Cleto Escobedo III: 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Band Leader, Dies at 59

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Cleto Escobedo III, the leader of the band Cleto and the Cletones, best known for his time on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", has reportedly passed away.

The sad news was announced directly by his friend, Jimmy Kimmel, via a social media post.

The passing of this talented musician has left a deep sorrow for the entertainment world and his fans.

According to reports, Cleto Escobedo III passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 59.

Although the exact cause of death has not been officially announced, several sources indicate that he was hospitalized due to complications from a liver transplant.

His deteriorating health even led to the abrupt cancellation of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" a few days earlier.

Jimmy Kimmel, who had been friends with Escobedo since childhood, offered his heartfelt condolences.

He called Escobedo a friend, father, son, musician, and a great man.

Cleto Escobedo III's presence on Kimmel's show was not only as a musician, but also as an integral part of the show's identity.

Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel‘s close friend and the bandleader of his talk show, has died at 59 years old.Kimmel wrote in a statement: “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are… pic.twitter.com/9CnaaCnX1L

— Variety (@Variety) November 11, 2025

Cleto Valentine Escobedo III is a highly respected American musician and bandleader.

He leads Cleto and the Cletones, the band that consistently accompanies the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

His role is vital in providing the distinctive musical atmosphere of each episode.

In the band, Escobedo III is proficient in playing various saxophones, including alto, tenor, and soprano.

His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., is also a member of the band, playing tenor and alto saxophones.

Cleto Escobedo III's involvement with Jimmy Kimmel Live! stems from his lifelong friendship with the host.

They grew up in Las Vegas, where their musical and entertainment dreams were inspired by figures like David Letterman.

Kimmel even insisted that Escobedo lead his band when the show launched in 2003.

“I always thank him for this gig because he could have tried to get somebody that was established and would help the show more, being a bigger name or whatever,” Escobedo told ABC7 in a 2013 interview.

“But he trusted me with this job, and I’ve tried to do the best I can.”

The news of Cleto Escobedo III's passing came to the fore after Jimmy Kimmel announced it the same day.

Kimmel's emotional Instagram show their close relationship that had existed since Kimmel was nine years old.

Escobedo and Kimmel were childhood friends and neighbors growing up in Las Vegas.

As Kimmel pursued comedy, Escobedo formed the band Cleto and the Cletones in 1995, primarily playing saxophone.

Before the sad news broke, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" had been abruptly canceled the previous Thursday.

The cancellation was reportedly due to a "personal issue" involving Kimmel, which was later revealed to be related to Escobedo's deteriorating health.

While the cause of death has not been officially announced, initial reports indicate complications following a liver transplant.

Cleto Escobedo III was reportedly hospitalized a week before his death.

Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cleto Escobedo III.

He began playing the saxophone under the guidance of his father, who was also a musician.

Before joining "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", Escobedo had already made his mark in the music industry by touring with renowned artists.

He has accompanied such big names as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire.

In addition to touring, Cleto Escobedo III is also active in recording music, collaborating with Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and Take Six.

In 1995, he formed his own band, Cleto and the Cletones, which later became a regular backing band on Jimmy Kimmel's show.

His contributions also extend to composing commercial jingles.

Offstage, Cleto Escobedo III is a husband and father, married to Lori and has two children.

His family lives in Studio City, California.