David Bridges
Paula Abdul
Heartfelt Tribute To Cleto …
Late ‘Kimmel’ Band Leader
Published November 11, 2025 5:17 PM PST
Paula Abdul is remembering late “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” band leader Cleto Escobedo III of Cleto and the Cletones … honoring him with a heartfelt tribute post on social media.
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Cleto toured with Paula, as well as Earth, Wind and Fire, and had his own record deal before Jimmy got him on late-night TV … and Paula says Cleto’s “talent and energy were undeniable.”
Paula says she first met Cleto back in the day when he was playing saxophone at a small bar inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas … and from the moment she heard him, she knew she had to hire him for her band.
She says she was putting together a band for her first world tour and knew Cleto needed to be involved … even though he didn’t have any touring experience at the time.
Cleto grew up in Las Vegas, where he was neighbors with Jimmy … and Jimmy fought hard for him to get a spot on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
As we reported … Jimmy announced Cleto’s death on Tuesday.
Paula says, “Cleto was pure light and soul, both on and off stage.”
Key Highlights
- Tribute: Paula Abdul honors Cleto Escobedo III with a heartfelt social media post.
- Career: Cleto toured with renowned acts and had undeniable talent.
- Connection: Paula’s first encounter with Cleto was in a Las Vegas bar.
- Legacy: Cleto’s impact on Jimmy Kimmel Live was significant.
