Quick Read
- Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood friend and bandleader, passed away at 59.
- Escobedo led ‘Cleto and the Cletones’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ since its inception in 2003.
- Kimmel’s tribute highlighted decades of friendship, shared passions, and Escobedo’s musical legacy.
- The show will take several nights off to mourn Escobedo’s passing.
- Escobedo’s impact was felt both on stage and behind the scenes.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Most Difficult Monologue: Saying Goodbye to a Friend
On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, viewers witnessed a side of Jimmy Kimmel rarely seen on late-night television—a host overcome with emotion, struggling to find words for the loss of Cleto Escobedo III, his childhood best friend and the show’s beloved bandleader. The passing of Escobedo at age 59 marked the end of a partnership that transcended entertainment, weaving together decades of friendship, music, and mutual respect.
Kimmel’s tribute was more than a eulogy. It was an intimate recollection, rich with anecdotes only two lifelong friends could share. As he addressed the audience, Kimmel described Escobedo not just as a colleague, but as the person who had stood by him through every step of his journey—from their childhood days in Las Vegas to the bright lights of a national talk show.
From Across the Street to Center Stage: The Story of Kimmel and Escobedo
It began simply enough: two boys living across the street from one another, forming a friendship in the heat of Las Vegas. Their bond deepened over shared passions—baseball, fishing, comedy legends, and above all, music. Kimmel’s memories, recounted through tears, painted a vivid picture of laughter, private jokes, and an unspoken understanding that needed no words. “We didn’t have to say anything,” Kimmel reflected. “We’d just look at each other and that would be it.”
Their shared admiration for icons like Muhammad Ali and David Letterman became a thread running through their lives. Kimmel recalled the thrill of being invited to the Late Show in 1999, and how calling Escobedo to share his excitement was the most natural thing in the world. The journey wasn’t just professional—it was a story of two friends growing up together, dreaming together, and ultimately, working side by side.
Cleto and the Cletones: Shaping the Sound of Late Night
When Kimmel landed his talk show in 2003, the decision to bring Escobedo—and his band, Cleto and the Cletones—was never in doubt. Kimmel admitted that the idea of anyone else leading the band was “terrifying.” He needed his friend, not just for the music, but for the comfort and trust only Escobedo could provide.
The audition for ABC was a family affair. Escobedo and his father performed “Pick Up the Pieces” by the Average White Band, two saxophones blending in perfect harmony. The network executive, Lloyd Braun, was instantly won over—not just by the music, but by the story of father and son. This audition marked the beginning of nearly 23 years of daily collaboration, a testament to the power of loyalty and the bonds of family.
Kimmel often highlighted Escobedo’s prodigious talent. As a child, Escobedo’s saxophone performances would bring audiences to their feet, even in junior high. But it wasn’t just his musical skill that made him indispensable; it was his warmth, humility, and the way he made everyone around him feel like family. “Everyone loves Cleto,” Kimmel said, echoing the sentiments of the show’s staff and viewers alike.
The Quiet Impact: Friendship Behind the Spotlight
Beyond the laughter and music, Kimmel’s tribute revealed the quieter moments—the daily rehearsals, the silent exchanges, the shared glances that spoke volumes. These details, often invisible to the audience, were the true foundation of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Escobedo’s presence wasn’t just felt in the notes he played, but in the way he anchored the show, providing a steady, joyful energy that lifted everyone around him.
“I’ve often said that the single best thing about doing this show was getting the opportunity to allow Cleto Senior to pick up where he left off in 1966 and become a musician again with his son,” Kimmel noted. The show wasn’t just a platform for entertainment; it became a space for family reunions and second chances, stories that resonated far beyond the stage.
Moving Forward: Grief, Gratitude, and Taking Time to Heal
The impact of Escobedo’s passing reverberated through the studio. Kimmel announced that the show would take a brief hiatus, giving the team and himself space to mourn and reflect. The host’s final words, heavy with emotion, acknowledged the pain of loss but also the profound gratitude he felt for having Escobedo “literally at my side for so many years.”
This moment was more than television; it was a reminder of the real connections that sustain us, the friendships that shape our lives, and the way music can bridge the gaps between generations and backgrounds. The audience responded not just with sympathy, but with their own memories of Cleto’s kindness and humor, a testament to the far-reaching influence of one man’s spirit.
In the aftermath, tributes poured in from colleagues, fans, and fellow musicians, underscoring Escobedo’s impact on both the show and the wider music community. His legacy endures in every note played by Cleto and the Cletones, in every smile shared backstage, and in the ongoing story of Jimmy Kimmel Live!—a show built not just on jokes and celebrity interviews, but on the enduring power of friendship.
Kimmel’s reflection on Cleto Escobedo III’s life and legacy reveals a truth often overlooked in the entertainment industry: behind every successful show is a tapestry of personal stories and genuine relationships. In honoring his friend, Kimmel reminds us that the greatest achievements are those shared with the people we love, both onstage and off.