Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones, the home band for “Jimmy Kimmel Dwell!,” has died. The musician and lifelong pal of Kimmel was 59.
Kimmel confirmed Escobedo’s dying early Tuesday morning in an Instagram put up later that day, writing that “we misplaced an ideal pal, father, son, musician and man.”
“To say that we’re heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel continued. “Cleto and I’ve been inseparable since I used to be 9 years previous. The truth that we started working collectively each day is a dream neither of us might ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your pals and please preserve Cleto’s spouse, youngsters and oldsters in your prayers.”
The information of Escobedo’s dying comes after “Jimmy Kimmel Dwell!” was abruptly canceled Thursday , reportedly because of a “private matter.” The reason for Escobedo’s dying was not instantly launched.
Escobedo had led the band by the late-night present since its premiere in 2003, taking part in alongside a gaggle of musicians that included his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr.
Escobedo was an completed skilled musician, having toured with Earth, Wind and Hearth’s Philip Bailey and Paula Abdul and recorded with Marc Anthony, Tom Scott and Take Six. When Kimmel bought his personal ABC late-night speak present in 2003, he pushed for Escobedo to steer the home band, he instructed WABC in 2015.
“After all I wished nice musicians, however I wished anyone I had chemistry with,” Kimmel instructed the outlet. “And there’s no person in my life I’ve higher chemistry with than him.”
In an August 2016 episode, Kimmel wished Escobedo a contented fiftieth birthday and highlighted his long-standing relationship with the musician. They met in 1977 when Kimmel’s household moved in throughout the road from the Escobedos in Las Vegas. “We started a lifetime of friendship that was highlighted by the type of torture that solely an older brother can inflict on you with out being arrested,” Kimmel stated earlier than sharing a sequence of tales about their sibling-like bond and Escobedo’s antics.
“I can’t wait until your children flip 12 and see this, and discover out their father is a secret maniac,” Kimmel stated. The host additionally shared images of them as youngsters, together with one among Escobedo taking part in the saxophone and Kimmel taking part in the clarinet.
Along with his father and different members of the family, Escobedo is survived by his spouse, Lori, and their two youngsters.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
