In a deeply emotional announcement, the entertainment world is mourning the passing of beloved bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, whose untimely death has left a void in the late‑night community. Cleto Escobedo III, aged 59, passed away on November 11, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable friendship and career that blended music, television, and lifelong camaraderie.
A Life in Music and Friendship
Cleto Escobedo III’s journey was extraordinary. He was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in a musical family, demonstrating prodigious talent on the saxophone from an early age. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., helped shape his young musical path, eventually leading father and son to perform side‑by‑side on national television.
His connection with late‑night host Jimmy Kimmel dates back to childhood—growing up across the street in Las Vegas, the two forged a friendship that would span decades. When Kimmel launched his show in 2003, he invited Escobedo to lead the house band, cementing a professional partnership rooted in personal history. Over those years, Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones, the house band of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, becoming a familiar, talented presence in homes across America.
The Past Year: Signs and Setbacks
In the days leading up to his passing, there had been signs of concern. Earlier this month, an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was unexpectedly cancelled due to a “personal matter,” which was later tied to Escobedo’s declining health. While the official cause of death has not been formally disclosed by the family, some reports point to complications stemming from a liver transplant. The sudden cancellation and the host’s statement highlighting that “we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III” have underscored the gravity of the situation.
A Legacy Beyond the Saxophone
Cleto Escobedo III’s professional achievements extended well beyond his late‑night band role. Prior to joining Kimmel’s show, he toured with major acts and collaborated with musicians across genres. According to Kimmel, Escobedo was not simply hired for the job because of his technical skill; rather, it was about their chemistry and friendship: “there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
His impact is also felt through the father‑son dynamic he brought to national television, with his father participating in the band structure—an element that underscored his commitment to family while performing nightly. For many viewers, that interplay added warmth and authenticity to a mainstream late‑night format, marking Escobedo as a quietly influential figure.
The Community Reacts
Tributes poured in from colleagues, fans, and industry friends. Jimmy Kimmel’s heartfelt message described his longtime bandleader and friend in deeply personal terms, reflecting decades of shared memories—from pranks in Las Vegas to collaborative nights on television. Social‑media posts from bandmates and other late‑night artists noted the void left by Escobedo’s passing, citing his role as a mentor and a stabilizing presence behind the scenes.
His death has not only drawn attention to his career but also to the vital, often-overlooked role that late‑night house bands and their leaders play in the rhythm of television production—the improv moments, the musical transitions, the personality behind the saxophone solos. Cleto Escobedo III embodied that union of showmanship, musical integrity, and friendship.
What It Means Going Forward
With the passing of Cleto Escobedo III, the late‑night world loses more than a musician—it loses a bridge between personal loyalty and professional excellence. His story offers a reminder that behind the spotlight there are careers built on relationships, shared history, and musical passion.
For the house band of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, his absence will raise both emotional and logistical questions. The chemistry he shared with Kimmel and the group will be difficult to replicate, and one can expect meaningful adjustments in the show’s feel, tone, and musical tone‑setting. Fans and colleagues alike will be watching how the band honors his memory, whether through tribute segments, guest musician chairs, or evolving the ensemble’s sound.
Moreover, Escobedo’s passing may prompt broader industry reflection. Television production is often fast‑paced and high‑pressure; his choice to remain in a nightly-show role (rather than returning to heavier touring) underscored a balancing act—family and stability, friendship and artistry—that many professional musicians aim for yet rarely achieve at this level. Interviews in recent years noted how much he valued “this job” for that reason.
Final Thoughts
In the life and work of Cleto Escobedo III, viewers saw the saxophonist’s silhouette onstage, but more importantly, they witnessed the embodiment of loyalty, craft, and late‑night musical energy. His passing at 59 is a stark reminder of how quickly a presence can disappear—and just how indelible a legacy can be. As fans reflect on his solos, his set transitions, and his nightly presence, the impact of his work will likely resonate far beyond the closing credits. The phrase “bandleader” barely encapsulates the role he played: friend, childhood partner, musical guide, nightly catalyst.
For those who tuned in to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, for every band break that made you tap your foot or smile, know that behind it stood Cleto Escobedo III—ready, steady, saxophone in hand.
Credit: PopScopeNow.com — November 12, 2025
