guests David Duchovny, Joe Keery, and Madison Beer was linked to Escobedo’s unexpected passing.
Escobedo’s father, also a member of Kimmel’s house band, joined the show, playing tenor and alto saxophones. The father-son duo marked nearly two decades of on-screen performances in January 2022.
In a 2022 interview, Escobedo highlighted the perk of the bandleader role – the opportunity for quality family time, contrasting it with the challenges of constant touring. Survived by his wife Lori and their two children, Escobedo leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories with Kimmel and the band.
Kimmel expressed gratitude for the privilege of working alongside Escobedo daily, emphasizing the importance of valuing friendships and offering prayers for Escobedo’s family.
