Overview
- Jimmy Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death on Instagram early Tuesday, calling him a lifelong friend and colleague.
- Variety reported that Escobedo’s condition was the “personal reason” last Thursday’s taping was canceled; the show has resumed and the postponed episode is being rescheduled.
- Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones since the show’s 2003 debut, a band that also featured his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.
- The Las Vegas–born saxophonist toured and recorded with artists including Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey and Marc Anthony.
- No cause of death has been released, and Escobedo is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children.