Cleto and the Cletones

Cleto Valentine Escobedo III (August 23, 1966 – November 11, 2025) was an American musician and bandleader. He led Cleto and the Cletones, the house band for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, appearing on the show from its inception in 2003 until his death in 2025. Escobedo began his career touring with Paula Abdul and Marc Anthony before joining the late-night show.