Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s Bandleader and Childhood Friend, Dies at 59

This image released by Disney shows Cleto Escobedo on the set of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in March 2025. Randy Holmes/Disney via AP

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is mourning the death of one of his oldest friends—his show’s bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III.

Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death Tuesday on Instagram, saying “that we are heartbroken is an understatement.” Escobedo was 59.