RIP Cleto Escobedo
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2025 8:26 am
Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies
Cleto was the leader of the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band, Cleto and the Cletones. He died Tuesday at age 59.
Cleto was Jimmy’s close friend since childhood when they were neighbors in Las Vegas. Jimmy features several family members and friends on his show. Cleto’s father Cleto Sr. is also in the Cletones.
Cleto was the leader of the Jimmy Kimmel Live house band, Cleto and the Cletones. He died Tuesday at age 59.
Cleto was Jimmy’s close friend since childhood when they were neighbors in Las Vegas. Jimmy features several family members and friends on his show. Cleto’s father Cleto Sr. is also in the Cletones.