Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s house band is going by a new moniker.
The group, originally named Cleto and the Cletones, revealed their new name during the late-night show’s Nov. 17 episode, which comes days after the death of bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.
In the opening sequence for the show, the credits rolled to the band’s new name The Cletones, illuminated by a flashing light. The change comes a week after Jimmy Kimmel shared that his longtime friend and musician died Nov. 11 at the age of 59.
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Jimmy wrote in a post on Instagram. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
Cleto’s cause of death was determined to be cardiogenic shock, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the body, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ Nov. 14.
After his friend’s passing, Jimmy returned to his late-night show to tearfully reflect on how he helped him land the gig on the late-night show in 2003.
"The idea that anyone other than him would lead the band was terrifying. It had to be him," Jimmy recalled of pitching Cleto as bandleader for the show. "I had to work up the nerve to bring it up because I knew 'my best friend from growing up plays the saxophone, he could lead the band,’ didn’t sound good."
Cleto, alongside his father Cleto Escobedo II, got the job and as Jimmy tearfully shared they had "been working together every day for almost 23 years."
In the days since, Cleto’s life was celebrated by family, friends and famous musicians in a memorial service held Nov. 15.
“I keep forgetting that you’ve moved on from here…but I’ll never forget how much I loved you,” Jimmy’s sister Jill Kimmel wrote in an Nov. 16 Instagram post, alongside pictures of Cleto set to Michael McDonald’s ‘I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)’. “It’s been a beautiful life with you in it, Cleto. Rest well, my brother.”
Shelia E. shared a glimpse inside the emotional service alongside photos of her with Cleto’s family.
“Family and friends gathered together for the best celebration of life I have ever attended,” the “Glamourous Life” singer wrote on Instagram Nov. 16. “It’s a true testament to who Cleto was and of Cleo’s love for his family and friends. We will continue to pray for the family. We love u Cleto and we already miss u.”
For more tributes to Cleto, keep reading…
Jimmy Kimmel
“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Jimmy Kimmel shared to Instagram Nov. 11. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”
The talk show host added that he and Cleto “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,” Jimmy continued. “Cherish your friends and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”
Shelia E.
“With a heavy heart we have lost a dear friend Cleto Escobedo,” the "Glamorous Life" artist posted to Instagram Nov. 11. “I met Cleto in 1994 and in 1995 I produced a song on his album. We always joked about being related and we did try to find out.”
She wrote that he had “been a true brother and an amazing musician and artist.”
“I’m so heartbroken there are no words,” she added. “My prayers go out to his wife and kids, Jimmy Kimmel, family and friends. You will be missed. I love u rest well.”
Paula Abdul
The “Straight Up” singer shared a sweet tribute Instagram Nov. 11 saying, “My heart is heavy today as we say goodbye to the incredible Cleto Escobedo III.”
Noting she first met Cleto when he was playing the saxophone at a small bar at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace, Paula recalled, “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 gushed that Cleto’s “talent and energy were undeniable” and that she was thrilled to see him “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,” she wrote. “Sending so much love to his family and everyone who loved him.”
Adam Scott
“RIP the great Cleto Escobedo III,” the Severance actor posted to Instagram Nov. 11. “Such a kind, talented guy who will be sorely missed. Lots of love to Cleto’s family and everyone at @jimmykimmellive.”
Eric Stonestreet
“So sorry to hear this Jimmy,” the Modern Family alum commented on Jimmy’s post. “He was AWESOME. Love to his family.”
Johnny Knoxville
The Reboot alum shared three red hearts on Jimmy’s tribute, writing, “Love to u, cleto and his whole family.”
Wanda Skyes
“Heartbreaking,” the comedian posted. “So, very sorry.”
Jeffrey Ross
The comedian commented, “Love you Love to his incredible family.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
The Seinfeld star shared her condolences on Jimmy’s remembrance, writing, “Oh no. I’m so so sorry.”
Ike Barinholtz
“So sorry man,” the Studio star added on Jimmy’s post. “Love you Cleto.”