Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Jimmy Kimmel Tearfully Honors Late Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo
Jimmy Kimmel became very sad when his good friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, passed away.
Jimmy talked about how he and Cleto met when they were kids in Las Vegas and became best friends who knew each other really well.
Cleto was an amazing saxophone player from a very young age, and he led the band on Jimmy's TV show for many years.
Even Cleto's dad, who was also a musician, was proud of him.
Jimmy shared how much Cleto meant to him, not just as a musician but as someone who brought lots of joy and laughter.
He remembered times when they spent a lot of time together, showing how close they were.
It was a very touching moment on TV as Jimmy remembered his dear friend.
Jimmy Kimmel became emotional while honoring his late friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III.
Kimmel described Escobedo, who was 59, as a "wonderful father, friend as well as son, musician and a man."
Their decades-long friendship began in Las Vegas when they were neighbors as children.
Kimmel praised Escobedo's exceptional musical talent, particularly his saxophone skills from a young age.
The bandleader's father, Cleto Escobedo II, was also a saxophonist and a member of the band 'Cleto and the Cletones.'
- Who
- Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', and his friend, Jimmy Kimmel.
- What
- Jimmy Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute to his late friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, highlighting their decades-long friendship and Escobedo's musical talents.
- When
- The tribute was shared after Escobedo's death.
- Where
- The tribute was shared on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'; their friendship began in Las Vegas.
- Why
- To honor the life and memory of his close friend and bandleader.
- Name
- Cleto Escobedo III
- Age
- 59
- Associated Show
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Band
- Cleto and the Cletones
- Friendship Start
- Childhood in Las Vegas
- Occupation
- Bandleader, Musician, Saxophonist
- Father's Occupation
- Saxophonist, Member of Cleto and the Cletones
Sources
Who Was Cleto Escobedo? Jimmy Kimmel Mourns Death Of Friend And Long Time Band Leader
Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmels bandleader and childhood friend, dies at 59
Cleto Escobedo III death cause: What happened to Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader and childhood friend
'Have been inseparable since I was nine..': Jimmy Kimmel mourns death of bandleader Cleto Escobedo III
Who was Cleto Escobedo III? Jimmy Kimmel mourns loss of childhood friend and bandleader
Viral video: Jimmy Kimmel fights tears as he pays tribute to his 24/7 friend Cleto Escobedo III
