Flaco Jiménez, the beloved heir of conjunto music, passed away at 86, surrounded by family.
He's often described as the “heart and soul of Tex‑Mex accordion,” bringing border‑town polkas to global stages.
He died after a long illness, at his son’s home in San Antonio. His last words? “Ya estoy cansado”—“I’m tired.” Those words seem poetic, a humble ending from a humble master.
What Was the Cause of Death?
Though initial hospital reports earlier in the year just mentioned a medical setback, official obituary coverage later confirmed that Jiménez succumbed after battling a long‑standing illness.
While the exact ailment hasn’t been disclosed to the public, it’s clear his health had been declining steadily before his peaceful passing at home.
Early Career Roots: From Family Tradition to Local Fame
Born Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez on March 11, 1939, into a musical dynasty in San Antonio, he was practically accordion‑born.
He performed with his father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., by age seven and recorded his first hit, “Hasta La Vista,” in 1955 on a small label. Already in his teens, he had set the tone for what conjunto music would become.
In the 1970s, he expanded his reach by teaming with Doug Sahm and recording in New York.
Then Ry Cooder invited him onto Chicken Skin Music and international tours. Before long, his signature “happy music”—polka‑based yet open to rock, cumbia, cha‑cha‑cha—won audiences far beyond Texas ballrooms.
Reaching the Big Leagues: Texas Tornados, Albums, and Awards
By the late ’80s and ’90s, Flaco became a household name. As a founding member of Texas Tornados, alongside Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers, and Freddy Fender, he helped turn conjunto into Grammy‑winning music.
Soy de San Luis, written by his father, earned them a Grammy in 1991.
His 1992 solo album Partners, featuring A‑listers like Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, and members of Los Lobos, drew huge acclaim—and was later selected for the National Recording Registry in 2021.
Honors and Recognition: A Lifelong Dedication Celebrated
Across seven decades, Flaco picked up six Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
He also received the National Heritage Fellowship, the prestigious National Medal of Arts, and honors from Billboard and the Americana and Tejano music communities.
He stayed rooted in San Antonio, performing at local venues—Floore’s Country Store, The Fiesta Club, Ruben’s Place—and headlining the annual Tejano Conjunto Festival. Despite his fame, he never left his community behind.
Career Highlights & Musical Legacy
- First hit in 1955 (Hasta La Vista)
- Collaborations spanning Doug Sahm, Ry Cooder, Los Lobos, the Rolling Stones, Dwight Yoakam, and more
- Member of Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven supergroups
- Studio albums including Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio, Partners, Squeeze Box King
- Signature accordion series released with Hohner
- Soundtracks for films like Voodoo Lounge (Rolling Stones), Y Tu Mamá También, Chulas Fronteras, Tin Cup
He always mixed tradition with innovation—bridging old‑world polkas and modern genres. And his music always felt joyful, alive.
Earnings and Financial Recognition
While no public documents list his net worth, it's clear he earned through awards, touring, record sales, collaborations, and even a signature accordion line with Hohner. His steady gigging in San Antonio also provided a loyal base income.
Considering he worked with major labels and celebrated artists over decades—and collected medals and honors—it’s safe to say his musical career was both artistically and financially rewarding.
In Summary: A Life Well Lived
Flaco Jiménez lived a full, vibrant life—born 1939, rose to fame in the mid‑1950s, collaborated globally across the ‘70s–’90s, and collected five Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award, a National Heritage Fellowship, and more.
He died August 1, 2025, after a long illness, leaving us with timeless music and a legacy of joy.
We may lose Flaco’s warm voice and lightning‑fast accordion, but his spirit—“musica alegre”—lives on.
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