Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Bandleader and Childhood Friend, Dies at 59
Cleto Escobedo III, the longtime bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a childhood friend of Jimmy Kimmel, has passed away at 59. The cause and date of his death remain undisclosed.
ABC NewsJimmy Kimmel's bandleader Cleto Escobedo III dies
USA TODAYCleto Escobedo III, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' bandleader of 22 years, dies at 59
Boston HeraldCleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader and childhood friend, dies at 59
Associated PressCleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel's bandleader and childhood friend, dies at 59
Overview
Cleto Escobedo III, the esteemed bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a close childhood friend of host Jimmy Kimmel, has sadly passed away at the age of 59.
The circumstances surrounding Escobedo's death, including the specific cause and exact date, have not been publicly disclosed, leaving details unknown.
Before leading Cleto and the Cletones since 2003, Escobedo was a professional saxophonist, touring with major artists like Paula Abdul and Earth, Wind and Fire's Phillip Bailey.
His extensive musical career also included significant collaborations on various recording projects with renowned artists such as Marc Anthony, Tom Scott, and the vocal group Take Six.
Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori and their two children, while his father continues to play saxophone in the Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally by presenting factual information about Cleto Escobedo III's death without editorializing. They focus on reporting the event, providing biographical context, and including direct tributes from Jimmy Kimmel, allowing the facts and sentiments to speak for themselves without added spin or loaded language. The coverage remains objective and informative.