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

'Pure light and soul': Paula Abdul mourns former band member & 'Kimmel' bandleader Cleto Escobedo III

Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto Escobedo III (Randy Holmes/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) Jimmy Kimmel isn’t the only celebrity mourning bandleader and saxophonist Cleto Escobedo III.  Before Cleto became the leader of Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he toured the world with Paula Abdul. She shared a clip on Instagram that showed her performing her hit “Forever Your Girl” onstage with Escobedo and wrote, “My heart is…

Jimmy Kimmel Struggled Through Tears To Deliver The "Hardest" Monologue Of His Career

"We've been on the air for almost 23 years, and I've had to do some hard monologues along the way. But this one's the hardest."View Entire Post ›

Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down in Tribute to Lifelong Friend and Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, Celebrities React

After the late-night host shared a touching tribute to Escobedo on Instagram, celebrities took to the comments section to express their condolences. See their reactions.

Longtime late night show band leader dies: ’It’s just not fair’

Details surrounding Escobdeo's death remain unconfirmed as of the publishing of this report.

Jimmy Kimmel delivers emotional monologue for best friend, bandleader Cleto Escobedo III

Jimmy Kimmel opened Tuesday's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show with a tribute to his longtime friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who died Tuesday morning at age 59.

Watch Jimmy Kimmel's Tearful Eulogy for Cleto Escobedo III aka "Junior," Just 59 - And Cleto's First Appearance on Show

Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue last night was for his bandleader and childhood best friend, Cleto Escobedo III. Cleto, of the Cletones, died yesterday morning at age 59. Kimmel didn’t give a cause of death, but at the end of the monologue he thanks long lists of doctors, nurses, and aides. We’ve all been there. Condolences to […] The post Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s Tearful Eulogy for Cleto Escobedo III aka “Junior,” Just 59 — And Cleto’s First Appearance on…