Cleto Escobedo III dies at 59: What was the cause of death of Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader?

Jimmy Kimmel and the entertainment world are in mourning following the death of Cleto Escobedo III, the leader of the house band Cleto and the Cletones on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. Escobedo was 59.

Kimmel’s emotional post to lifelong friend

Kimmel shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, writing:

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”

The late-night host has previously referred to Escobedo as his best friend, with the pair having grown up together in Las Vegas.

Cause of death unconfirmed

Neither Escobedo’s family nor representatives have confirmed his cause of death. However, several outlets, including Entertainment Tonight, have reported that the musician’s passing came after complications from a recent liver transplant.

Escobedo’s impact on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

According to the same reports, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was postponed on Thursday, November 6 due to Escobedo’s situation, with the show citing a “personal matter” involving Kimmel at the time.

Escobedo had performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since its debut in 2003. He became a key part of the show with his saxophone performances, smooth stage presence, and signature good humor.

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