Cleto Escobedo’s first appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live
On January 26, 2003, when Jimmy Kimmel debuted his late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) network, among the many fresh elements introduced to viewers was the show’s house band, Cleto and the Cletones, led by longtime friend Cleto Escobedo III. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3LateNighter+3
Early in that first broadcast, Kimmel took a moment to highlight the band and specifically introduce his friend. He said:
“The guy with the saxophone right there, his name’s Cleto Escobedo. Cle and I have been best friends since we were nine years old.”
“I was nine. He was ten, actually.”
And then he pointed out Cleto’s father, saying: “And that’s his dad right there.”
The host also held up a photo of the two of them at a young age, saying: “That is me… This is Cleto there… with the afro and the saxophone and the Members Only jacket too.”
Kimmel joked: “Oh yes, we were a big hit with the ladies.”
LateNighter
This brief introduction not only served as a run-of-the-mill house-band plug on a new talk show—it also revealed a deep personal history and set the tone for decades of musical and friendly collaboration between Kimmel and Escobedo.
Why That Introduction Matters
Though it may seem like a simple moment of on-camera recognition, this introduction holds layers of significance.
Personal History
Kimmel and Escobedo’s friendship didn’t originate on a TV set—it dates back to their childhood in Las Vegas. The Washington Post+2LateNighter+2 By bringing that friendship into his first show, Kimmel signaled that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was not just about interviews and monologues—but about people he trusted and knew personally.
This personal backing lent the band’s presence more weight: viewers might see them as a part of the show’s identity, not simply hired musicians.
Musical Credibility
Escobedo was not a random pick. Prior to the show’s launch, he had already built a strong musical reputation: touring with major artists, having his own record deal, and being a serious saxophonist. upi.com+2Tài Chính Express+2
By introducing him on the first episode, Kimmel made clear: the show has real musical talent behind it.
Branding & Tone Setting
The moment of introduction helped define the show’s tone. It conveyed warmth, authenticity, and a bit of “behind-the-scenes” story. Instead of a purely formal band intro, viewers got a snapshot of a friendship—a little humor (the “Members Only jacket”, “big hit with the ladies”)—and that personal touch helped distinguish the show from more impersonal late-night formats.
A Closer Look at the Dialogue
Let’s reflect on the actual words and what they implied:
“The guy with the saxophone right there.”
Instantly identifies Escobedo visually and roles him as a musician in the band.
“His name’s Cleto Escobedo.”
Names the person so that regular viewers can start recognizing him beyond “the band guy.”
“Cle and I have been best friends since we were nine years old.”
Establishes long-term friendship, trust, and history between host and bandleader.
“I was nine. He was ten, actually.”
Adds a small detail that indicates authenticity (the slight correction) and informal tone.
“That’s his dad right there.”
Recognizes that the band includes Escobedo’s father—adds family dimension.
Photo description: “This is me… This is Cleto… with the afro and the saxophone and the Members Only jacket…”
Gives viewers a visual back-story: the host and the friend as kids doing music together; fun, stylish, and playful.
“Oh yes, we were a big hit with the ladies.”
A tongue-in-cheek statement that underlines the humor aspect of the show.
Each line contributes to a layered messaging: “Here is a band, here is the leader, here is our shared past, here is our fun side.”
What It Meant for the Band and the Show
Having that introduction on the first show carried implications for how the band would feature throughout the life of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Recognition of the house band as part of the identity: Many talk shows treat the band as background. Here, the band gets visible introduction, personal ties, and status.
Longevity anchored by friendship & music: Escobedo’s role from the launch onwards (he remained at the helm of Cleto and the Cletones for many years) underscores the stability and continuity of the show’s musical side. LateNighter+1
Blending of comedy, music, and genuine friendship: That mix became part of the appeal — the viewer senses that Kimmel is working with real people he knows, not just hired professionals.
Brand reinforcement: The name “Cleto and the Cletones” becomes associated with the show’s startup, not an afterthought.
A foundation for recurring audience connection: Viewers may feel they know the band via the host’s personal introduction, making the musical segments more engaging and personal.
The Legacy That Started That Night
While this blog focuses on the first appearance, it’s worth recognizing what followed:
Cleto Escobedo III led the house band from the show’s 2003 premiere until his death in 2025. Wikipedia+1
The band, with Escobedo at the helm, became a steady part of the show’s identity, contributing not just music but occasionally participating in bits and segments.
Kimmel often referenced their shared history on-air: the youthful antics, the side-car bicycle, the pranks. The Washington Post+1
For the host, hiring his childhood friend wasn’t just a decision about music—it was about chemistry and trust. As Kimmel said: “There’s nobody in my life I have better chemistry with than him.” The Washington Post
The personal element proved strong enough to anchor a long-running collaboration.
Why This Moment Is Worth Writing About (and for Blog SEO)
For anyone writing about late-night television, talk-show house bands, or the role of musical teams in television, this moment is a key milestone. It reflects how a late-night show can integrate its musical component in a way that builds brand, personality, and emotional connection. From an SEO standpoint, highlighting “Cleto Escobedo first appearance Jimmy Kimmel Live” connects several search intents: talk-show history, bandleader profiles, Jimmy Kimmel Live house band origins.
Here are some reasons why this topic can attract interest:
Behind-the-scenes appeal: Viewers often wonder how house bands on talk shows are chosen, and this shows a very personal selection process.
Friendship story: The fact that host and bandleader were childhood friends adds a human story beyond the show.
Music + television synergy: It’s a case where a musician transitions into television in a lasting way, not just a guest.
Cultural longevity: House bands are sometimes overlooked, but this one lasted across decades, anchored by that first show moment.
Nostalgia: For long-time viewers of Jimmy Kimmel Live, remembering the first episode and band intro is evocative.
