Jimmy Kimmel Pays Tribute to Cleto Escobedo III

This text is a tribute to Cleto Escobedo, a musician and bandleader, from Jimmy Kimmel. Hear’s a breakdown of the ​key details:

* Kimmel’s admiration: Kimmel deeply admires Escobedo’s musical talent (a “child prodigy” saxophone player) ⁤and his importance to Kimmel’s ‌career.
* Early Career: Escobedo toured with Paula Abdul‌ and released his own album.
* Letterman Influence: Kimmel and Escobedo both grew up watching David Letterman ⁤and were heavily influenced by his band (Paul⁤ Shaffer). Kimmel specifically wanted Escobedo to lead his band.
* Getting the ⁤Band: Kimmel secured Escobedo (and his father, Cleto Escobedo ​II) for his ​band on ABC’s late-night show‍ after a successful audition where they⁣ performed “Pick Up the Pieces.”
* Long-lasting Partnership: Kimmel and Escobedo have worked together almost every day for nearly 23 years.
* Shared Excitement: Kimmel recalls being so nervous before his first ⁢appearance on Late Show with David letterman in ​1999 that he called Escobedo to share the excitement.

In essence, the text highlights a long and fruitful professional relationship built on mutual respect, shared influences, and ​a love for​ late-night ⁤television music.