Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has passed away at the age of 59. According to his death certificate obtained by TMZ, the immediate cause of death was cardiogenic shock, with underlying causes including vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. Other contributing factors included sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, chronic kidney disease, pneumonia, and being immunosuppressed.

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. It can result from a severe heart attack, though not all heart attack patients develop this condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Lifelong Friendship with Jimmy Kimmel

Escobedo was not only a talented musician but also a lifelong friend of Jimmy Kimmel. The two grew up together, and Escobedo joined Jimmy Kimmel Live! as bandleader when the show premiered in 2003. Kimmel confirmed Escobedo’s death via Instagram, calling him a “great friend, father, son, musician and man.”

Kimmel wrote: “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.” He added, “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”

Career and Musical Legacy

A child prodigy, Escobedo toured with Earth, Wind & Fire and Paula Abdul, and even had his own record deal before joining the late-night show. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., was also a musician and played saxophones professionally. Escobedo’s time on Jimmy Kimmel Live! made him a beloved figure among fans and colleagues alike.

Kimmel opened the November 11 episode in tears, delivering what he called the “hardest monologue” of his career. The show subsequently canceled tapings on November 12 and 13 as the staff mourned the loss. During the Nov. 11 taping, Escobedo Sr. stepped in to perform with the band.

Personal Reflections

In a 2021 featurette for ABC Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, Escobedo described his role on the show as the “best gig ever.” He credited his father’s sacrifices and musical legacy for inspiring him: “I play sax because he played sax when I was a kid — my dad sacrificed a lot for me. He was a musician for many years, he was on the road a lot before I was born. And then when I started going to school, he quit playing just so he could be home with me and got a job as a busboy at Caesar’s Palace and worked there for 30 years.”

Escobedo’s passing marks a significant loss for the late-night and music communities, leaving behind a legacy of talent, friendship, and dedication.