Legendary Texas accordionist Flaco Jimenez, winner of Grammy award, passes away at age 86

Flaco Jimenez, a Texas accordionist hailing from San Antonio who was known for his musical prowess, passed away at the age of 86. His impact on the world of conjunto, Tejano, and Tex-Mex music was significant, with multiple Grammy wins attesting to his talent and influence.

The news of Jimenez’s death was made public by his family via social media channels, revealing that he was with loved ones when he peacefully passed away in his son’s San Antonio residence. His son Arturo Jimenez recalled his father’s calm demeanor in his final moments, where he expressed pride in his life’s work, leaving behind a legacy for his fans to cherish.

Born as Leonardo Jimenez in 1939 to conjunto pioneer Santiago Jimenez, Flaco, as he was affectionately known, followed in his father’s footsteps to embrace the genre that merged various cultural influences into a distinct Texas sound. As the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin describes, conjunto music originated from the accordions of European immigrants, evolving into Tejano accordion music that resonated with the agricultural lifestyle of many Texans of Mexican heritage.

Jimenez’s career blossomed in the 1960s when he honed his skills playing in San Antonio’s venues alongside fellow music enthusiasts. His collaborations with icons like Bob Dylan, Dr. John, and the Rolling Stones showcased his versatility and his ability to blend genres seamlessly. The 1990s saw Jimenez as a member of the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven, earning Grammy recognition for his contributions to both supergroups, in addition to his individual wins.

Throughout his journey, Jimenez remained humble and focused on sharing his music with his audience. Arturo Jimenez spoke of fans’ emotional responses to his father’s music and the moments of solace and celebration it brought them over the years. Drawing from his heritage, Jimenez’s musical talent was recognized by the National Medal of Arts in 2022, applauding his ability to fuse Northern, Tex Mex, and Tejano traditions with contemporary American music styles.

The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum expressed gratitude for Jimenez’s musical gifts that resonated with countless fans and reflected the spirit of America’s Southwest. His accolades, including Grammy wins, inductions into various halls of fame, and being named Texas State Musician, solidify his status as a revered figure in the music industry. Kyle Young from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum remembered Jimenez as a master of his craft, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.