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Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s Bandleader and Childhood Friend, Dies at 59

Kimmel delivered an emotional on‑air tribute following last week’s abrupt taping cancellation tied to Escobedo’s condition, with no cause of death announced.

Overview

  • Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death on Nov. 11 in an Instagram post, calling him a great friend and asking for prayers for his family.
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned with new episodes, and Kimmel honored Escobedo in a tearful monologue on Tuesday.
  • Variety reported that Escobedo’s condition was the personal reason the Nov. 6 taping was suddenly canceled.
  • Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s 2003 premiere and frequently performed alongside his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.
  • A veteran saxophonist, he toured or recorded with Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey, and he is survived by his wife, Lori, and two children.