Jimmy Kimmel's longtime friend and musical partner, Cleto Escobedo III, has left an indelible mark on late-night television with his passing at the age of 59. As the bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo's soulful saxophone playing was an integral part of the show's signature sound since its inception in 2003.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, but it is reported that Escobedo had been hospitalized last week, prompting Kimmel to cancel his Thursday episode to be by his side. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Escobedo's enduring legacy.
Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Escobedo grew up surrounded by music, having started playing the saxophone at a young age and becoming a child prodigy. His father, also a saxophonist, encouraged his son's passion for music, eventually forming a band together.
Escobedo's professional music career took off when he joined Paula Abdul's roster as a performer, later transitioning to join her label. It was during this time that Kimmel and Escobedo forged an unbreakable bond, with the comedian pitching Jimmy Kimmel Live! to ABC in 2003 – a move that marked the beginning of their long-standing partnership.
Throughout his career, Escobedo's dedication to his craft was evident. He brought joy and camaraderie to the show, often joking about childhood misadventures and playful pranks with Kimmel. "We were like two peas in a pod," Kimmel reflected during Tuesday night's episode. "We loved all the same things – baseball, fishing, boxing... we never missed David Letterman."
As a tribute to his friend, Kimmel paid heartfelt tribute to Escobedo on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, sharing stories of their countless sleepovers, backyard games, and laughter-filled moments. The comedian's emotional eulogy was met with tears from the audience, underscoring the depth of the bond between these two beloved entertainers.
In a poignant message, Kimmel implored viewers to cherish their friendships, citing Escobedo as an example of what can be achieved when companionship is nurtured. "We're not here forever," he said through tears. The show will take a break for several days to allow the team and fans time to grieve.
Cleto Escobedo III's passing marks the end of an era in late-night television, but his music, friendship, and infectious energy will continue to be celebrated by those who knew him. As Kimmel so eloquently put it: "Cherish your friends, we're not here forever."
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, but it is reported that Escobedo had been hospitalized last week, prompting Kimmel to cancel his Thursday episode to be by his side. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to Escobedo's enduring legacy.
Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Escobedo grew up surrounded by music, having started playing the saxophone at a young age and becoming a child prodigy. His father, also a saxophonist, encouraged his son's passion for music, eventually forming a band together.
Escobedo's professional music career took off when he joined Paula Abdul's roster as a performer, later transitioning to join her label. It was during this time that Kimmel and Escobedo forged an unbreakable bond, with the comedian pitching Jimmy Kimmel Live! to ABC in 2003 – a move that marked the beginning of their long-standing partnership.
Throughout his career, Escobedo's dedication to his craft was evident. He brought joy and camaraderie to the show, often joking about childhood misadventures and playful pranks with Kimmel. "We were like two peas in a pod," Kimmel reflected during Tuesday night's episode. "We loved all the same things – baseball, fishing, boxing... we never missed David Letterman."
As a tribute to his friend, Kimmel paid heartfelt tribute to Escobedo on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, sharing stories of their countless sleepovers, backyard games, and laughter-filled moments. The comedian's emotional eulogy was met with tears from the audience, underscoring the depth of the bond between these two beloved entertainers.
In a poignant message, Kimmel implored viewers to cherish their friendships, citing Escobedo as an example of what can be achieved when companionship is nurtured. "We're not here forever," he said through tears. The show will take a break for several days to allow the team and fans time to grieve.
Cleto Escobedo III's passing marks the end of an era in late-night television, but his music, friendship, and infectious energy will continue to be celebrated by those who knew him. As Kimmel so eloquently put it: "Cherish your friends, we're not here forever."
that's so sad Cleto was more than just a musician on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 
he was like family to Jimmy 
their bond is truly inspiring and I'm so grateful for the music they made together 
. I've seen some of those videos of Jimmy pitching Jimmy Kimmel Live! 
to ABC and it's amazing how far they came 
Cleto may be gone but his legacy lives on through the countless people he touched 
we should all take a cue from Jimmy and cherish our friendships like we do our loved ones 
. Rest in peace, Cleto #RIPcletoescobedo #JimmyKimmelLive! #MusicToMyEars
Just heard about Cleto Escobedo III's passing 
. The way Jimmy Kimmel remembered their friendship and all the fun times they had together was really beautiful 
. I'm glad we got to see his talent and personality on TV for so long 
. Kimmel was right, we're not here forever, let's cherish our friendships while they still matter 
.
... I mean, a guy like Cleto Escobedo III leaving the building? It's like, what's going on here? 
He was just 59, that's not old, right? 
And Kimmel is acting all teary-eyed about it... could this be some kind of cover-up? 
I mean, think about it, Escobedo was more than just a friend to Kimmel - they were like two peas in a pod. It's suspicious that their friendship lasted for so long without anyone noticing anything fishy. 
And what about all the backstage shenanigans they used to get up to? 
Did nobody notice that Escobedo was getting all the attention while Kimmel just smiled and nodded along? 
The way Jimmy Kimmel paid tribute to him was really touching - their bond seemed like something special 
. Rest in peace, Cleto 
can you imagine not getting to see what music or adventures they would have done next? 
let's all take a moment to remember Cleto and his beautiful spirit 
he brought so much joy to the show with his humor and music 
who else can say they've shared sleepovers and backyard games on live tv? 
anyway RIP cleto you will be deeply missed 
my heart is with jimmy kimmel and the whole team right now 
it's clear they were more than just friends, but family 
omg u guys i just saw jimmy kimmel's ep on cleto escobedo iii and i'm literally sobbing in my room 
he was literally the best bandleader ever and his sax playing was always on point 
anyway jimmy kimmel's tribute to him was so beautiful and i loved how he talked about their friendship like they were two peas in a pod 
). The way Jimmy Kimmel spoke about Cleto's passing on the show was so emotional, I got chills watching it. It's moments like these that make me appreciate the importance of friendship and making memories with people who become like family to you.
those were some crazy times, and I'll never forget watching him bring the house down with his soulful sax playing 