The entertainment world mourns the loss of Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime band leader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, who passed away at the age of 59. The musician's death marks the end of a four-decade career and a childhood friendship with host Jimmy Kimmel that defined the show's musical identity.
Medical Conditions Behind Cleto Escobedo's Passing
According to documents obtained by TMZ, Escobedo's death certificate reveals a complex medical situation. Cardiogenic shock - a condition where the heart suddenly cannot pump enough blood - was identified as the immediate cause of death. This was compounded by several underlying conditions including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.
The certificate also listed multiple contributing factors: sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, and pneumonia. While some reports suggest his health decline followed a liver transplant, official confirmation remains limited. The extensive list of conditions indicates Escobedo was battling serious systemic health issues in his final months.
A Musical Legacy Spanning Four Decades
Cleto Escobedo III's musical journey spanned an impressive 40 years, culminating in his role as leader of Cleto and the Cletones, the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since its 2003 premiere. The Las Vegas-born saxophonist's connection with host Jimmy Kimmel dated back to their childhood, when they lived across the street from each other and bonded over shared humor and show-business dreams.
When launching his late-night show, Kimmel insisted on having Escobedo as band leader, citing their unique chemistry and long history. "I didn't have better chemistry with anyone else," Kimmel famously stated. Before his television career, Escobedo toured with major artists including Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey, establishing himself as a respected musician in the industry.
Industry Mourning and Lasting Impact
Jimmy Kimmel announced Escobedo's passing on November 11 with a heartfelt statement: "We are heart-broken is an understatement... Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old." During the show's episode that evening, Kimmel delivered an emotional tribute, and the band took the next two nights off to mourn their loss.
The music and entertainment community responded with an outpouring of respect and memories. Paula Abdul remembered Escobedo as "pure light and soul... both on and off stage." His absence from recent episodes had concerned fans and colleagues, though the full extent of his health struggles remained private until now.
Escobedo leaves behind his wife Lori, two children, and his father Cleto Escobedo Jr., who often performed alongside him in the band. Kimmel has announced plans to establish a memorial fund in Escobedo's honor, supporting both the medical team that cared for him and animal welfare causes dear to his friend.
The loss raises broader questions about supporting performers and behind-the-scenes talent through the physical demands of touring, late-night schedules, and television production pressures. Cleto Escobedo III's legacy extends beyond music - he represented the heart of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and demonstrated how genuine friendship can shape entertainment history.
