Cleto Escobedo III Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography): 
Cleto Escobedo III (often called “Cleto”) was an American saxophonist-bandleader born in Las Vegas on August 23, 1966, and passed away November 11, 2025. He led the house band Cleto and the Cletones on Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its beginning in 2003, after a touring career supporting major artists. Cleto’s lifelong friendship with host Jimmy Kimmel which began when they lived across the street from one another as children shaped much of his unique path in late-night television and music. He is remembered for his warm humour, saxophone brilliance and the father-son musical partnership with his own dad in the band.
Early Life of Cleto
• Cleto grew up in Las Vegas, attending Guinn Junior High with Jimmy Kimmel across the street, and they bonded over late-night TV and pranks. 
• He began playing saxophone at a young age under his father’s guidance; the family-music link was strong and would come full-circle later. 
• Cleto briefly studied political science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before deciding to pursue full-time music and leaving his degree behind. 
Career Milestones of Cleto
• In the 1980s and 1990s, “Cleto” toured with stars like Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony, gaining professional experience on big-budget stages. 
• In 2003 Cleto became bandleader for Jimmy Kimmel’s show, forming Cleto and the Cletones and selecting musicians including his father to join. 
• He performed alto, tenor and soprano saxes nightly, and occasionally sang during TV segments, showing a versatile talent beyond just instrument playing. 
Awards & Recognitions received by Cleto
• Cleto was widely cited as a “child prodigy” by friends and colleagues, earning standing ovations in school assemblies long before his professional career. 
• Though formal public awards are not extensively documented, his long tenure as bandleader on a major network late-night show stands as its own recognition.
• Among less-known facts: he co-wrote the theme music for the show’s band setup in 2003 alongside show collaborators. 
Personal Life & Legacy of Cleto
• Cleto married Lori and the couple raised two children while living in Studio City, Los Angeles he often spoke about how TV work made home life easier than touring. 
• “Cleto” leaves behind a legacy of nightly live music, friendship-for-decades with Jimmy Kimmel, and a model of blending professional excellence with personal loyalty.
• Fans worldwide remember him for his warmth, humour, and musical talent; his passing at age 59 sparked widespread tribute from the entertainment community.
Controversy around Cleto
• While Cleto himself was not centred in major scandal, a notable moment was a sudden episode cancellation of the show attributed to his health issue the abrupt change spawned speculation and commentary. 
• Some critics raised questions over nepotism when his father, Cleto Escobedo Jr., joined the band under his leadership, but Cleto defended it as family and existing professional connection. 
• In an early interview, Cleto admitted he considered quitting music before the Kimmel opportunity the near-exit moment has been discussed in retrospect as one of the most pivotal points. 
Less-Known Facts about Cleto
• Cleto and Jimmy Kimmel once rigged a side-car bicycle they called the “side-hack” in their youth; stories of driving each other into bushes were retold by Kimmel at Cleto’s 50th birthday. 
• Despite his TV show role, Cleto valued the reduced touring demands because it let him spend more time with his wife Lori and two children prioritising family after years on the road. 
• His father had once worked as a butler for famous entertainers before returning to music letting the family’s musical legacy ride from service roles to bandstands.