“Jimmy Kimmel Live” bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who died last week at the age of 59, was remembered Sunday night during the opening credits of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” A photo of Escobedo with a saxophone was discovered under the word “Maestro”.
Oliver and the team often use the last image in the credits before cutting to the host behind the desk to honor the previous week’s news reporters. And considering the close camaraderie that exists between late-night shows, it’s perhaps no surprise that “Last Week Tonight” would want to honor its fallen colleague.
Kimmel announced Escobedo’s death via an Instagram post on Tuesday, and shared the news and some of his memories with his childhood best friend on that night’s episode. “To say we are heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel wrote in a post Tuesday. “Cleto and I have been inseparable since we were nine years old. The fact that we get to work together every day is a dream neither of us ever imagined would come true. Please cherish your friend and keep Cleto’s wife, children, and parents in your prayers.”
On Friday, Kimmel announced that he and his show had launched a fundraiser in Escobedo’s memory for UCLA Medical Center and the Las Vegas Animal Foundation. “Clete was always kind and passionate about helping others. We mourn his loss and have started two fundraisers to celebrate his life and give back. The first is for UCLA Medical Center, where he received excellent care. Together, we can help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial support during a difficult time. And to honor his love for animals, we are establishing an animal foundation in our hometown of Las Vegas.”
“In memory of our friend Cleto, we would like to thank all the hard-working professionals, doctors and nurses at UCLA who worked tirelessly and generously to provide him with the best possible care,” UCLA Medical Center fundraisers wrote in a statement. In honor of his generous spirit, I would like to help vulnerable patients and families in need of financial support in Cleto’s name.”
And at the Animal Foundation, a fundraiser says, “Clet was a loving friend, father, and animal lover who always had a heart for pets in need.” His family shares this message: “Clet was a caring animal lover. “He loved his rescue dogs like family. Please consider donating to the Animal Foundation in his hometown of Las Vegas. Cleto would have loved helping friends and family provide safety, comfort, and a home for pets in need.” In honor of Cleto’s lifelong love of animals, gifts made through this page support the Animal Foundation’s work rescuing and caring for vulnerable pets right here in Las Vegas. ”
“Cardiogenic shock is listed as the immediate cause of death. Vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and alcoholic cirrhosis are listed as underlying causes,” according to People magazine, which confirmed that TMZ first received Escobedo’s death certificate.
Escobedo played alto, tenor, and soprano saxophone, and also sang as part of the Creto and Cretones house band. In addition to appearing on Kimmel’s show, Escobedo has toured with Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony, and Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire.
When Kimmel launched “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” At ABC in 2003, he asked Escobedo to lead the house band. “I’ll always be grateful to him for this gig, because he could have tried to get someone more famous who would have helped the show more,” Escobedo said in a 2013 interview with ABC7. “But he trusted me and gave me this job, so I’ve tried to do the best I can.”
