Flaco Jimenez dies at 86: All you need to know about the Tejano legend and his family
Flaco Jimenez , the legendary Tejano accordionist whose music resonated far beyond cultural lines, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced the news in an emotional post shared on social media late Thursday night.
“It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez. He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely,” the statement read. “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 grievance.”
Flaco, whose real name was Leonardo Jimenez, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 11, 1939, and came from a long line of musicians. Both his grandfather, Patricio Jimenez, and father, Santiago Jimenez Sr., were highly esteemed figures in traditional Mexican music . Like his father, he was affectionately known as "Flaco," which translates to "skinny."
Flaco's love of music began early in life. At the age of seven, he began performing with his father. He was already recording with Los Caporales by the time he turned fifteen. Inspired by his father's skill and the legendary zydeco musician Clifton Chenier, he quickly switched from learning the bajo sexto to the accordion.
Grammy Awards and International Partnerships
Not merely a local celebrity, Flaco Jimenez rose to prominence as a global representative of Tejano and conjunto music. He worked with some of the biggest names in music over the years, such as Ry Cooder, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. His distinct style contributed to the popularization of traditional Tex-Mex music.
Throughout his career, he won numerous Grammy Awards for his skill and impact, and in 2015, he was granted a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest accolades in the business.
A Man of the People Beyond Music
Flaco maintained his humility and strong ties to his San Antonio heritage in spite of his notoriety. At one point, he even ran a food truck called Tacos Jimenez , where he served the community with the same love and energy that he infused into his songs.
Family and Heritage
Flaco is survived by his wife, Adela Jimenez, and their children, David Jimenez, Gill Jimenez, Leonardo Jimenez Jr., Rachel Fernandez, and Rosalinda Jimenez Esquivel. Santiago Jimenez Jr. , his younger brother, has continued the family's musical heritage and is also a skilled accordionist.
Family members Cynthia Jimenez, Gilbert Jimenez, Javier and Raquel Fernandez, and Arturo and Lisa Jimenez announced his death. In addition to leaving behind an impressive discography, Flaco Jimenez also left behind a musical legacy that contributed to the development of a whole genre. For many generations to come, his songs will live on, preserving his spirit.
“It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez. He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely,” the statement read. “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 grievance.”
Flaco, whose real name was Leonardo Jimenez, was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 11, 1939, and came from a long line of musicians. Both his grandfather, Patricio Jimenez, and father, Santiago Jimenez Sr., were highly esteemed figures in traditional Mexican music . Like his father, he was affectionately known as "Flaco," which translates to "skinny."
Flaco's love of music began early in life. At the age of seven, he began performing with his father. He was already recording with Los Caporales by the time he turned fifteen. Inspired by his father's skill and the legendary zydeco musician Clifton Chenier, he quickly switched from learning the bajo sexto to the accordion.
Grammy Awards and International Partnerships
Not merely a local celebrity, Flaco Jimenez rose to prominence as a global representative of Tejano and conjunto music. He worked with some of the biggest names in music over the years, such as Ry Cooder, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. His distinct style contributed to the popularization of traditional Tex-Mex music.
Throughout his career, he won numerous Grammy Awards for his skill and impact, and in 2015, he was granted a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest accolades in the business.
A Man of the People Beyond Music
Flaco maintained his humility and strong ties to his San Antonio heritage in spite of his notoriety. At one point, he even ran a food truck called Tacos Jimenez , where he served the community with the same love and energy that he infused into his songs.
Family and Heritage
Flaco is survived by his wife, Adela Jimenez, and their children, David Jimenez, Gill Jimenez, Leonardo Jimenez Jr., Rachel Fernandez, and Rosalinda Jimenez Esquivel. Santiago Jimenez Jr. , his younger brother, has continued the family's musical heritage and is also a skilled accordionist.
Family members Cynthia Jimenez, Gilbert Jimenez, Javier and Raquel Fernandez, and Arturo and Lisa Jimenez announced his death. In addition to leaving behind an impressive discography, Flaco Jimenez also left behind a musical legacy that contributed to the development of a whole genre. For many generations to come, his songs will live on, preserving his spirit.
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