Cleto Escobedo, III, the man who leads the band on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" died on Tuesday morning, the late night host announced. In posts on social media, Jimmy Kimmel described Escobedo as a "great friend,

Cleto Escobedo III — the lead singer of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band, Cleto and Cletones — has died at the age of 59. Jimmy Kimmel, who had been lifelong friends with Escobedo, announced the news of his death via Instagram on Tuesday.

Jimmy Kimmel Live band leader Cleto Escobedo passed away on November 11 -- read Jimmy Kimmel's official statement.

Cleto Escobedo III, childhood friend of Jimmy Kimmel and longtime bandleader of Jimmy Kimmel Live, has died at age 59. Kimmel announced the news on his Instagram Tuesday afternoon. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Cleto Escobedo III, the leader of the house band on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has died at age 59. Jimmy Kimmel announced the death of Escobedo, his best friend from childhood, with an emotional tribute to the saxophone player.

Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel's longtime bandleader and childhood friend, has died at the age of 59. Kimmel announced the news Tuesday, Nov. 11, in an emotional Instagram post, sharing his heartbreak over the loss of someone he had been inseparable from since they were nine years old.