Cleto Escobedo III, who led the band “Cleto and the Cletones” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, has passed away, as announced by Jimmy Kimmel on social media. The late-night host expressed heartfelt condolences, calling Escobedo a “great friend, father, son, musician and man,” and urged his followers to keep his family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Kimmel shared the profound bond he had with Escobedo, recalling their friendship that began in childhood when Kimmel moved across the street from him in Las Vegas in 1977. “Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old,” he reflected. Their relationship flourished over the years into a remarkable partnership on late-night television, spanning over two decades.
This news comes shortly after Kimmel postponed a show taping for a personal matter, further highlighting the weight of the loss. Escobedo, a talented musician and child prodigy, was integral to the show’s success, as Kimmel recognized when “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” first aired in 2003. Kimmel noted that he wanted musicians with whom he had undeniable chemistry, stating, “There’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
Kimmel had previously honored Escobedo on his 50th birthday, sharing humorous anecdotes that showcased the playful nature of their friendship. Among the stories, Kimmel recounted moments from their childhood, such as riding in a sidecar or a go-kart that Escobedo had mischievously sabotaged. Their bond was illustrated through nostalgic pictures of the pair enjoying music together, with Kimmel on the clarinet and Escobedo on the saxophone.
Beyond his role on the show, Escobedo’s impact as an artist and friend leaves a lasting legacy, and the warm memories shared by Kimmel paint a picture of a cherished relationship that touched the hearts of many.
The loss of Cleto Escobedo is a poignant moment for both Kimmel and fans of the show, underscoring the importance of friendship and the connections that music fosters in our lives.