Beloved 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Passes Away at 59
In a shocking move, Jimmy Kimmel announced the passing of his childhood friend and longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. The news was shared on Instagram by Kimmel himself, who described Escobedo as "a great friend, father, son, musician and man." The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The two met growing up in Las Vegas, where they became inseparable. They even had a nickname for each other - "the side hack" - which often involved Kimmel sneaking into garbage cans and bushes with Escobedo's help. This playful relationship was on full display when Kimmel dedicated an episode to celebrating Escobedo's 50th birthday.
Prior to his time as bandleader, Escobedo had a successful music career of his own. He signed a record deal and toured with big-name artists such as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His father, also a skilled saxophonist, played alongside him in the band.
Cleto and the Cletones have been leading the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" house band since its premiere in 2003. Escobedo brought his talent for playing multiple saxophones to the show, as well as an occasional singing performance.
As news of Escobedo's passing spread, fans took to social media to express their shock and sadness. With a career spanning decades, it's clear that Cleto will be deeply missed by those who knew him, particularly Jimmy Kimmel, with whom he shared a bond that went far beyond just friendship.
In a shocking move, Jimmy Kimmel announced the passing of his childhood friend and longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. The news was shared on Instagram by Kimmel himself, who described Escobedo as "a great friend, father, son, musician and man." The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The two met growing up in Las Vegas, where they became inseparable. They even had a nickname for each other - "the side hack" - which often involved Kimmel sneaking into garbage cans and bushes with Escobedo's help. This playful relationship was on full display when Kimmel dedicated an episode to celebrating Escobedo's 50th birthday.
Prior to his time as bandleader, Escobedo had a successful music career of his own. He signed a record deal and toured with big-name artists such as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His father, also a skilled saxophonist, played alongside him in the band.
Cleto and the Cletones have been leading the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" house band since its premiere in 2003. Escobedo brought his talent for playing multiple saxophones to the show, as well as an occasional singing performance.
As news of Escobedo's passing spread, fans took to social media to express their shock and sadness. With a career spanning decades, it's clear that Cleto will be deeply missed by those who knew him, particularly Jimmy Kimmel, with whom he shared a bond that went far beyond just friendship.
his legacy lives on thru jimmy kimmel and the "jimmy kimmel live!" crew tho... its sad how music careers can go from rockstar to behind the scenes but still bring so much joy to people's lives 
so sad to see one of the original guys from "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" go 
it's crazy thinkin he started out as a musician playin with big names like Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind & Fire 
but now he's just another legend we'll miss 
I need more info on what that was all about! Did he really sneak into garbage cans with Jimmy? 
Either way, Cleto's legacy lives on through his music and the countless memories he helped create. Rest in peace, dude 
. Not only was he an incredibly talented musician, but he had such a strong connection with Jimmy Kimmel that it's clear they loved each other as people too 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to sneak into garbage cans and bushes with their best friend? 
. I guess that just goes to show that there are so many different paths you can take in life, and sometimes the best things come from unexpected places 
. But from what I've seen on social media, it seems like he was loved by so many people around the world 
. That's really something special 
. He had such an iconic sound with the Cletones... it's crazy that he was more than just a bandleader, but also a musician in his own right 
. And it's crazy how close Jimmy and Cleto were growing up together 
. I remember watching those old episodes where they'd sneak around and play pranks on each other 
. It's a shame we won't get to see him rock out with the Cletones again 
. As a fan of the show, I have to say that my favorite part was when he would sneak up on Jimmy with him during those "side hack" moments 
. Rest in peace, Cleto 
Cleto Escobedo III was more than just a musician - he was like a part of the family for Jimmy Kimmel and all the fans watching at home. Those childhood memories in Vegas, sneaking into trash cans together 
. Rest in peace, dude 
"The side hack" is literally the coolest thing ever. But seriously, Cleto was more than just a bandleader, he was part of the show's family. And it's crazy to think about how much he contributed to the whole vibe of the live show. I'm gonna miss his sax playing skills 
those side hack vids are still making me LOL 
what an amazing career spanning decades and we'll always remember him as one of the coolest bandleaders on TV 
... he had such a legendary music career too 
... rest in peace, Cleto 
#RIPcleto #MusicLoversUnite #JimmyKimmelLive
59 years old is too young, you know? I mean, Cleto Escobedo III was living his best life, touring with big-name artists and leading the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" house band... it's just not fair 
and his music career before that was no joke too... he played with some huge names like paula abdul and earth, wind & fire... what a talent