Jimmy Kimmel Launches Fundraiser for Late Bandleader Cleto Escobedo.

4 hours ago7 min read3 comments

The house lights have dimmed on a foundational presence in late-night television, casting a somber pall over the theatrical world of broadcast entertainment. Jimmy Kimmel, in a move that resonates with the deep, familial bonds forged behind the curtain, has launched a heartfelt fundraiser following the passing of his bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III.Escobedo wasn't merely a musician; he was the show's original orchestrator, the steady hand on the baton from the very first curtain rise in 2003, a tenure that spanned two decades and over 4,000 episodes. His band, Cleto and the Cletones, provided more than just a funky soundtrack; they were the live-wire heartbeat of the program, their opening riffs setting the stage for comedy and conversation, their improvised grooves seamlessly underscoring monologues and reacting to guests in real-time—a rare and vital element of live, unscripted performance that has largely vanished from the television landscape.At 59, Escobedo’s final bow came far too soon, leaving a silence where there was once rhythm and soul. Kimmel’s initiative, therefore, is not just a charitable act but a profound tribute, a final encore for a man who gave the show its musical identity.It echoes the tradition of show families rallying around their own, reminiscent of how Broadway communities mobilize after the loss of a beloved pit musician or crew member. The funds raised are directed toward supporting Escobedo’s family, a testament to the personal connection that transcended the professional.This loss forces a broader reflection on the evolving role of the house band in modern television. In an era of pre-recorded segments and digital playlists, the authentic, human spontaneity of a live ensemble like Escobedo’s feels increasingly like a precious artifact.His legacy is interwoven with the very fabric of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’, a show that built its brand on a certain chaotic, unpolished charm that a canned track could never replicate. The fundraiser serves as a standing ovation for a career spent in the pit, a final, resonant chord for a performer who, night after night, ensured the show always went on with style, soul, and an unmistakable groove.

#Jimmy Kimmel

#Cleto Escobedo III

#death

#fundraiser

#bandleader

#tribute

#featured

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