Beloved Accordion Virtuoso Flaco Jiménez Passes Away at 86

San Antonio, TX — July 31, 2025
Flaco Jiménez, the virtuoso accordionist whose pioneering sound shaped and elevated Tejano and conjunto music for generations, has died at the age of 86. The news of his passing was confirmed by family on Thursday evening, ending a chapter in American music history marked by cultural fusion, Grammy-winning artistry, and an unwavering dedication to musical tradition.

Born Leonardo Jiménez on March 11, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas, Flaco emerged from a rich musical legacy. His father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a foundational figure in conjunto music, and Flaco followed in his footsteps—first performing at age 7, recording by age 15, and eventually redefining the possibilities of the accordion on the world stage.

 From Barrio Roots to Global Recognition

Flaco Jiménez’s rise was grounded in his mastery of the button accordion and his unique ability to blend norteño, polka, rock, country, and blues into a sound distinctly his own. He was a bridge between genres and generations, admired by purists and progressives alike.

Throughout his career, he collaborated with musical giants across the spectrum, including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Carlos Santana. His dexterity and infectious style brought Texas border music to audiences that had never before heard the rhythms of conjunto.

“Flaco wasn’t just playing the accordion,” wrote one fan in tribute. “He was carrying a culture on his back and sharing it with the world.”

 Texas Tornados, National Honors, and a Timeless Sound

Jiménez achieved widespread fame in the early 1990s as a founding member of the Texas Tornados, the all-star group that included Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender, and Augie Meyers. Their bilingual hit “(Hey Baby) Que Pasó?” and Grammy-winning album Texas Tornados helped cement Tex-Mex as a genre in its own right.

Over the decades, Flaco was recognized with an impressive list of accolades:

• 5 Grammy Awards, including Best Mexican-American Performance and Best Mexican-American Album
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy (2015)
• National Heritage Fellowship (2012)
• National Medal of Arts awarded by President Barack Obama (2016)
• Induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame (2015)

His 1992 album Partners, featuring duets with Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, and Stephen Stills, was added to the National Recording Registry in 2021, preserving his work as a “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” contribution to American life.

 The Humble Giant of San Antonio

Despite his world tours and Grammy wins, Jiménez never left his roots behind. He remained in San Antonio, performing regularly at community events and mentoring young musicians. He was a staple at the Tejano Conjunto Festival and supported efforts to preserve conjunto music’s legacy in Texas and beyond.

Known for his humility and quiet humor, Flaco never lost touch with the people who made his music matter. “I just wanted people to dance,” he once said. “That was always enough for me.”

His son, Arturo Jiménez, said his father’s last words were fittingly gentle: “Ya estoy cansado” — “I’m tired.”

 Final Days and Legacy

Flaco Jiménez died peacefully, surrounded by family. He had been in declining health in recent years. Funeral arrangements are pending, and memorials in his honor are expected in San Antonio and throughout the state of Texas.

Tributes are pouring in from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders alike, who credit Flaco with “bringing the soul of the borderlands to the world stage.”

His passing leaves a void in the fabric of American roots music — but his legacy, like his music, endures.

“Flaco Jiménez didn’t just represent a genre. He represented a people, a culture, and a history. And he made sure we were heard.”

• Full Name: Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez
• Born: March 11, 1939 – San Antonio, TX
• Died: July 31, 2025 – Age 86
• Genres: Tejano, Conjunto, Norteño, Tex-Mex, Americana
• Major Collaborations: Texas Tornados, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, The Rolling Stones
• Awards: 5 Grammy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, National Medal of Arts

 Legacy That Plays On

The accordion may be silent, but Flaco Jiménez’s music plays on—in family kitchens, in dance halls, in Grammy archives, and in the hearts of millions.

Rest in peace, Maestro.
You gave voice to a culture and rhythm to a nation. Your music lives forever.