What is the name of Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s house band?
Answer
Cleto and the Cletones
Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s house band is called Cleto and the Cletones.
The band is led by saxophonist Cleto Cordero Jr., commonly known as Cleto Cordero. Cordero is also Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime friend and has been associated with the program since its premiere on ABC in 2003.
The group supplies the musical transitions, introductions, and live accompaniment that help define the show’s studio format. Its name follows the common late-night tradition of giving a house band a distinctive title rather than presenting it simply as an orchestra.
The Roots are associated with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, while The 8G Band belongs to Late Night with Seth Meyers. Those similarly placed bands are a frequent source of confusion, but neither is Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s house band.