The tragic death of Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, closed a chapter of Jimmy Kimmel Live! that began on the show’s first episode.
Having led the Kimmel’s house band, The Cletones, since the inception of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Escobedo made his first appearance on the show’s debut episode over 22 years ago—on January 26, 2003.
“The guy with the saxophone right there? His name’s Cleto Escobedo. Cleto and I have been best friends since we were nine years old,” Kimmel proudly told guest co-host Snoop Dogg just minutes into his first episode.
“I was nine, he was ten actually,” Kimmel noted before introducing Cleto’s dad, Cleto Escobedo Jr., who was recruited by his son to join the band as second saxophonist.
The host went on to show a photo of himself and Escobedo performing music together in their younger years. Kimmel held a clarinet while Escobedo wielded his trademark sax.
“Oh yes, we were a big hit with the ladies,” Kimmel joked after pointing out their wardrobe: Escobedo in a Member’s Only jacket and Kimmel in what he jested were Gloria Vanderbilt jeans.
Kimmel would share a number of childhood photos of him and Escobedo over the years, taking pride in their long friendship. In fact, Kimmel was already touting the pair’s long history before Jimmy Kimmel Live! even began. In the lead-up to the show’s premiere, Kimmel noted to reporters how meaningful it was to have his childhood best friend by his side.
“We’re real excited because we would watch David Letterman in between making crank calls to people who were trying to sleep in Las Vegas,” Kimmel told The Oakland Tribune. “We imagined one day we would have a show.”
“He and I have been best friends since we were 9 years old,” he added to The Houston Chronicle. “I lived on his block in Las Vegas and slept in his house many a time, which I don’t think Dave can say about Paul [Shaffer].”
In a 2023 conversation with JKL sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, Escobedo also expressed gratitude for his long-running gig leading the Cletones. “I get to work with all my best friends, of course my family, and one of my best childhood friends, Jimmy,” said Escobedo. “To not have to go on the road and tour— I can go home and I can make dinner for my kids. I can take them to school in the morning; put them to bed. It’s just been great to be able to be home and be with my children.”
Kimmel announced Escobedo’s passing on social media Tuesday, revealing the musician had died early Tuesday morning. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel wrote, reflecting again on their friendship. “Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.” Escobedo was 59 years old.
My deepest condolences to you and your family and to Cleto’s family. My heart aches for your loss. My lifelong friends are the greatest gifts I have. Love and hugs ,Jimmy