Jimmy Kimmel broke down in tears as he paid tribute to his longtime buddy and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, throughout “Jimmy Kimmel Stay!” on Tuesday, November 11.
The emotional second got here simply hours after Kimmel introduced Escobedo’s passing at age 59.
The beloved musician, who led the present’s home band, Cleto and the Cletones, had been part of Kimmel’s life since childhood.
Preventing again tears, the host honored the person he referred to as an important buddy, father, son, musician and man.
Article continues beneath commercial
Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down Remembering His Childhood Buddy
In the beginning of Tuesday evening’s episode, Jimmy Kimmel struggled to carry again tears as he informed viewers concerning the loss.
“We’ve been on the air for nearly 23 years and I’ve needed to do some onerous monologues alongside the way in which, however this one’s the toughest as a result of late final evening, early this morning, we misplaced somebody very particular who was a lot too younger,” he mentioned.
The comic went on to share that Escobedo wasn’t only a colleague however a lifelong buddy.
“Everybody loves Cleto… everybody right here on the present,” he mentioned, his voice breaking. “We’re devastated by this. It’s not… It’s simply not truthful.”
The heartbreaking second set the tone for the evening, because the host honored the person who had been by his aspect from the very starting, from their early years in Las Vegas to their shared success on nationwide tv.
Article continues beneath commercial
Kimmel Cancels Upcoming Exhibits To Mourn His Buddy
Following the emotional tribute, Jimmy Kimmel introduced that “Jimmy Kimmel Stay!” would pause manufacturing for 2 nights in honor of Escobedo.
“We’re going to take the subsequent couple of nights off,” he informed his viewers.
The TV character defined that he and his employees determined to undergo with the November 11 present as a result of the musician wouldn’t have wished them to overlook interviewing visitor Eddie Murphy.
Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., carried out with the band that evening, whereas his mom watched from the viewers.
The touching gesture made the tribute much more emotional for everybody current.
Article continues beneath commercial
Jimmy Kimmel Remembers Their Lifelong Bond On And Off Display screen
Earlier that very same day, Kimmel shared an emotional message on Instagram, revealing the depth of their friendship.
He shared a photograph of the late bandleader in a swimsuit, standing on stage and holding a saxophone.
Within the caption, Kimmel wrote, “Early this morning, we misplaced an important buddy, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.”
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, saying that describing himself and the staff as heartbroken was an understatement.
The 57-year-old mirrored on how inseparable that they had been since he was 9 years outdated and referred to as it a dream come true that they set to work collectively day-after-day.
Kimmel urged followers to “cherish your mates” and requested that they hold Escobedo’s spouse, youngsters, and fogeys of their prayers.
Article continues beneath commercial
Shortly after, the feedback part was full of condolence messages from followers and celebrities alike.
Fellow comic Wanda Sykes even shared her condolences, commenting, “Heartbreaking. So, very sorry.”
Article continues beneath commercial
Cleto Escobedo’s Legacy And His Father’s Position In The Band
Escobedo’s musical journey was deeply rooted in household.
His father not solely impressed his profession but additionally carried out alongside him in Cleto and the Cletones, taking part in the tenor and alto saxophone.
The 59-year-old as soon as shared in a 2021 ABC Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month featurette that his father made nice sacrifices for him.
“I play sax as a result of he performed sax once I was a child — my dad sacrificed quite a bit for me,” he mentioned per PEOPLE. “He give up taking part in simply so he may very well be residence with me and received a job as a busboy at Caesar’s Palace and labored there for 30 years.”
Earlier than becoming a member of Jimmy Kimmel’s present, Escobedo had toured with Earth, Wind and Hearth and Paula Abdul and even had his personal document deal.
Kimmel even as soon as referred to as him a “little one prodigy,” noting that whereas he wished proficient musicians, he principally wished somebody he had chemistry with, and there was nobody who match that higher than Escobedo.
Article continues beneath commercial
Jimmy Kimmel Honors Cleto’s Influence On ‘Jimmy Kimmel Stay!’
Escobedo joined “Jimmy Kimmel Stay!” as bandleader when the present premiered in 2003, turning their lifelong friendship into knowledgeable partnership that lasted over 20 years.
The late musician had as soon as recalled how their collaboration started, sharing that he instantly mentioned sure when requested to hitch the present.
“Jimmy referred to as and mentioned, ‘Hey man, I believe I’m going to have this present, do you need to be my band chief?’ In fact, I used to be like, ‘Sure,’” Escobedo mentioned in 2021. “It’s been the perfect gig ever.”
Via the years, his presence grew to become a signature a part of the late-night program, from the soulful music to the easy chemistry between him and Kimmel.
Their connection, rooted in a long time of shared reminiscences, laughter, and mutual respect, made the present really feel like a household.
As Kimmel tearfully mentioned, the lack of his pricey buddy will perpetually depart a void on and off the stage.
