Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel‘s in-house band, has died at the age of 59.
Cleto was the saxophonist and leader of Cleto and the Cletones, as well as a childhood friend of Kimmel’s. Kimmel announced Cleto’s death on social media yesterday (November 11), writing: “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
He continued: “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.”
Kimmel’s show just hours after the announcement included an opening monologue that saw the host tearily remember his late friend.
Cleto Escobedo III grew up as an early childhood friend of Jimmy Kimmel. While Kimmel ventured into the world of comedy, Escobedo made a name for himself as a saxophonist and worked with the likes of Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony.
He began touring with Abdul in 1988 for her album ‘Forever Your Girl’, and later performed occasionally with Earth, Wind & Fire. His last tour with a major musician saw him perform with Marc Anthony in the early 2000s.
In 2003, Escobedo was approached by Kimmel, who asked Cleto to join his in-house band for his late-night talkshow. Escobedo accepted the offer, and formed Cleto and the Cletones for the show. He had been bandleader for the show from its inception in 2003 until his death.
Following the news of his death, Paula Abdul and other celebrities have paid tribute to the late musician. Abdul wrote: “My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III. 💔 I first met Cleto when he was playing sax in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I was putting together my band for my first world tour and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didn’t have any touring experience yet. His talent and energy were undeniable, and he went on to have an amazing career, reuniting with his best friend @jimmykimmel as the bandleader on @JimmyKimmelLive! Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage. Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him.”
My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III. 💔 I first met Cleto when he was playing sax in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I was putting together my band for my first world tour and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him,… pic.twitter.com/Z5hd1DVjUi
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) November 12, 2025
Other tributes can be found in the comment section of Kimmel’s post. Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet wrote: “So sorry to hear this Jimmy. He was AWESOME. Love to his family.”