Cleto Escobedo III

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel's longtime bandleader and childhood friend, has died at the age of 59. 

Kimmel announced the news Tuesday, Nov. 11, in an emotional Instagram post, sharing his heartbreak over the loss of someone he had been inseparable from since they were nine years old.

"Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," Kimmel wrote. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was 9 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. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers."

Escobedo was best known as the leader of "Cleto and the Cletones," the house band for "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" since the show’s debut in 2003. He played alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones and occasionally sang on the show.

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Escobedo shared a deep bond with Kimmel that began in childhood. The two grew up together and maintained a friendship that spanned decades. 

Outside of the show, Escobedo had an accomplished music career, touring with artists like Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony.

Music ran in Escobedo’s family. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., also played saxophone in "Cleto and the Cletones" and was a member of the 1960s band Los Blues.

The news of Escobedo's death came shortly after "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" unexpectedly aired reruns, leaving fans concerned before Kimmel’s public announcement.

Escobedo is survived by his wife, children, and parents.