Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Dies at 59

Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a childhood friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, died Tuesday morning at age 59.

Kimmel announced the death in an emotional Instagram post Tuesday afternoon, describing Escobedo as a great friend, father, son, musician and man. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement," Kimmel wrote. "Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto's wife, children and parents in your prayers."

The two met as neighbors growing up in Las Vegas, where they shared a close bond that included playful childhood adventures. Kimmel once recalled Escobedo riding a bicycle equipped with a sidecar, which they dubbed the "side hack," often leading to mishaps like crashing into garbage cans and bushes. Their friendship endured into adulthood, shaping Escobedo's role on the late-night show.

Escobedo led the house band, Cleto and the Cletones, since Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered on ABC in 2003. A skilled saxophonist who played alto, tenor and soprano varieties and...