Jimmy Kimmel’s band leader and longtime friend Cleto Escobedo III dies at 59

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Cleto Escobedo III, who led the house band for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and was a close friend of Jimmy Kimmel, has passed away at the age of 59.

Kimmel announced the passing of Escobedo on Tuesday morning with an Instagram post, describing him as a wonderful friend, father, son, musician, and person.

I’m absolutely devastated by this loss,” Kimmel shared. “Cleto and I have been best friends since I was a kid. It was incredible that we also got to work together – something neither of us ever thought would happen. Please remember Cleto’s family – his wife, children, and parents – during this difficult time, and cherish your own friends.

News of Carl Escobedo’s passing follows the sudden cancellation of Thursday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show, which was said to be due to a private issue. Details about how Escobedo died haven’t been made public yet.

A post shared by Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel)

Since 2003, Escobedo has been the bandleader for the late-night show, performing with a musical group that included his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.

Escobedo was a talented musician who had toured with well-known artists like Philip Bailey from Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul. He also recorded music with artists including Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six. In 2003, when Jimmy Kimmel launched his late-night show on ABC, he specifically requested Escobedo to lead the house band, as he shared with WABC in 2015.

I definitely wanted talented musicians for the show, but it was also important to find someone I connected with personally,” Kimmel explained. “And honestly, no one makes me laugh and feel more comfortable than this guy.”

During his August 2016 show, Jimmy Kimmel celebrated musician Tony Escobedo’s 50th birthday and reminisced about their decades-long friendship. They first met in 1977 when Kimmel’s family became neighbors of the Escobedos in Las Vegas. Kimmel described their relationship as a lifelong friendship filled with the playful teasing and mischief typical of older brothers, and he shared several funny stories about their bond and Escobedo’s playful antics.

Kimmel joked that he looked forward to when Escobedo’s children turned twelve and discovered their father was a bit of a wild character. He also showed some childhood photos, including one of Escobedo playing the saxophone and another of Kimmel playing the clarinet.

Besides his father and other relatives, Escobedo is remembered by his wife, Lori, and their two children.

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2025-11-12 03:31