Las Vegas, November 12, 2025 — Grammy-winning musician Sheila E. tearfully honored her longtime friend and collaborator Cleto Escobedo III, the leader of Cleto and the Cletones, following his death at the age of 59 on Tuesday, November 11. Escobedo, who led the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was remembered for his kindness, talent, and enduring friendship.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at iHeartRadio’s Not Alone Awards at The Wynn Las Vegas, Sheila E., 67, shared her deep connection to Escobedo.
“I lost a really good friend last night,” Sheila E. said. “He passed away at 1 a.m.… I was getting text messages during dinner, and I was just praying that maybe he could hold on until I got home on Thursday.”
A Lifelong Friendship
Tearing up, Sheila E. recalled how long she had known Escobedo.
“I’ve known him a really long time … I don’t even know how we met because it was so long ago. It was in the ‘90s, but I produced his first single. He’s just incredible,” she said.
The musician also revealed that they had recently tried to determine whether they were related, given the similarity in their surnames—Escobedo and Escovedo.
“Because our names were spelled with one letter different, my grandfather changed our name from B to V. We think we might be related, so we kept researching our backgrounds,” Sheila E. said.
Paying Tribute on Social Media
Sheila E. shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, remembering Escobedo as a “true brother” and “amazing musician and artist.”
“With a heavy heart, we have lost a dear friend, Cleto Escobedo,” she wrote. “I met Cleto in 1994 and produced a song on his album in 1995. We always joked about being related … I’m so heartbroken there are no words. My prayers go out to his wife and kids, Jimmy Kimmel, family and friends. We will be missed. I love you. Rest well.”
Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Tribute
Jimmy Kimmel, 57, also paid tribute to his childhood friend on Instagram, calling Escobedo a great friend, father, son, musician, and man. Kimmel shared that the two had been inseparable since age nine.
During Tuesday’s show, Kimmel became visibly emotional, recalling childhood memories of Escobedo:
“We became friends, and not just regular friends … One summer I slept over at the Escobedo house 33 nights in a row,” he said.
The host praised Escobedo’s musical talent and the camaraderie of Cleto and the Cletones, who have provided live music for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show’s debut in 2003. Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also played in the band.
“Everyone loves Cleto … everyone here at the show. We are devastated by this. It’s not… it’s just not fair,” Kimmel said through tears.
Legacy of a Beloved Musician
Cleto Escobedo III’s influence extended beyond the Kimmel stage. Sheila E.’s reflections highlighted his personal warmth, musical genius, and the profound impact he had on friends, colleagues, and the late-night television community.
As fans and celebrities mourn, Escobedo’s legacy lives on through his music, the countless performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the memories cherished by those closest to him.
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