A profound silence has fallen over the bandstand at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the passing of Cleto Escobedo III, the show’s beloved bandleader and, more importantly, Jimmy Kimmel’s closest friend for fifty years. At 59, Cleto leaves behind a legacy not just of music, but of a rare and enduring friendship that played out in front of a national audience. Kimmel announced the loss with a heavy heart, painting a picture of a man who was so much more than his title—a cherished father, son, and a true artist whose absence is felt as an unthinkable loss.
The foundation of this story was a bond forged in the innocence of childhood. Meeting in Las Vegas at the age of nine, Jimmy and Cleto became inseparable, their lives a duet of music and mischief. Kimmel has often fondly recalled their early adventures, like the time Cleto piloted a bicycle sidecar directly into bushes with a young Jimmy as his passenger. Their connection was built on a shared sense of humor and a love for life that never faded, creating a brotherhood that would become the emotional core of Kimmel’s future professional world.
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It was this deep, personal trust that made Cleto the only choice to lead the band when Kimmel’s late-night show was born. Kimmel took a personal risk, insisting to network executives that his friend was the right man for the job, and his conviction paid off magnificently. Cleto and the Cletones became the heartbeat of the program, their energy infectious and their sound impeccable. The stage became a family place for the Escobedos, with Cleto’s father joining the band, creating a touching and unique father-son duo that celebrated their shared passion nightly.
Cleto’s entire life seemed to be a journey leading to that bandstand. Born into a musical family, he was emotionally moved by the power of performance from the age of five, watching his own father with tears of excitement. His prodigious talent carried him from local gigs in Vegas to the world stage, touring with music legends. Yet, the most significant call was the one from his oldest friend, offering a chance to blend their personal and professional lives into a single, joyful dream they had shared since they were boys.
In his final public words about his friend, Kimmel emphasized the miraculous nature of their shared journey, calling their daily collaboration a dream come true. For over two decades, viewers were subtly treated to a masterclass in friendship, a partnership built on five decades of trust, laughter, and shared history. While Cleto Escobedo III is survived by his loving wife, children, and parents, he is also remembered by millions who witnessed the genuine warmth and unparalleled talent he brought to the screen every night, a testament to a life beautifully lived.
