“Jimmy Kimmel Dwell” bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who died final week at 59, was honored on Sunday evening in the course of the opening credit of “Final Week Tonight With John Oliver.” Oliver and workforce often use the final picture of their credit earlier than chopping to the host behind his desk to honor a newsmaker from the earlier week — and given the tight camaraderie that exists among the many late evening reveals, it’s in all probability no shock that “Final Week Tonight” would need to acknowledge a fallen colleague.
Kimmel introduced Escobedo’s passing on Tuesday by way of an Instagram put up, and on that evening’s episode, he shared the information and a few of his recollections of his childhood finest pal. “To say that we’re heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel wrote in his Tuesday put up. “Cleto and I’ve been inseparable since I used to be 9 years previous. The truth that we started working collectively each day is a dream neither of us might ever have imagined would come true. Cherish your mates and please maintain Cleto’s spouse, youngsters and oldsters in your prayers.”
On Friday, Kimmel introduced that he and the present had launched fundraisers for UCLA Medical Middle and Las Vegas’ Animal Basis in reminiscence of Escobedo. “Cleto was at all times sort and keen to assist others. As we mourn his loss, we have now began two fundraisers to rejoice his life and provides again. The primary is for UCLA Medical Middle the place he obtained such unbelievable care. Collectively we may also help weak sufferers and households in want of monetary help throughout arduous occasions. And to honor his love of animals, the The Animal Basis in our hometown of Las Vegas.”
The UCLA Medical Middle fundraiser famous, “In reminiscence of our pal Cleto, we’d wish to thank all of the hardworking specialists, docs, and nurses at UCLA. They labored tirelessly and generously to provide him the perfect care. Cleto was at all times sort and keen to assist others. To honor his beneficiant spirit, we’d like to assist weak sufferers and households in want of monetary help throughout arduous occasions. Let’s assist others in Cleto’s identify.”
And at The Animal Basis, the fundraiser famous, “Cleto was a beloved pal, father, and animal lover whose coronary heart was at all times open to pets in want. His household shares this message: ‘Cleto was a compassionate animal lover. He cherished every of his rescue canine like they have been household. Please contemplate making a donation to The Animal Basis in his hometown of Las Vegas. Cleto would have cherished his family and friends serving to to supply security, therapeutic and houses for pets in want.’ In honor of Cleto’s lifelong love for animals, presents made via this web page will assist The Animal Basis’s work to save lots of and take care of weak pets proper right here in Las Vegas.”
In response to Individuals journal, which credited TMZ with first receiving Escobedo’s loss of life certificates, “cardiogenic shock is listed because the fast reason behind loss of life. Vasodilatory shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver are listed as underlying causes.”
Escobedo performed the alto, tenor and soprano saxophones and likewise sang as a part of the Cleto and the Cletones home band. Exterior of acting on Kimmel’s present, Escobedo toured with Paula Abdul, Marc Anthony and Earth, Wind & Hearth’s Phillip Bailey.
When Kimmel launched “Jimmy Kimmel Dwell!” on ABC in 2003, he requested Escobedo to guide the home band. “I at all times thank him for this gig as a result of he might have tried to get anyone that was established and would assist the present extra, being an even bigger identify or no matter,” Escobedo advised ABC7 in a 2013 interview. “However he trusted me with this job, and I’ve tried to do the perfect I can.”
