Legendary accordionist Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez passed away on July 31, 2025 in San Antonio (Texas), surrounded by his loved ones, his family said in a statement published on his official Facebook page.
He was 86 years old and remained in recovery after a hospitalization in January of the same year; Texano’s career was quite prominent in the music world.
Flaco Jiménez: From San Antonio to the World
Born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 11, 1939, Flaco came from a musical family deeply rooted in the Tejano conjunto tradition, influenced by his father, Santiago Jimenez Sr., a pioneer of the genre.
From an early age he played with his father and recorded his first album at the age of 15, establishing himself as one of the most influential exponents of the accordion.
Throughout his career he collaborated with artists such as Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, and even the Rolling Stones, with whom he recorded “Sweethearts Together” for their album Voodoo Lounge.
He was also a member of the supergroup Texas Tornados with Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender and Augie Meyers, a group that won a Grammy in 1990 for “Soy de San Luis”.
Recognitions: awards and cultural legacy
Flaco won six Grammy Awards, including awards for albums such as Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio and Los Super Seven.
In 2015 he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2022 he was honored with the prestigious National Medal of Arts.
His album Partners (1992), which brings together collaborations with rock and country figures, was included in the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2021.
According to his family, his last words were: “I’m tired already”, an expression that reflects a life devoted to music and his quiet spirit.
After a hospitalization in January for heart complications, he had returned home and showed signs of improvement before his death.
Tex-Mex Pride
Icon of Tejano identity: his music united generations of Latinos in the U.S., especially in Texas and the Southwest, reaffirming the cultural heritage of the group.
Artistic bridge between Latinos and Anglos: his ability to collaborate with musicians from diverse genres showed that traditional Mexican music can resonate globally.
Inspiration for migrant communities: his perseverance made him a reference of humility and musical excellence.
Living legacy: preserved in festivals, music schools and the passion of new accordionists who consider him a master.
El Flaco Jiménez estuvo rodeado de su familia en sus últimos instantes de vida pero sí externaba ya un cansancio tras estar hospitalizado
Leaves an important legacy for Hispanics
Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, a central figure in Tex-Mex and conjunto music, died at the age of 86 on July 31, 2025.
His virtuosity on the accordion, collaborations with legends like the Rolling Stones and his participation in bands like the Texas Tornados transformed Tejano music into a global phenomenon.
Honored with multiple Grammy and public recognitions, his legacy transcends borders.
His departure leaves a deep void but his music and his story will live forever in the heart of Hispanic culture in the U.S. and the world.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
