Cleto Escobedo III Cause of Death | Jimmy Kimmel Band Leader | Net Worth, Wife, Family & lifestyle!

Beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Passes Away at 59 — Heartbreaking Tribute

The world of late-night television and music is mourning a heartbreaking loss. Cleto Valentine Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader and longtime friend of Jimmy Kimmel, has tragically passed away on November eleventh, two thousand twenty-five, at the age of fifty-nine. His passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood and across the entertainment industry, as colleagues, musicians, and fans flooded social media with emotional tributes. For over two decades, Cleto was not only the sound of Jimmy Kimmel Live! — he was its heartbeat, its laughter, and its soul. His saxophone melodies became a nightly comfort for millions, his smile a reminder that music still heals. Jimmy Kimmel, his lifelong friend, confirmed the devastating news in a tearful post that left fans in disbelief. The two had shared a bond that transcended fame — a brotherhood that began long before the cameras and bright lights.

Biography

Cleto Valentine Escobedo III was born on August twenty-third, nineteen sixty-six, in Las Vegas, Nevada, into a family that lived and breathed music. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was not only a butler for entertainment legends like Sammy Davis Jr. and Tom Jones but also a talented musician in his own right. Cleto’s mother, Sylvia Escobedo, recognized her son’s musical gift early on and encouraged his father to teach him the saxophone — a decision that would shape his destiny. Growing up in the heart of Las Vegas, Cleto was surrounded by rhythm, melody, and the glimmer of showbiz. His childhood was steeped in jazz, soul, and late-night performances that defined the golden age of the Strip. He would later attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he studied political science for a brief time, though the pull of music was too strong to ignore. Before long, his dreams shifted from politics to performance — and the stage became his home.

From an early age, Cleto’s friendship with Jimmy Kimmel would prove to be one of life’s rare, unbreakable connections. The two met as children when Kimmel’s family moved across the street from the Escobedos. They grew up together, attending Guinn Junior High School and bonding over late-night episodes of Late Night with David Letterman. No one could have imagined that years later, they would bring their own version of that magic to millions around the world.

Career

Before television fame, Cleto Escobedo was already a force in the music industry. In the late nineteen eighties, he began touring with pop superstar Paula Abdul during her Forever Your Girl era, performing to packed arenas across the globe. His unmistakable saxophone tone and stage presence earned him respect among top musicians. Later, he toured with Latin music sensation Marc Anthony, where his performance style evolved into a blend of passion, rhythm, and elegance.

But destiny had another plan. In the early two-thousands, Jimmy Kimmel was preparing to launch his late-night show — Jimmy Kimmel Live! — and he reached out to his childhood friend. Cleto accepted, and in two thousand three, Cleto and the Cletones were born. Together, they wrote and performed the show’s theme song, creating one of the most recognizable openings in modern television history.

Night after night, Cleto stood just a few feet away from Jimmy, playing the music that would define the show’s energy for over twenty years. His laughter, his improvisations, and his musical chemistry with guests became an irreplaceable part of the show’s rhythm. Whether it was a high-energy performance with The Roots, a soulful jam session with Stevie Wonder, or a playful exchange with Kimmel himself, Cleto made every night unforgettable.

Beyond the stage, he was a fierce advocate for musicians’ rights, pushing for fair compensation for televised and online performances. His work with other late-night bandleaders, including Paul Shaffer and Jimmy Vivino, helped ensure that artists received recognition and respect in an evolving digital world.

Personal Life

Behind the bright lights and music, Cleto was a devoted husband and father. He was married to Lori Escobedo, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and music. The couple lived in Studio City, California, raising their two children in a home where creativity was always encouraged. Friends and family often described Cleto as a man of warmth — someone who treated everyone with kindness, humility, and humor. He had a natural ability to light up any room, not because of fame, but because of the sincerity that radiated from his soul.

He remained deeply connected to his Las Vegas roots, often visiting his hometown and crediting it for teaching him the power of live performance. Despite the fame that came with television, Cleto never lost his down-to-earth spirit. He was known for mentoring young musicians, reminding them that the heart behind the music mattered more than the fame that followed.

Cause of Death

Cleto Escobedo III passed away after facing undisclosed health issues. His sudden passing left fans and colleagues in shock, as there had been no public indication of severe illness. In the days following his death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Jimmy Kimmel, visibly emotional during his next appearance, paid tribute to his lifelong friend, saying, “There will never be another Cleto. He wasn’t just my bandleader — he was my brother.” The late-night host’s words reflected the immense personal and professional void Cleto’s death created. While the details of his illness remain private, his legacy continues to live on in every note he ever played.

Family Life

Family was Cleto’s greatest pride. His parents, Cleto Jr. and Sylvia, nurtured his talent and believed in him long before the world did. Having his father later join him on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was one of Cleto’s proudest achievements — a full-circle moment that captured the essence of love, music, and family. The duo became fan favorites, with their playful interactions and genuine affection touching millions. Cleto’s wife, Lori, and their children were his anchor, his reason to smile after long show nights. Friends say that no matter how busy life got, Cleto never missed family moments — from school concerts to simple dinners at home.

Net Worth

At the time of his passing, Cleto Escobedo III had an estimated net worth of around three million dollars. His earnings came from his two-decade tenure on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, live performances, royalties from his compositions, and collaborations with world-renowned artists. Yet, those closest to him often said that Cleto never measured life in money — his true wealth was the laughter, friendships, and love he spread.

Legacy and Impact

Cleto’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void not just on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage, but across the entertainment landscape. He was more than a bandleader — he was the heartbeat of a generation of television music. For over twenty years, his band opened the show, set the tone, and brought joy into homes every night. His influence extended far beyond the studio walls — inspiring countless young musicians to believe in the power of authenticity.

For Jimmy Kimmel, the loss was deeply personal. Their story — from two kids watching Letterman in Las Vegas to building their own late-night empire — is one of friendship, loyalty, and shared dreams. Their chemistry was unscripted and real, the kind that could only come from a lifetime of love and laughter. Cleto’s legacy reminds the world that behind every successful host is a melody — and behind every melody, a man with a saxophone and a smile.

Emotional Tribute Ending

As the lights dimmed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that night, an empty spotlight shone on Cleto’s stage. His saxophone rested silently — a haunting reminder of a melody that would never play again. Jimmy Kimmel, holding back tears, whispered, “Goodnight, my friend,” as the studio audience stood in reverent silence. It was more than a farewell; it was a thank-you to the man whose music carried laughter, emotion, and soul through every broadcast.

Though Cleto Escobedo III is gone, his music will forever echo in the hearts of those who heard it. His story is not one of sadness but of rhythm — the rhythm of a life lived fully, passionately, and joyfully. The sound of Cleto’s saxophone will always remind the world that even after silence, the music of love remains.

Top Facts

1. Cleto Escobedo III was Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood friend since age nine.

2. He formed the house band Cleto and the Cletones in 2003.

3. He toured with Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony before joining Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

4. Cleto co-wrote the Jimmy Kimmel Live! theme song with Kimmel’s brother, Jonathan.

5. His father, Cleto Jr., was also part of the show’s band.

6. He was a strong advocate for fair pay for television musicians.

7. Cleto was known for his mentorship of young performers.

8. His signature instrument was the alto saxophone.

9. He remained humble despite decades of fame.

10. He passed away after facing undisclosed health issues at fifty-nine.