Jimmy Kimmel Live Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dies at 59.

4 hours ago7 min read

The music world was struck with a profound and somber note this week with the passing of Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, who has died at the age of 59. For those of us who live and breathe the rhythm of the industry, Escobedo wasn't just a name in the credits; he was the steady, swinging heartbeat of one of late-night television's most enduring stages.His tenure, a remarkable run that began when the show first aired in 2003, made him as much a fixture of the Hollywood & Highland Center as the studio lights themselves. Leading the show's house band, Cleto and the Cletones, he provided the sonic bedrock for two decades of comedy, celebrity interviews, and unforgettable musical performances, his saxophone weaving a thread of cool, classic soul through the frantic energy of nightly broadcast.Think of him as the bandleader in the tradition of the greats—the Doc Severinsen of his era, but with a distinctly West Coast, effortlessly hip vibe. He was the conductor of the show's emotional tone, able to punch up a punchline with a stinging brass line or cushion a poignant moment with a soulful melody.His presence was a testament to the often-unseen but vital alchemy of a live broadcast, where the band is the safety net and the engine room all at once. Beyond the glare of Kimmel's desk, Escobedo's career was a rich tapestry woven from the fabric of American music.He was a sought-after session musician, his saxophone gracing recordings and stages for legends like Beyoncé, Gladys Knight, and the Brian Setzer Orchestra, demonstrating a versatility that spanned pop, rock, and big band with impeccable taste. This wasn't a musician who just played the notes on the page; he played the room, the moment, the feeling.His death leaves a silence that is more than acoustic; it’s a void in the community of musicians who revered him not just for his skill but for his leadership and camaraderie. The outpouring of grief from colleagues and guests speaks to a man whose artistry was matched by his character.In an industry known for its transience, a 20-year run on a major network is a symphony in itself, a legacy of consistency and cool that future bandleaders will study. The stage at *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* will undoubtedly continue, but the soundtrack of its golden era will forever bear the name Cleto Escobedo III.

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