Jimmy Kimmel honours late bandleader Cleto Escobedo III with fundraisers

2 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a move that resonates with the soulful final notes of a well-played set, Jimmy Kimmel has orchestrated a heartfelt tribute to his late bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, launching two fundraisers that feel less like charity and more like an extension of the man’s own rhythm. The news hit the entertainment world not with a crash of cymbals but with the somber, lingering tone of a muted trumpet, as Kimmel shared a poignant reflection on his longtime collaborator, writing that 'Cleto was always kind and eager to help others.' This wasn't just a passing comment from a talk show host; it was the chorus to a life lived in harmony with others, a theme Kimmel is now amplifying by creating these initiatives explicitly 'to celebrate his life and give back. ' For over two decades, Escobedo wasn't merely the leader of Cleto and the Cletones; he was the bedrock of the show's sonic identity, the steady backbeat that grounded Kimmel’s comedic chaos, a presence as integral to the late-night landscape as a familiar guitar riff is to a classic rock anthem.His sudden departure leaves a silence in the studio that is palpable, a void where a vibrant musical force once stood, guiding the house band with a grace that made complex arrangements seem effortless. The fundraisers themselves are structured like a two-part suite, each movement designed to honor a different facet of Escobedo’s legacy.The first, a scholarship fund, aims to nurture the next generation of musicians, a nod to Cleto’s own journey and his inherent generosity in mentoring young talent. The second is directed toward a cause close to his heart, ensuring his compassion continues to reverberate long after the final curtain call.This act of memorializing through action is a powerful refrain in the world of music, reminiscent of how the industry rallied for figures like Tom Petty with tribute concerts that became celebrations rather than wakes. Kimmel’s effort transcends the typical press release condolences; it’s a deeply personal composition, a final collaboration between the host and his bandleader.It speaks to a bond forged in the green rooms and live broadcasts, a relationship built on mutual respect and the unspoken language of performance. The response from the community—fellow musicians, crew members, and celebrities who graced the show—has been a swelling crescendo of support, a testament to a man whose kindness was his signature melody.In the grand narrative of late-night television, where hosts come and go, it is often the bandleaders like Paul Shaffer or Questlove who provide the timeless, connective tissue, and Cleto Escobedo III was undoubtedly among their ranks. By channeling grief into purposeful action, Kimmel has ensured that Cleto’s music doesn’t end with a fade-out but continues on in a powerful, enduring legacy that will help others find their own rhythm, their own song.

#Jimmy Kimmel

#Cleto Escobedo III

#fundraiser

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#bandleader

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