Introduction

Cleto Escobedo III, the soulful saxophonist and longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has passed away at age 59. What began as a devastating headline has now been clarified: his death certificate points to cardiogenic shock as the immediate cause, with a host of underlying medical conditions also contributing. But beyond the medical terms lies the story of a man who was not just a musician — he was Jimmy Kimmel’s childhood friend, a devoted family man, and a beloved figure on late-night television.

Who Cleto Escobedo III Was

Born on August 23, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cleto Valentine Escobedo III was deeply rooted in music. He grew into a professional saxophonist, touring with stars like Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey and Paula Abdul.
In 2003, when Jimmy Kimmel Live! first aired, Kimmel tapped him to lead the house band — Cleto & the Cletones — a role he embraced for more than two decades.

Their Lifelong Bond

Jimmy Kimmel and Cleto shared a friendship that stretched back to childhood. They grew up across the street from each other in Las Vegas, playing pranks, sharing laughs, and forming a bond that would last their entire lives. That friendship formed the foundation for their working relationship. Kimmel has said there was “nobody in my life I have better chemistry with” than Cleto.

His Final Years & Health Struggles

In the months before his passing, Cleto had been noticeably absent from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, reportedly due to illness. On November 11, 2025, he died — and the cause, now confirmed, reveals a complex, painful medical history.

• Immediate Cause of Death: Cardiogenic shock — a severe condition where the heart cannot pump sufficient blood.

• Underlying Causes: Listed on his death certificate are vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver.

• Contributing Conditions: These include sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, chronic kidney disease, immunosuppression, and pneumonia.

A Life in Music

Cleto’s musical journey blended talent, heart, and adaptability. Early on, he became known for his passionate saxophone playing. Beyond his work with Kimmel, he recorded and performed with a variety of artists, including Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and the vocal group Take Six.
His father — Cleto Escobedo II — also played saxophone, and together father and son became fixtures of the Kimmel band. Cleto III often spoke about choosing Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s house band role to stay closer to his family, rather than continuing a grueling touring lifestyle.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Tribute

Jimmy Kimmel’s tribute to his friend was raw and deeply personal. On air, he broke into tears, calling the monologue “the hardest” of his career. He described Cleto as “the nicest, most humble, kind, and always funny person” — a true “older brother” figure in his life.
Kimmel canceled two episodes following the announcement and urged fans to keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in their thoughts.

Legacy & Impact

• Musical Legacy: Over nearly 23 years on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Cleto shaped the sound of late-night TV with his soulful saxophone and steady leadership.

• Personal Legacy: His presence was about more than notes — it was about friendship, loyalty, and shared history. Kimmel has said he considers their daily collaboration a “dream come true.”

• Impact on Others: Fellow musicians remember his playing style as genuine and heartfelt — “no math, no patterns, no cerebral showing-off. Just purpose and soul.”

Recent Developments

In the wake of his death, Kimmel and friends launched fundraisers in his memory, including for UCLA Medical Center and The Animal Foundation. Media coverage continues to explore not just his passing, but his life — the friendship, the music, and the human behind the saxophone.

FAQ

Q1: What was Cleto Escobedo III’s cause of death?
A: His death certificate lists cardiogenic shock as the immediate cause, with underlying causes including alcoholic cirrhosis, vasodilatory shock, and more.

Q2: How old was he when he passed away?
A: He was 59 years old at the time of his death.

Q3: What was his relationship with Jimmy Kimmel?
A: They were childhood friends since age nine, and Cleto led Kimmel’s house band for nearly 23 years.

Q4: Who survives Cleto Escobedo III?
A: He is survived by his wife, Lori, and their two children, as well as his father, Cleto Escobedo II, who played alongside him.

Q5: How has the Jimmy Kimmel Live! community responded?
A: Kimmel delivered a deeply emotional tribute, canceled subsequent shows, and called for prayers for Escobedo’s family.