Jimmy Kimmel Starts Fundraiser for Late Bandleader Cleto Escobedo.

6 hours ago7 min read3 comments

The rhythm section of late-night television fell silent this week with the passing of Cleto Escobedo III, the magnetic bandleader who anchored the very soul of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* since its 2003 premiere, a devastating loss at just 59 years old. In a move that feels less like a fundraiser and more like a heartfelt, collective downbeat, host Jimmy Kimmel has launched a public campaign, a musical tribute in the form of a GoFundMe, to support Escobedo’s family, a gesture that resonates with the same familial warmth the show’s house band, Cleto and the Cletones, always exuded.For twenty-one years, Escobedo wasn't just a musician; he was the show’s consistent groove, the steady backbeat through presidential administrations, cultural upheavals, and the very evolution of the late-night format itself. His saxophone wasn't an instrument; it was a character, providing the witty musical punctuation to celebrity interviews, the funky interludes during commercial breaks, and the soulful swagger that made the show feel less like a broadcast and more like the coolest, most unpredictable party on the Strip.Think of him as the Questlove of ABC, the Paul Shaffer for a new generation—a bandleader whose presence was so foundational, you almost took for granted how his musicality shaped the entire emotional landscape of the program, from the opening monologue's tension to the final goodnight's release. This fundraiser isn't merely about covering expenses; it's a final, collective chorus for a man who provided the soundtrack for millions of American evenings.The outpouring from the entertainment community—from guests who sat on his couch to musicians who shared his stage—paints a portrait of a artist beloved not just for his technical prowess but for his generosity and spirit. In an industry often defined by transience and ego, Escobedo’s two-decade tenure was a masterclass in consistency and collaborative grace.His legacy is etched into every note played by the Cletones and every laugh that followed one of Kimmel's jokes, a symbiotic relationship between comedian and musician that was as classic as Carson and McMahon, yet uniquely its own. As the donations roll in, each one is a testament to a life spent in service of the groove, a final standing ovation for the man who always kept the band, and the audience, firmly in the pocket.

#Jimmy Kimmel

#Cleto Escobedo III

#bandleader

#death

#fundraiser

#Jimmy Kimmel Live

#featured

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.