Beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III Passes Away at 59
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Tragedy struck the world of late-night television as Cleto Escobedo III, the charismatic leader of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band Cleto and the Cletones, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59. Jimmy Kimmel, the show's host, took to the airwaves to share the devastating news with his audience, visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his dear friend. In a poignant opening monologue, Kimmel reflected on his nearly two-decade-long friendship with Escobedo, recalling how he had first brought the band on board in 2003. The show's producers had been won over by Escobedo's infectious energy and talent, and the rest, as they say, is history. Last week, Kimmel had even cancelled a scheduled episode to personally care for Escobedo, who was reportedly unwell. Despite his untimely passing, Escobedo's financial legacy lives on. According to various estimates, he had amassed a net worth of between $2 and $4 million, largely attributed to his successful career as a bandleader, touring musician, and session artist. While the exact details of his assets remain private, it is clear that Escobedo's impact on the entertainment industry will be deeply felt. The Jimmy Kimmel Live! show has been cancelled for the next two days, a testament to the profound impact Escobedo had on the cast and crew. Kimmel's heartfelt tribute to his friend serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of the entertainment industry, where talent, kindness, and friendship know no bounds. In a statement, the American Federation of Musicians revealed that musicians on talk shows can earn around $325 per episode, with those who appear on every episode raking in around $2,000 per week. While these figures provide a glimpse into the financial aspects of Escobedo's career, they pale in comparison to the lasting legacy he has left behind. As the entertainment world mourns the loss of a true original, fans and friends alike are taking to social media to share their favorite memories of Cleto Escobedo III. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the transience of life, but also of the enduring power of music and the human spirit.
