"When ABC approached Kimmel to offer him the late-night show, the host suggested Escobedo as the musical director of its house band. Kimmel ultimately convinced the station to give him a chance by bringing ABC executives to see Escobedo's ensemble perform live. Not only were they captured by the saxophonist's live presence, but the station's executives were also charmed by Kimmel's close friendship with Escobedo and the fact that Escobedo's father also played in the band."
""Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III," Kimmel wrote yesterday on Instagram. "To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement. Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto's wife, children and parents in your prayers.""
Cleto Escobedo III, 59, led Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s house band Cleto and the Cletones from the show's start in 2003 and has died; a cause of death has not been announced. Escobedo was Jimmy Kimmel's childhood friend from elementary school in Las Vegas and served as the show's musical director and saxophonist. When ABC offered Kimmel the late-night show, Kimmel recommended Escobedo and brought executives to see his ensemble perform live, highlighting Escobedo's presence and his father's involvement. Born August 23, 1966, he learned saxophone at age 11 from his father and recalled being deeply moved by his father's performances. Kimmel asked for prayers for Escobedo's wife, children and parents.
Read at Pitchfork
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