Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies

[ad_1] Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader, and childhood pal, Cleto Escobedo III died on Tuesday morning, Kimmel introduced on social media.

Escobedo, who led the band Cleto and the Cletones on Kimmel's present "Jimmy Kimmel Reside!" was 59.

No explanation for demise was offered.

"Early this morning, we misplaced an incredible pal, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," wrote Kimmel in an Instagram publish on Tuesday. "To say that we're heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I've been inseparable since I used to be 9 years outdated."

Cleto Escobedo III attends the annual Maintain Reminiscence Alive "Energy of Love" gala profit for the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Heart for Mind Well being honoring Jimmy Kimmel at MGM Grand Backyard Area, Feb. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Ethan Miller/Getty Pictures

Kimmel continued, "The truth that we set to work collectively every single day is a dream neither of us might ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your folks and please preserve Cleto’s spouse, youngsters and oldsters in your prayers."

Kimmel mirrored on his relationship with Escobedo in a 2016 phase celebrating Escobedo’s fiftieth birthday.

He defined he met Escobedo in 1977 after shifting to Las Vegas, when Escobedo grew to become his neighbor. Within the birthday tribute, Kimmel mentioned his early relationship with Escobedo, and shared photographs of the pair of their youth.

In a 2021 interview with "Jimmy Kimmel Reside's" Guillermo, Escobedo mentioned his rise to engaged on Kimmel’s present.

“I believe I used to be in Atlanta, and Jimmy known as and mentioned ‘Hey man, I believe I’m gonna have this present. Do you wanna be my bandleader?' In fact I used to be like 'Sure.'’” Escobedo mentioned. "It’s been the most effective gig ever."