Cleto Escobedo III

Cleto Escobedo III – Life & Legacy

Introduction

When you hear the name Cleto Escobedo III, you’re hearing a musician whose saxophone ran-deep into the world of late-night television and live performance. From his roots in Las Vegas to leading the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the “tourist visa” of shows, Escobedo built a legacy that bridged friendship, music and television. In this blog post we’ll explore his early life, career highlights, musical style, influence, recent passing and the mark he leaves behind.

Early Life & Musical Roots

Family Background and Early Talent

• Cleto Escobedo III was born August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was a saxophonist and taught him the instrument at a young age—music was in the family.
• As a teenager, he and future talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel grew up across the street in Las Vegas and formed a lifelong friendship.

From Myriad Gigs to Big Opportunities

• Escobedo toured early with major artists such as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony and contributed to recordings with jazz and R&B acts.
• His break in television came when Jimmy Kimmel’s show launched; Escobedo became the bandleader for “Cleto and the Cletones”.

Career Highlights & Contributions

Leading the House Band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

• Since the show premiered in 2003, Escobedo led the house band “Cleto and the Cletones”.
• He played alto, tenor and soprano saxophone and brought a rich live-music element to the show night after night.
• His childhood friendship with Kimmel added a personal dimension to the professional role—Kimmel said:
  

  “The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined.”

Broad Musical Influence & Style

• Escobedo’s style blended jazz, funk, rock and R&B—reflecting his background and the various tours he did.
• He wasn’t content to just be a show-band musician; his touring credentials and studio work speak to a versatile artist.
• Example: Touring with Paula Abdul early in his career, when still relatively unknown.

Recognition & Legacy Moments

• Escobedo’s father joined his band on screen—making the father-son duo a visible musical link on television.
• His role in late-night TV brought live instrumentation to a format often dominated by pre-recorded tracks, reaffirming the importance of live musicians in television.

The Passing of Cleto Escobedo III

What Happened & Immediate Reactions

• On November 11, 2025, Cleto Escobedo III died at age 59.
• Jimmy Kimmel, in a heartfelt message, called him “a great friend, father, son, musician and man.”
• The cause of death was not officially disclosed.

Impact on his Circle & Fans

• His death was felt deeply by the community of late-night television, musicians and his family.
• Tributes came in from fellow musicians; for example, Paula Abdul posted:
  

  “His talent and energy were undeniable… Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage.”

Why His Story Matters

For Musicians & Live Performance Advocates

• Escobedo’s career illustrates that live instrumentation still holds value in modern media.
• He bridged between touring-musician life and television stability—highlighting different paths a musician’s career can take.
• His personal relationship with Kimmel shows how connections, chemistry and authenticity can shape opportunity.

For Fans of Music & Television

• His story is also one of friendship and collaboration: two young neighbours in Las Vegas grew into a professional partnership spanning decades.
• It reminds us as viewers of late-night shows that there are talented musicians behind the scenes—often unsung heroes.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Q1: Who was Cleto Escobedo III?
A: He was an American musician and saxophonist, born in 1966, who served as bandleader of “Cleto and the Cletones” on the late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! from 2003 until his death in 2025.

Q2: How long did Cleto lead the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
A: He led the band from the show’s launch in 2003 until his passing in 2025—about 22 years.

Q3: What was Cleto’s musical background before late night television?
A: He toured with major artists such as Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony, played saxophone in jazz/funk contexts and built a reputation as a skilled musician before joining television.

Q4: How did his friendship with Jimmy Kimmel begin?
A: They met when they were children growing up across the street from each other in Las Vegas. Their friendship carried into adulthood and professional collaboration.

Conclusion

The story of Cleto Escobedo III is one of musical talent, enduring friendship and behind-the-scenes excellence. He reminded us that a bandleader in a late-night show is also a live performer, a collaborator and a cherished colleague. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we can appreciate both his performances and the human connections behind them.

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