Legendary American singer and accordionist Flaco Jiménez has died at the age of 86.
The six-time Grammy Award winner passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. His loved ones confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt post shared on Facebook.
“It’s with great sadness we share the loss of our father, Flaco Jiménez. He was surrounded by loved ones and will be missed immensely,” the family wrote. While thanking fans for their love and support over the years, they also asked for privacy as they mourn.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, Flaco Jiménez was a trailblazer in the world of Tejano and conjunto music. He dedicated more than seven decades to music and played a vital role in introducing Tex-Mex sounds to global audiences. His energetic accordion playing and unique style helped bridge cultures and generations.
About Jiménez
Flaco, whose full name was Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, began his musical journey at a young age. He picked up the accordion at just seven years old, inspired by his father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., a pioneering conjunto musician. By his teenage years, Flaco was already performing at local events, honing a sound that would later captivate fans across the world.
His big break came in the 1960s and 70s when his distinctive accordion skills caught the attention of rock and country musicians.
He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Ry Cooder, and Dwight Yoakam. These cross-genre partnerships brought his music to new ears and helped solidify his place as a cultural icon.
In the 1990s, Flaco became a founding member of two Grammy-winning supergroups, the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven. The Texas Tornados blended Tex-Mex with rock and country, producing hits like “Hey Baby, Que Paso.” Meanwhile, Los Super Seven brought together top Latino musicians to celebrate the diversity of Latin American music.
Throughout his career, Flaco Jiménez won numerous accolades. In addition to his six Grammy Awards, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
He was also honoured with the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest award in the U.S. for folk and traditional arts.
Despite international fame, Flaco remained deeply connected to his roots. He continued performing at local festivals in Texas and was always proud of his heritage.
Fans loved him not only for his talent but also for his humility, warmth, and commitment to preserving traditional music.
Tributes have begun pouring in from around the world, with musicians, fans, and cultural institutions remembering his legacy.
“Flaco Jiménez didn’t just play music, he told stories with every note. He made the accordion cool and gave Tejano music a home on the global stage,” one fan wrote on social media.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will live on. Generations of musicians have cited him as a major influence, and his recordings continue to inspire listeners everywhere.
As the world mourns the loss of a legend, Flaco Jiménez’s music remains a powerful reminder of how culture, sound, and heart can transcend borders.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a vast musical legacy that continues to bring joy and pride to the communities he touched.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The family is expected to share more details in the coming days.
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