Jimmy Kimmel Pays Tearful Tribute to Late Bandleader Cleto Escobedo III
In a heartfelt tribute, Jimmy Kimmel honored his late bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III, during a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Instead of canceling the show after Escobedo’s passing at the age of 59, Kimmel dedicated his entire 22-minute monologue to commemorate his lifelong friend.
Remembering Cleto Escobedo III
Kimmel began his emotional tribute by reflecting on their 23-year relationship, speaking directly to the audience. He noted, “This one’s the hardest because late last night, early this morning, we lost someone very special who was much too young to go.”
A Lifelong Friendship
Jimmy and Cleto’s friendship started in their childhood in Las Vegas. Kimmel fondly recalled meeting Cleto, saying “He was a little over a year older than me. His name was Cleto, but we all called him Junior.” Their bond grew strong over the years, and Kimmel recounted numerous sleepovers at the Escobedo household.
- Kimmel spent 33 consecutive nights at Cleto’s house one summer.
- His mother often made him plead to sleep over, highlighting their close friendship.
Childhood Adventures
The duo engaged in a variety of mischievous activities throughout their youth. Kimmel humorously shared tales of their antics:
- Boxing for hours, resulting in playful injuries.
- Making crank calls and prank ordering pizzas to neighbors’ homes.
- Attempting to record their “rap album,” which they humorously agreed was poorly made.
Throughout the monologue, Kimmel balanced laughter with sadness. He also reminisced about their shared music experiences and innocent explorations during their formative years.
Legacy of Cleto Escobedo III
Jimmy Kimmel’s tribute to Cleto Escobedo III serves as a moving testament to their enduring friendship. Through laughter and shared memories, Kimmel ensured that Escobedo’s legacy would not be forgotten. His heartfelt words resonated with the audience, highlighting the profound impact of their relationship on both their lives.
