Photo by Noe DeWitt cleto escobedo III, longtime bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! He was the beloved former bandleader on Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel and dear friend of the comedian’s, Anton’s humor exuding warmth. Kimmel memorialized Escobedo on social media, announcing her untimely and unexpected passing early Tuesday morning. He shared his deep sadness for the loss of his friend, referring to him as an amazing father, son, and musician.
Escobedo joined the annual Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” gala benefit on Feb. 22, 2025, benefiting the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. His death just four months later. At this event, he was honored next to Kimmel, emphasizing their decades-long relationship and creative partnership. The gala took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where both men were celebrated for their contributions to the entertainment industry and community.
Kimmel continued to celebrate their close connection in a sweet birthday message to Escobedo. In interviews, he spoke fondly of their first encounter in 1977 — shortly after he relocated to Las Vegas. Escobedo went on to become Kimmel’s next door neighbor and eventually formed a friendship that would span decades. Their friendship extended beyond the personal. They had a particularly successful run in those years with professional development under Escobedo’s leadership of the band Cleto and the Cletones on Kimmel’s show.
In a heartfelt statement, Kimmel shared, “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.” He spoke to the special nature of being able to work every day with a close friend. To which he added a dreamlike quality of their professional relationship.
In a 2021 interview, Escobedo shared more about the turbulent path that brought him here. He went from a hometown musician to the musical backbone of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Those who mourn his passing also celebrated his contributions to the show with their amazing musicality. The latter, no doubt, is the reason they loved the warmth he brought to the program. These feelings were threaded throughout a feature celebrating Escobedo’s 50th birthday in 2016.
Kimmel’s Instagram post included a plea for prayers for Escobedo’s family. He stated, “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
Cleto Escobedo III’s artistic legacy will continue to flourish in the memories of his supporters, fellow artists and friends. They’ll never forget him as the beautiful artist that he was, and the loyal friend that he was to all of us.
