Overview
- Jimmy Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death on Tuesday in an Instagram tribute, calling him a great friend and longtime bandleader.
- Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones on the ABC show since its 2003 debut, a gig he secured at Kimmel’s insistence after they grew up together in Las Vegas.
- Variety reported that Escobedo’s condition was the personal reason a Nov. 6 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' taping was abruptly canceled, with Kimmel expected to address the loss on the show.
- A celebrated saxophonist, Escobedo toured or recorded with artists including Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey, Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony.
- He is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children, and his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., has also performed in the show’s house band.