Cleto Escobedo III was a professional saxophonist and bandleader who led Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He and Jimmy Kimmel had been friends since childhood, after growing up across the street from each other in Las Vegas. Before joining the show, Escobedo toured and recorded with established artists.
Who was Cleto Escobedo?
Escobedo was a working musician whose primary instrument was the saxophone. He became widely known as the leader of Cleto and the Cletones, the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. His career connected professional touring and recording work with a long-running role in late-night television.
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How did Cleto Escobedo know Jimmy Kimmel?
They met as children in Las Vegas and grew up as neighbors, living across the street from one another. The Associated Press reported that Escobedo recalled meeting Kimmel outside with other children; they clicked over a shared sense of humor and remained close friends. In a 2022 oral-history interview in Texas Tech University’s Southwest Collection, Escobedo put it this way: “We just met one day on the street, and there were a few kids on the street, and him and I just became really close friends, and we kind of had the same sense of humor. We just became pals, and we’ve been pals ever since.” (Associated Press, Nov. 11, 2025)
What did Escobedo do before Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
Escobedo built a career as a professional saxophonist before becoming a television bandleader. The Associated Press reported that he toured with Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, and recorded with Marc Anthony, Tom Scott and Take 6. These credits reflect work across touring and studio recording rather than a career limited to television. (Associated Press, Nov. 11, 2025)
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- Approx. Size: 27 x 40 Inches - 69cm x 102cm
- Size is provided by the manufacturer and may not be exact
- The Amazon image in this listing is a digital scan of the poster that you will receive
- Jimmy Kimmel Live Style A 27 x 40 Inches Poster
- Packaged with care and shipped in sturdy reinforced packing material
How did he become Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader?
When Kimmel was preparing his late-night show, he called his longtime friend with an offer. ABC News reported Escobedo’s recollection: “I think I was in Atlanta, and Jimmy called and said ‘Hey man, I think I’m gonna have this show. Do you wanna be my bandleader?’ Of course I was like ‘Yes.’” Escobedo added, “It’s been the best gig ever.” He went on to lead Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. (ABC News, Nov. 11, 2025)
When did Cleto Escobedo die?
ABC News reported on Nov. 11, 2025, that Escobedo died that Tuesday morning at age 59. The report said no cause of death was provided; it does not establish a cause. Kimmel’s statement, reproduced by ABC, described Escobedo as his longtime bandleader and said, “Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.” (ABC News, Nov. 11, 2025)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How did Jimmy Kimmel pay tribute to him?
Jimmy Kimmel Live! published an official video titled “Jimmy Kimmel Remembers His Best Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” dated Nov. 11, 2025. The listing gives its runtime as 22 minutes and 15 seconds. Watch the official tribute on ABC.
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