Losing a lifelong friend is one of the most devastating experiences anyone can endure, and Jimmy Kimmel is now facing that heartbreaking reality. In a deeply emotional tribute, Kimmel honored his childhood best friend and longtime bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, who passed away at 59. But here’s where it gets even more poignant: their bond wasn’t just about music—it was a connection forged in childhood, shared dreams, and a lifetime of laughter.
During a 22-minute monologue that Kimmel himself described as his “hardest” ever, the late-night host opened up about the irreplaceable memories he and Escobedo created together. Their friendship began when Kimmel’s family moved across the street from Escobedo’s home in Las Vegas, setting the stage for a lifelong partnership. When Kimmel landed his ABC show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, in 2003, he didn’t hesitate to bring Escobedo and his band, Cleto and the Cletones, along for the ride.
And this is the part most people miss: their relationship went far beyond professional collaboration. Kimmel tearfully shared how they had their own unspoken language, a bond so deep that words were often unnecessary. “We’d sit here at rehearsal every day, not needing to look at each other, just knowing the other was there,” Kimmel recalled. Their shared loves—baseball, fishing, boxing, and icons like Muhammad Ali, Richard Pryor, and David Letterman—cemented their friendship. Letterman, in particular, was a mutual obsession, and Kimmel’s first appearance on Late Show with David Letterman in 1999 was a milestone they celebrated together.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Escobedo was a phenomenal saxophone player—a child prodigy who earned standing ovations in junior high—Kimmel’s decision to bring him and his father into the show’s band wasn’t just about talent. It was about family. Kimmel revealed, “I didn’t just want Cleto to lead the band; I wanted his dad to be part of it too.” This bold move, pitched to ABC executive Lloyd Braun, paid off when the father-son duo auditioned with ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ by the Average White Band. Braun’s immediate approval led to nearly 23 years of collaboration.
Kimmel reflected on one of the most meaningful aspects of their journey: “The single best thing about this show was giving Cleto’s dad the chance to return to music with his son after decades away.” This heartfelt sentiment highlights the power of friendship and the impact of supporting those we love.
As Kimmel grapples with his loss, he’s choosing to focus on gratitude. “Even though I’m heartbroken, I’m lucky to have had him by my side for so many years,” he said, his voice trembling. Jimmy Kimmel Live! will take a brief hiatus to honor Escobedo’s memory, but the question remains: How do we truly celebrate the people who shape our lives? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going about friendship, legacy, and the bonds that define us.
