Jimmy Kimmel Honors Late Best Friend Cleto Escobedo III

Jimmy Kimmel emotionally paid tribute to his best friend and band leader, Cleto Escobedo III, during what he described as the most difficult opening monologue he has ever delivered on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Visibly moved, Kimmel broke down in tears on Tuesday night, sharing heartfelt anecdotes about Escobedo, a “great friend, father, son, musician, and human being,” who passed away that morning at the age of 59.

“We’ve been on the air for almost 23 years, and we’ve faced some tough monologues, but this one? It was the hardest,” Kimmel shared with the audience. “Because late last night and early this morning, we lost a very special person far too soon.”

Reflecting on their shared history, Kimmel recounted moving from Brooklyn to Las Vegas in 1997. He met Escobedo, who lived just a few doors away, when he was riding his bike around the neighborhood.

“He was a year older than me. His name was Cleto, but we called him Junior,” Kimmel remembered. The pair quickly became inseparable, even spending 33 consecutive nights sleeping at each other’s homes at one point.

Kimmel fondly recalled Escobedo as a “phenomenal saxophonist” from a young age. “He was a child prodigy, believe it or not, who could have won a standing ovation back in middle school.” This musical talent was deeply rooted in his family, as his father, Cleto Escobedo II, was also a saxophonist who had previously stepped away from music to focus on family.

When Escobedo followed in his father’s footsteps to become a professional musician, Kimmel noted how ecstatic his father was, watching his son perform in various venues across Las Vegas.

Eventually, Escobedo became a saxophonist for pop star Paula Abdul, landing a record deal and even releasing an album. However, Kimmel pointed out that Escobedo was “serious about music” and not really cut out for the pop scene, which led him to work alongside artists like Marc Anthony instead.

In 2002, when Kimmel needed a band for his show, he immediately thought of Escobedo as the perfect leader. “We grew up watching Dave (Letterman) and Paul (Shafer), so it had to be him,” he said, emphasizing the special bond they shared.

After a successful audition with some of ABC’s top names, Escobedo and his father joined Kimmel’s show, and they have been working together ever since. “It was a beautiful opportunity to connect with Cleto Sr. and carry on that legacy,” Kimmel said, expressing deep appreciation for their time together.

Kimmel also acknowledged Escobedo’s mother, sharing how she was like a second parent to him. Struggling to maintain his composure, he reflected on the heartache of losing such a dear friend.

“Everyone loved Cleto. We’re all devastated. It’s not right… it’s not fair,” Kimmel said, choked with emotion. “While I’m heartbroken, I’m also grateful for the years we spent together.”

Kimmel shared the news of Escobedo’s passing on Instagram, though the cause of death hasn’t been disclosed. However, reports suggest he had been dealing with complications after a liver transplant.