Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC on Monday, November 17, following a brief hiatus after the death of band director Cleto Escobedo III. The show’s house band, previously known as Cleto and the Cletones, was introduced as simply The Cletones.
Escobedo, a lifelong friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, passed away on November 11 at 59 years old. Kimmel had mourned his friend during an emotional monologue on the November 11 episode of Live! before taking the remainder of that week off.
A death certificate obtained by TMZ on November 14 indicated Escobedo’s immediate cause of death as cardiogenic shock. Underlying causes included vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
Kimmel delivered a tearful tribute to Escobedo, describing it as "the most difficult" monologue he had ever delivered on his talk show. He emphasized that they had "lost someone very special who was too young to go."
Escobedo had served as the band director for Jimmy Kimmel Live! since the show’s premiere in January 2003. His father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also plays in the band.
Kimmel recalled his determination to have Cleto III lead the band, despite concerns that "My best childhood friend plays saxophone, he could lead the band" was "not a great pitch." He was "terrified" at the thought of anyone else in the role.
He also insisted that Cleto Sr. be part of the musical ensemble. Kimmel noted that the Escobedos quickly secured their roles after an audition for an ABC executive.
Kimmel shared that they had been working together daily for almost 23 years. He stated that "the best thing about doing this show has always been giving Cleto Sr. a chance to pick up in 1966 where he left off and be a musician again, alongside his son."
Kimmel considered Cleto Sr. and his mother, Sylvia, to be like second parents since he was in fourth grade. He had known them for 47 years. "They have never yelled at me. Not once. They are the best people," he added.
"It’s not fair," Kimmel lamented. He described Escobedo as "the kindest, most humble, kind-hearted, and always funny person."
Kimmel first announced Escobedo’s death on Instagram on the morning of November 11. He wrote, "This morning we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my lifelong bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III."
"To say we are heartbroken is an understatement," Kimmel’s post continued. "Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we have been able to work together every day is a dream neither of us would have imagined coming true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your prayers."