Remembering Cleto Escobedo III: A Tribute to the Late Bandleader
Last week, the late-night television community mourned the loss of Cleto Escobedo III, bandleader for “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” The talented musician, who passed away at the age of 59, was honored on Sunday night during the opening credits of “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.” A photo of Escobedo, saxophone in hand, was displayed under the word “maestro,” paying tribute to his contribution to the late-night television landscape.
John Oliver and his team chose to recognize Escobedo in their credits, a tradition of honoring newsmakers from the previous week. The gesture reflects the close-knit camaraderie that exists among late-night shows and serves as a poignant tribute to a fallen colleague.
Cleto Escobedo’s passing was announced by Jimmy Kimmel on Instagram, where he shared heartfelt memories of his childhood best friend. Kimmel described their inseparable bond since childhood and expressed the profound impact of working together on a daily basis. The loss of Escobedo has deeply affected Kimmel and the entire “Jimmy Kimmel Live” team.
In honor of Escobedo’s memory, Jimmy Kimmel and the show have launched fundraisers for UCLA Medical Center and Las Vegas’ Animal Foundation. The fundraisers aim to support causes that were close to Escobedo’s heart and continue his legacy of kindness and generosity.
The fundraiser for UCLA Medical Center acknowledges the exceptional care that Escobedo received and aims to assist vulnerable patients and families in need. Similarly, the fundraiser for The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas honors Escobedo’s love for animals and seeks to provide support for pets in need.
According to People magazine, Escobedo’s cause of death was attributed to cardiogenic shock, with underlying causes including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. The revelation of his cause of death shed light on the health struggles Escobedo faced.
Escobedo’s musical talent extended beyond his role as bandleader on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He was a skilled saxophonist and vocalist, performing with artists such as Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire. His dedication to his craft and passion for music left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of hearing him play.
When Jimmy Kimmel launched his late-night show in 2003, he entrusted Escobedo to lead the house band, a decision that Escobedo cherished. In an interview, Escobedo expressed gratitude for the opportunity and reflected on the trust Kimmel placed in him to fulfill the role to the best of his abilities.
