How did Paula Abdul honor late Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandleader Cleto Escobedo III? Tributes pour in following his death at 59

Cleto Escobedo III, the bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel's show and his close childhood friend, died at the age of fifty-nine. Kimmel first announced the news on his Instagram, where he shared that Cleto died early morning.

Kimmel added that the two had been friends since they were nine years old. Jimmy Kimmel has been open about his friendship with Cleto, wishing him birthdays on his show. Cleto, when talking about Kimmel in the past interview, revealed that Jimmy could have hired anyone, but he chose him, which he felt thankful for.

The reason behind his death has not been revealed as of now. Cleto was not active on social media, with his last Instagram post uploaded last year.

Singer and dancer Paula Abdul, remembering him, revealed that she first met him at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and after listening to him, she decided to hire him.

She continued:

"Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage. Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him ❣️🎷"

Tributes pour in for Cleto Escobedo III following his death

Pop band Saint Motel wrote on Instagram:

"Our Saint Motel family is so sad to hear of the passing of our buddy Cleto Escobedo. Cleto was the band leader for @jimmykimmellive from day one of the show. We knew Cleto off stage but also had the pleasure of having him join us twice on the Kimmel show."

The caption continued:

"He joined us for our first ever TV appearance for My Type many years ago and made us feel so welcome. ❤️ Cleto was a great man with a beautiful soul and a ripping saxophone. Our condolences and love to his family & friends and the entire Kimmel show team. Rest in peace, buddy ❤️"

Dancer and poet Adam Scott posted:

"RIP the great Cleto Escobedo III Such a kind, talented guy who will be sorely missed. Lots of love to Cleto’s family and everyone at @jimmykimmellive 💔"

Music publicist Eric Alper wrote on X:

"Cleto Escobedo III, beloved bandleader of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and lifelong friend of Jimmy Kimmel, has died at 59. A gifted musician, loving father, and joyful spirit who made late-night TV feel like family."

Journalist John Katsilometes added on X:

"Shaken to have learned Cleto Escobedo III has died. Jimmy Kimmel's longtime friend and bandleader of Cleto and the Cletones on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," son of Vegas entertainment icon Cleto Escobedo Jr. was 59. Escobedo was away from the show since the summer."

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