Television host Jimmy Kimmel shared devastating news with his audience on Tuesday, announcing the passing of his close friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III at age 59.
Escobedo had been absent from Jimmy Kimmel Live for several months due to illness before his death on Tuesday morning. While the specific cause of death remains undisclosed, Kimmel expressed profound grief through social media.
A Friendship Spanning Five Decades
Kimmel revealed the depth of their connection in an emotional Instagram post, stating their bond began when they were just children. The two grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas, forming an inseparable friendship that would last a lifetime.
When ABC hired Kimmel for his late-night show in 2003, he personally advocated for Escobedo to become his bandleader. Kimmel explained his reasoning in a past interview: "I wanted somebody I had chemistry with. And there's nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him."
Musical Prodigy Turned Professional
Music flowed through Escobedo's veins from an early age. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., is a professional saxophonist who eventually played in his son's band on the show.
Kimmel often described his friend as a "child prodigy" who captivated school audiences with his musical talent. "Like the whole school would gather to watch. He'd get standing ovations. It was a crazy thing," Kimmel recalled during a 2015 interview with WABC.
Escobedo transformed his childhood passion into a successful career, touring with renowned artists including Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul before joining Kimmel's television program.
Cherished Childhood Memories
During a 2016 episode celebrating Escobedo's 50th birthday, Kimmel shared humorous anecdotes from their youth that highlighted their playful relationship.
"Cleto had a bicycle with a sidecar attached to it. We called it the side hack. I would get in the sidecar and then Cleto would drive me directly into garbage cans and bushes," Kimmel fondly remembered.
He also recounted Escobedo "on the lawn with his BB gun just shooting at me" and his friend's tendency to "quietly, in the back, slip out of his pants and moon people from the back of our car."
Kimmel concluded his tribute with a heartfelt request to fans: "Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto's wife, children and parents in your prayers."
