TIP FlacoJiménez

 

Flaco Jiménez, Legendary Tejano Musician, Dies at 86

Variety

By Jim Aswad

August 1, 2025

 

Flaco Jiménez, the San Antonio-born accordionist whose music has been a hallmark of Tex-Mex, Tejano and conjunto music for seven decades, died Thursday, according to a statement from his family. No cause of death was announced; he was 86.

“It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez,” the family wrote in a post on Facebook. “He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely. Thank you to all of his fans and friends — those who cherished his music. And a big thank you for all of the memories. His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans. The family requests privacy during this time of sadness and [grieving].

Among many other honors, Jiménez won six Grammy Awards between 1987 and 2015, including one for Lifetime Achievement. Over the course of his career he performed as a soloist and session musician and as a member of the popular groups the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven.

Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1939, Jiménez was the descendent of a long line of Mexican musicians. He began performing at the age of seven with his father, conjunto music pioneer Santiago Jiménez, and began recording at the age of 15 with the group Los Caporales. He later shifted to accordion from his first instrument, the bajo sexto, bringing some zydeco into his style via an influence from legendary Louisiana musician Clifton Chenier.

In the 1960s, he began working with legendary Texas musician Doug Sahm (co-founder of the Sir Douglas Quintet) and over the years would go on to work with Dr. John, Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. He released his first solo album, “Una Sombra,” in 1972, the first of more than 25 albums across five decades on a variety of labels, from D.L.B. and Arhoolie to Warner Bros. and Arista.

He won his first Grammy in 1987 for his album “Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio,” the title song of which was composed by his father. He won another Grammy for another song written by his father, “Soy de San Luis,” recorded with the Texas Tornados, which also included Sahm and Freddy Fender.

His music has been featured on the soundtracks for many films, including “Y Tu Mamá También,” “El Infierno,” “The Border,” “Chulas Fronteras” and more. But perhaps the most fitting tribute to his legacy is the Flaco Jimenez Signature series of accordions, created by the Hohner music company.

JIMINEZ, Flaco (Leonardo Jiménez)

Born: 3/11/1939, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A

Died: 7/31/2025, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A.

 

Flaco Jiminez’s western – soundtrack:

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada – 2005 [“This Could Be the One”)