Jimmy Kimmel Mourns Death of Longtime Bandmate Cleto Escobedo

Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of Cleto Escobedo, the saxophonist and bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones, during a heartfelt monologue yesterday, November 12, 2025.

Kimmel, visibly emotional, did not disclose the cause of death but thanked the staff at UCLA Medical Center for their care. “Late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special, who was much too young to go,” Kimmel said. Escobedo was known as a child prodigy on the saxophone, receiving standing ovations even in junior high school, according to Kimmel.

Escobedo, a Las Vegas native, began playing saxophone in sixth grade and went on to tour with Paula Abdul in 1990, leading to a record deal with Virgin Records. He later performed with artists like Luis Miguel and Marc Anthony before being hired by Kimmel in 2003 to lead the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The band was particularly special as it included Escobedo’s father, making them, as Kimmel noted, what they believed to be the only father-son team performing together on late-night television. The loss of a bandleader can significantly impact the dynamic and sound of a late-night show, and Kimmel’s tribute underscored Escobedo’s integral role in the program’s success.

Kimmel described Escobedo as “the nicest, most humble, kind and always funny person,” and extended his sympathy to Escobedo’s parents, wife, and two children. He urged viewers to “Cherish your friends.” More information about the impact of music on mental health can be found at the National Institute of Mental Health. You can also learn more about the history of late-night television here.

Kimmel did not specify any immediate plans regarding the future of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band.