Legendary accordionist Flaco Jiménez, a pioneering figure in Tejano and conjunto music, passed away at the age of 86 in San Antonio, Texas. Born Leonardo Jiménez on March 11, 1939, into a musical dynasty, he began performing professionally at age seven under the guidance of his father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., a foundational conjunto musician. Nicknamed ‘Flaco’ (Spanish for ‘skinny’), he developed a distinctive style blending traditional Mexican norteño with country, rock, blues, and jazz influences. Jiménez revolutionized the accordion from a regional folk instrument into a centerpiece of global music collaborations. His career spanned over seven decades, marked by groundbreaking work with the Texas Tornados (a supergroup featuring Doug Sahm and Freddy Fender), plus iconic partnerships with artists like Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, and The Rolling Stones. His guest performance on the latter’s 1993 track ‘Sweethearts Together’ particularly showcased his crossover appeal. The musician earned widespread recognition through six Grammy Awards, including multiple wins for Best Mexican-American Performance and the inaugural Best Tejano Album honor in 1996. A cultural ambassador, Jiménez received the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2012—America’s highest traditional arts honor—and induction into the Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame. His vibrant performances preserved conjunto traditions while expanding their global reach, influencing generations of musicians across genres. Flaco Jiménez’s death marks the end of an era for Tex-Mex music, though his legacy endures through his recordings and the countless artists he inspired. Tributes have poured in worldwide, celebrating his warmth, virtuosity, and pivotal role in elevating regional Mexican genres to international prominence.
Grammy-winning Texas accordion legend Flaco Jimenez dies at 86
