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Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader and childhood friend, dies at 59

On November 11, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel announced on Instagram that Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones, died Tuesday morning at 59.
With the cause not disclosed, Cleto Escobedo III had been hospitalized last week, prompting Jimmy Kimmel to cancel a Thursday taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, days after the Nov 6 postponement.
Their shared history includes childhood friendship in Las Vegas spanning more than 50 years, youthful pranks, and Escobedo's seasoned saxophone tours with Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Phillip Bailey.
He asked fans to keep Escobedo's family in their prayers as Kimmel announced his death on Instagram, with the show returning Monday. Reason for death not disclosed.
As a legacy note, Escobedo led Cleto and the Cletones for more than 20 years on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and his death prompted widespread condolences from the music community and columnists.

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