The untold story of Cleto Escobedo: Jimmy Kimmel’s lifelong friend and the prank that almost broke them

In the world of late-night television, the host is the captain, but the bandleader is the steady rhythm that keeps the ship sailing through calm waters and stormy seas. For over two decades on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, that rhythm, that soul, that infectious energy was provided by Cleto Escobedo III. This week, the music fell silent with the heartbreaking announcement of Escobedo’s passing, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the entire entertainment community.

The news was shared in a deeply personal tribute by his lifelong friend, Jimmy Kimmel, who painted a picture of a man who was far more than just an employee. He was a foundational pillar of Kimmel’s life and show. “Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man,” Kimmel wrote, urging the public to hold Escobedo’s family in their prayers. The raw emotion was palpable as he reflected on a friendship that spanned nearly their entire lives, calling the opportunity to work alongside his childhood friend a “dream” they never imagined would come true.

The bond between Kimmel and Escobedo was the stuff of Hollywood lore, but its roots were planted firmly in the sunbaked soil of Las Vegas. It was 1977 when a nine-year-old Kimmel moved in across the street, and an inseparable partnership was born. Theirs wasn’t a friendship of polite playdates; it was forged in the chaotic, joyful, and occasionally painful fires of boyhood mischief. Kimmel once dedicated an entire show segment to these memories for Cleto’s 50th birthday, recounting tales that felt like scenes from a classic coming-of-age film.

He reminisced about the “side hack”—a bicycle with a sidecar that Cleto would commandeer, only to deliberately steer a young, trusting Jimmy directly into trash cans and bushes. There was the homemade go-kart, a testament to Kimmel’s childhood engineering, which Cleto sneakily sabotaged by gluing the steering column, sending a panicked Jimmy careening into traffic. These weren’t acts of malice, but the unique language of brotherhood. It was, as Kimmel joked, “the kind of torture that you can only inflict—an older brother can inflict on you without being arrested.”

But amidst the pranks and chaos, there was always music. A faded childhood photo, shared during that same tribute, showed the two boys already in sync: Kimmel on clarinet and Escobedo on saxophone. Even then, Cleto’s destiny was clear. He was a prodigy, a musician whose talent was so profound that, as Kimmel recalled, his entire school would gather to watch him play, earning standing ovations before he was even a teenager.

This prodigious talent blossomed into a stellar career. Before the late-night spotlight, Escobedo was a professional touring musician, sharing stages with legends like Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, and even securing his own record deal. So when the opportunity for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” arose, there was never any question in Kimmel’s mind about who would lead the band. The chemistry was non-negotiable.

“I was nervous,” Kimmel admitted in a past interview, fearing network executives might balk at hiring his friend. His solution was simple and brilliant: he took the president of ABC to see Cleto and his band perform. The executive was instantly won over. “Of course I wanted great musicians,” Kimmel said, “but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”

For over 20 years, that chemistry was a gift to audiences nationwide. Cleto and the Cletones, a band that proudly included his father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., provided the show’s irresistible pulse. They were the soundtrack to countless interviews, monologues, and comedy bits—a constant, professional, and joyful presence. The recent, unexplained postponement of a show taping now makes tragic sense, a quiet moment of respect for a personal loss too profound to ignore. The stage lights may have dimmed for a beloved bandleader, but the melody of his life, his friendship, and his immense talent will play on forever in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

FAQ Section

Q1: Who was Cleto Escobedo III?
A1: Cleto Escobedo III was the highly respected bandleader of “Cleto and the Cletones,” the house band for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for over 20 years. He was also Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood best friend.

Q2: How did Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo meet?
A2: They met as children in Las Vegas in 1977 when Kimmel’s family moved in across the street from Escobedo. They were inseparable from the age of nine.

Q3: What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Cleto’s passing?
A3: Kimmel shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, calling Cleto a “great friend, father, son, musician, and man” and stating that their ability to work together was a dream come true.

Q4: Was Cleto Escobedo in other bands before Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
A4: Yes, he was a professional touring musician described as a “child prodigy.” He toured with major acts like Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul and had his own record deal.

Q5: Is Cleto’s father also in the band?
A5: Yes, Cleto Escobedo Sr., has been a member of Cleto and the Cletones, playing saxophone on the show alongside his son for many years.