Paula Absul is mourning the loss of musician and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. He died on November 11. The phenomenal sax player was Jimmy Kimmel's longtime bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live! He was also a dear friend since boyhood of the late-night host.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Abdul Posted a Respectful Tribute to Escobedo
Abdul, 63, shared this thoughtful message about Escobedo, 59, on Instagram. "My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III. I first met Cleto when he was playing sax in a small bar at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. I was putting together my band for my first world tour and the moment I heard him, I knew I had to hire him, even though he didn't have any touring experience yet."
She added, "His talent and energy were undeniable, and he went on to have an amazing career, reuniting with his best friend Jimmy Kimmel as the bandleader on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage. Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him"
She also posted a video of the two of them performing years ago. She and Escobedo were electrifying together on stage. She danced and sang, he passionately blasted the sax. The audience must have been transfixed. Absolute raw talent with both of them.
Kimmel Wrote a Deeply Heartfelt Message About His Beloved Buddy and Colleague
The bereaved comedian, 58, penned this about Escobedo on Instagram. He was clearly stunned by the enormous personal loss. Kimmel wrote, "Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III. To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement."
He continued, "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 must have been a very special person indeed. He obviously had an indelible impact on many lives in the entertainment business.
