Paula Abdul is paying tribute to Cleto Escobedo III, the beloved bandleader of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!“, following his death at 59. The former “American Idol” judge shared a heartfelt message on social media, honoring their longtime friendship and his remarkable musical talent.
Paula Honors A ‘Pure Light & Soul’
“My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III,” Abdul wrote. “I first met Cleto when he was playing sax in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I was putting together my band for my first world tour, and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didn’t have any touring experience yet. His talent and energy were undeniable, and he went on to have an amazing career, reuniting with his best friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage.”
Abdul, who toured with Escobedo early in her career, praised his warmth, kindness, and musical brilliance. “Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him,” she added.
Jimmy Kimmel Remembers His Lifelong Friend
Jimmy Kimmel also paid an emotional tribute to Escobedo, confirming his death on Nov. 11 at the age of 59.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician, and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Kimmel wrote.
“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. 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.”
Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship stretched back to childhood, with the two later teaming up professionally when “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” premiered in 2003. The band, Cleto and the Cletones, became a defining part of the late-night show’s sound and spirit.
A Lifelong Passion for Music
GettyBefore joining Kimmel on television, Escobedo toured with Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind & Fire, and even landed his own record deal. Kimmel once recalled how his friend’s passion for music was apparent from an early age.
“He was a child prodigy,” Kimmel told ABC7 in 2015. “The whole school would gather to watch. He’d get standing ovations. It was a crazy thing.”
Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., played alongside him in Cleto and the Cletones, performing nightly on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” together.
In January 2022, the pair celebrated 19 years of music together. “19 years of this!! Love ya Dad,” Escobedo wrote on Instagram at the time.
Those who worked with Escobedo describe him as an extraordinary musician and an even better person. Kimmel often said he couldn’t imagine hosting the show without his friend.
“Of course I wanted great musicians, but I wanted somebody I had chemistry with,” Kimmel told ABC7. “And there’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.”
Abdul echoed those sentiments, calling him “pure light and soul.” Fans and colleagues alike are remembering Escobedo not only for his musical legacy but for his kindness, laughter, and joy that filled every room he entered.
Where is the Tears?? THOSE ARE THE MOST FAKE TEARS ON A PERSON I HAVE EVER SEEN