Flaco Jiménez, Legendary Accordionist Who Brought Conjunto Music to the World, Dies at 86

San Antonio, TX – The music world is mourning the passing of Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, the legendary Grammy-winning accordionist whose masterful playing and passion for conjunto and Tejano music introduced a vibrant South Texas sound to global audiences. He died on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 86 after a period of declining health, surrounded by loved ones at his San Antonio home.

Flaco’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era in American music, particularly in the rich cultural corridors of Texas and the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. For over seven decades, Jiménez’s accordion served as both instrument and voice—bridging generations, genres, and geographies.

 A Life Devoted to Music

Born on March 11, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas, Flaco Jiménez was the son of Santiago Jiménez Sr., himself a pioneer of conjunto music. Music was in his blood from the beginning. By the age of seven, Flaco had already picked up the accordion, and by fifteen, he was performing professionally.

He recorded his first album in the mid-1950s and never looked back. Flaco’s unique sound—a dazzling fusion of Mexican norteño, German polka, country, rock, and blues—quickly caught the attention of both local fans and international musicians alike.

Though deeply rooted in Texas Mexican traditions, Jiménez’s music had no boundaries. He collaborated with a staggering array of musical icons across genres, including Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, Dwight Yoakam, Linda Ronstadt, The Rolling Stones, Emmylou Harris, and Carlos Santana. His genre-defying accordion playing elevated the instrument beyond its folkloric roots and into the mainstream.

 A Star Among Stars: The Texas Tornados & Global Recognition

In the 1990s, Flaco Jiménez gained widespread acclaim as a founding member of the Texas Tornados, alongside Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers, and Freddy Fender. Their music—a joyous, bilingual blend of Tejano, rock, country, and R&B—earned them a Grammy Award in 1991 for Best Mexican-American Album.

His 1992 solo album “Partners” featured legends like Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, and Stephen Stills, and was later inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2021.

Jiménez would go on to win five Grammy Awards, a National Heritage Fellowship, a National Medal of Arts, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2015—the highest honors bestowed upon American musicians and artists.

 A Humble Giant with an Immense Legacy

Despite global fame, Flaco remained deeply connected to his roots in San Antonio. He performed regularly at community events like the Tejano Conjunto Festival, and never stopped promoting the cultural value of traditional Mexican-American music.

Known for his humility as much as his virtuosity, Flaco was often seen helping young musicians, participating in local workshops, and encouraging the next generation of conjunto artists. In his final years, his health declined, but his spirit remained unshaken.

According to his family, Flaco’s last words were simple and poetic:

“Ya estoy cansado” — “I’m tired.”

 Tributes Pour In

Social media has been flooded with tributes from fans and fellow artists. One particularly moving message read:

“Another tough loss. Good gracious… I was introduced to Flaco’s music many years ago by my father, who loved the Texas Tornados. He was such a talented artist. RIP Flaco Jiménez.”

The City of San Antonio and various cultural institutions are expected to organize tributes and memorial concerts in the coming days.

 Final Arrangements

As of now, funeral and memorial service details have not yet been made public. The Jiménez family has asked for privacy as they mourn their beloved patriarch, though they have expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.

 Remembering Flaco

Flaco Jiménez leaves behind a musical legacy that is almost impossible to measure. He didn’t just play the accordion—he redefined it. Through his hands, the instrument sang with joy, sorrow, rebellion, and cultural pride. His contribution to American roots music is enduring, and his legacy will be studied, played, and celebrated for generations to come.

From humble beginnings in a San Antonio barrio to the stages of the Grammys and the White House, Flaco Jiménez never stopped making music that spoke to the soul.

Rest in Peace, Maestro.
March 11, 1939 – July 31, 2025

“The accordion may have fallen silent, but the music never ends.”