Cleto Escobedo III was an American musician, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader best known as the leader of Cleto and the Cletones, the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
For more than two decades, Escobedo’s musicianship, humor, and on-screen chemistry with host Jimmy Kimmel helped define the musical heartbeat of the late-night show. Known for his infectious energy, smooth saxophone lines, and warm presence, he became a beloved figure in both the entertainment industry and among fans worldwide.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Cleto Escobedo III was born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, into a musically rich and culturally vibrant family. His father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., was a respected musician and bandleader in Las Vegas’s entertainment scene, performing in show bands across the city’s casinos and lounges. Growing up in that environment, young Cleto was surrounded by rhythm, melody, and stage lights from the very beginning.
From an early age, Escobedo showed an intuitive ear for music. His parents encouraged him to explore instruments, and by his teenage years, he had gravitated toward the saxophone. The instrument’s expressive tone and soulful potential matched his outgoing personality. He began performing in local clubs while still in high school, developing not only his musical chops but also his understanding of live performance dynamics—a skill that would serve him throughout his career.
Las Vegas in the 1970s and 1980s was a training ground for many professional musicians, and Escobedo absorbed a wide variety of influences. He listened to everything from Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power to jazz legends like Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn, and Cannonball Adderley. He was equally inspired by funk, R&B, and pop, and his style evolved into a seamless blend of genres—a reflection of both his diverse surroundings and his natural versatility.
After high school, Cleto Escobedo attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), studying music performance. There, he deepened his technical knowledge of theory and arrangement, while continuing to play gigs around town. His skill as a saxophonist soon caught the attention of touring acts and session musicians, opening the door to a professional career beyond Las Vegas.
Early Career: Touring and Collaborations
In the late 1980s, Escobedo’s professional journey accelerated when he joined pop star Paula Abdul’s touring band. Abdul’s meteoric rise with hits like Straight Up and Opposites Attract gave Escobedo a global platform. As part of her band, he performed on world tours, television appearances, and major award shows, gaining valuable experience performing for massive audiences. His charismatic stage presence and tight musicianship earned him respect within the pop music community.
Following his time with Abdul, Cleto Escobedo became an in-demand saxophonist and musical director for other artists. He worked with Marc Anthony, one of Latin music’s biggest stars, touring internationally and performing in venues ranging from arenas to intimate theaters. His ability to transition smoothly between Latin, pop, funk, and jazz made him a highly adaptable musician.
These years on the road solidified his reputation as both a performer and arranger. Escobedo was not only a player but a creative force capable of shaping the sound and flow of a live show. The experience of working closely with star performers also helped him develop a natural understanding of how music could support and elevate a personality—a dynamic that would later be crucial on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Partnership with Jimmy Kimmel: The Birth of Cleto and the Cletones
Cleto Escobedo’s life changed in the early 2000s when he reconnected with his longtime friend Jimmy Kimmel. The two had known each other since their youth in Las Vegas. When Kimmel began preparing to host his own late-night talk show on ABC, he reached out to Escobedo with an invitation to lead the house band.
In 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered, featuring Cleto and the Cletones as its house band. Escobedo assembled a talented group of musicians—many of them friends and collaborators from his years in the industry—to form a tight, funky ensemble capable of handling any musical cue, from comedy sketches and monologues to full-blown performances with guest artists.
The chemistry between Kimmel and Escobedo was immediate and genuine. Their friendship translated naturally to the screen: Kimmel’s teasing humor often included Cleto as part of the joke, while Escobedo’s quick wit and easygoing demeanor made him a natural foil. He wasn’t just the bandleader—he was an on-air personality who helped set the show’s tone.
Role on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
As the bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones, Cleto Escobedo’s responsibilities extended far beyond performing. He oversaw the show’s musical arrangements, composed theme music and interludes, and coordinated performances with guest musicians. Under his direction, the band’s sound became an integral part of the show’s identity—blending funk grooves, Latin rhythms, rock energy, and jazz sophistication.
The show’s opening theme, written by Escobedo, became instantly recognizable to viewers. His saxophone riffs often punctuated transitions between segments, lending a signature flair to the program. When celebrity guests appeared, Escobedo and the band would often play custom walk-on themes—sometimes humorous, sometimes celebratory, always spot-on.
Over the years, Cleto and the Cletones collaborated with a wide range of musical guests, including legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney, as well as modern artists such as Bruno Mars, Lizzo, and John Mayer. Escobedo’s ability to adapt the band’s style to complement any performer earned widespread respect in the music community.
Kimmel frequently involved Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., in the show as well. “Senior Cleto,” as he was affectionately known, served as the show’s “security guard” and occasional on-air guest, adding another layer of humor and warmth to the nightly broadcast. The dynamic between father and son became a beloved recurring element, giving Jimmy Kimmel Live! a family feel that set it apart from other late-night programs.
Musical Style and Influence
Cleto Escobedo III’s musicianship was marked by a rare combination of technical precision and soulful expression. His tone on the saxophone was smooth yet powerful, capable of cutting through a mix while maintaining warmth and character. Drawing from funk, R&B, and jazz traditions, he created a sound that was both contemporary and timeless.
He cited influences such as Maceo Parker, David Sanborn, and Junior Walker, but his playing always retained a distinct personality. His phrasing was rhythmic and playful, often infused with a sense of joy that mirrored his personality. Escobedo also played keyboards, arranged horn sections, and composed original music, demonstrating his broad range as a musician.
Throughout his career, Cleto Escobedo mentored younger musicians, encouraging them to embrace versatility and professionalism. He was known for his collaborative spirit, treating every musician onstage as an equal contributor. Many of his peers have described him as the “soul of the band”—a leader who inspired through positivity rather than ego.
Life Beyond the Stage
Outside of television, Escobedo continued to perform, record, and collaborate on side projects. He composed music for television, commercials, and independent productions, and often participated in charity events and benefit concerts. His deep ties to both the Las Vegas and Los Angeles music scenes made him a fixture in West Coast entertainment.
Cleto Escobedo was also devoted to his family. Despite the demands of a nightly television schedule, he remained close to his parents and often credited them for his grounding values. His father’s presence on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was more than a comedic gimmick—it reflected a genuine bond and shared love of music.
Known for his humor, humility, and infectious laughter, Escobedo was beloved by colleagues, crew members, and fans alike. He had a knack for making everyone feel comfortable, whether they were celebrities or stagehands. His positivity was often cited as one of the reasons for the warm, collaborative atmosphere on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Legacy and Passing
Cleto Escobedo III died on November 11, 2025, at the age of 59. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment and music industries. Jimmy Kimmel, visibly emotional during his tribute on air, described Escobedo as “not only the sound of our show, but its heart.” He went on to call him a brother, friend, and one of the kindest people he had ever known.
Fans of Jimmy Kimmel Live! expressed deep sadness at the loss of a familiar and comforting presence. For millions who watched the show over two decades, Escobedo was more than a bandleader—he was part of their nightly routine, a smiling face and soulful sound that brought joy and rhythm to late-night television.
Musicians from around the world honored his memory by sharing stories of his generosity, mentorship, and musical excellence. His ability to blend professionalism with playfulness made him an example for generations of performers who followed.
Cleto Escobedo’s death marked the end of an era for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and for late-night television more broadly. In an industry often marked by turnover and change, he had been a constant—a steady, positive presence who contributed immeasurably to the show’s tone and longevity.
Musical Impact and Recognition
While Cleto Escobedo was not a household name in the traditional sense, his influence on American popular culture was significant. For over twenty years, his work reached millions of viewers nightly. His arrangements and performances became woven into the fabric of late-night entertainment, influencing how television bands were perceived and integrated into talk shows.
He demonstrated that a house band could be more than background music—it could be an active, dynamic part of a show’s personality. In that sense, Escobedo followed in the footsteps of bandleaders like Paul Shaffer (Late Show with David Letterman) and Doc Severinsen (The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson), but his approach was uniquely modern, funky, and deeply collaborative.
Throughout his career, Escobedo also received recognition from the music community for his contributions to live performance and television music direction. Though he preferred to stay out of the spotlight, he earned the admiration of countless artists and producers who valued his musicianship and leadership.
Influence on Future Generations
Cleto Escobedo III’s life and career continue to serve as an inspiration for aspiring musicians. His story illustrates the importance of versatility, friendship, and authenticity in the entertainment business. He showed that success could come from staying true to one’s craft, maintaining humility, and embracing collaboration.
Young musicians often cited his example as proof that technical skill and personality could coexist harmoniously. His ability to balance showmanship with substance made him a role model not only for saxophonists but for bandleaders and arrangers across genres.
In educational programs and music schools, his career has often been used as a case study for how to sustain a long, meaningful career in the performing arts—by building relationships, staying adaptable, and finding joy in every note.
Personal Philosophy and Character
Friends and colleagues often remarked on Cleto Escobedo’s optimism and humor. He believed music was a form of communication that could bring people together regardless of background or belief. He viewed every performance as a chance to connect—to make someone’s day a little better.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, this philosophy came through clearly. His laughter, spontaneous interactions, and visible love of performing made the show feel more human. He never tried to steal the spotlight, yet his presence illuminated every episode he appeared in.
Escobedo was also known for his humility. Despite decades of working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, he often said that his favorite moments were simply “playing with friends.” Whether that meant jamming backstage, rehearsing a new arrangement, or performing live on television, he approached each opportunity with gratitude.
Conclusion: The Rhythm Lives On
Cleto Escobedo III’s passing in 2025 left a silence that could be felt by musicians and fans alike. But his rhythm—the joyful, soulful groove that defined his life—continues to resonate. His influence can be heard not just in recordings and reruns, but in the countless musicians who carry forward his spirit of fun, excellence, and generosity.
For over two decades, he made Jimmy Kimmel Live! more than a late-night show; he made it a musical experience filled with warmth and authenticity. Through his saxophone, his smile, and his unshakable spirit, Cleto Escobedo III reminded the world that music is not just about sound—it’s about connection, laughter, and love.
His legacy endures in every note of the theme song he created, every cheer from the audience he energized, and every friendship he forged through his music. Cleto Escobedo III will be remembered not only as one of television’s great bandleaders, but as a man whose life embodied the very soul of live performance: vibrant, spontaneous, and profoundly human.
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