Flaco Jiménez, the Grammy-winning Tejano accordionist and one of the most influential figures in Tex-Mex music, has died at the age of 86. The legendary musician passed away on Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas, where he had spent most of his life.
His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, sparking tributes from musicians and fans across the globe.
Known for bridging cultures through his distinctive sound, Jiménez's career spanned more than seven decades. His legacy, which touched country, rock and conjunto, has left an unmistakable silence across generations.
A Life Rooted in San Antonio
Jiménez's death was confirmed by his family, though no cause has been disclosed. The musician had gradually stepped back from touring in recent years due to health issues but remained active in the local San Antonio music scene. His final public appearance came in 2023 during a tribute concert held in his honour.
Following the news of his passing, San Antonio city officials and artists from across genres hailed Jiménez as a cultural icon. The phrase 'The accordion just fell silent' trended online as a poetic tribute to his musical legacy.
From Accordion Prodigy to Global Collaborator
Born Leonardo Jiménez in 1939 into a deeply musical family, Flaco was a prodigy on the accordion. He recorded his first songs as a teenager and rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s performing with his father Santiago Jiménez Sr., himself a renowned accordionist. Eventually, Flaco carved out his own style, fusing traditional norteño with rock, blues and country.
Jiménez collaborated with a host of global artists, including Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, Ry Cooder and The Rolling Stones. He also helped found the Tex-Mex supergroup Los Super Seven. His signature sound helped propel Tejano music into the mainstream.
Over his lifetime, he won six Grammy Awards and received a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2015, he was honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in American music.
Tributes from Fans and Fellow Artists
Fans reacted quickly to the news, paying tribute both online and in person. 'A legend has left the stage,' wrote one social media user. Others gathered outside his mural in San Antonio's West Side, lighting candles and playing his music.
Latin Grammy winners, Texas politicians and Tejano radio stations joined in the celebration of his life. Many called him a 'national treasure' whose music transcended genres and generations.
A Lasting Legacy
Jiménez was more than a musician — he was a cultural ambassador. His work helped validate Tejano music on global stages and opened doors for future Latin artists. He was widely credited with expanding the reach of the accordion and introducing South Texas rhythms to wider audiences.
Music historians describe Jiménez as a symbol of heritage and harmony, bringing communities together through music without compromising its roots.
Honouring a Legend
Plans for a public memorial in San Antonio are currently in development. The city is expected to declare an official day of remembrance. Fans have also launched petitions for a monument or plaza in the West Side to honour his contributions.
While the family has requested privacy, they expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of love. 'His music will never die,' they said in a public statement.
As the tributes continue to pour in, Flaco Jiménez's influence lives on in the rhythms, voices and hearts of those he inspired.
Flaco Jiménez, the Grammy-winning Tejano accordionist and one of the most influential figures in Tex-Mex music, died on Wednesday, 31 July 2025, at the age of 86. The musician passed away in San Antonio, Texas, where he had spent most of his life. His family confirmed the news in a statement, prompting tributes from around the world.
Known for bridging cultures through his distinctive sound, Jiménez's career spanned more than seven decades. With a legacy that touched country, rock and conjunto, his death has left an unmistakable silence across generations of fans and musicians alike.
What Happened?
Jiménez's death was confirmed by his family, though no cause of death has been publicly disclosed. In recent years, the artist had stepped back from touring due to health concerns but remained active in the San Antonio music scene and continued to inspire younger performers. His final public appearance was in 2023 during a local tribute concert in his honor.
Following the news of his passing, San Antonio city officials and fellow artists hailed Jiménez as a cultural icon. The phrase 'The accordion just fell silent' began trending online as a mark of respect.
What Made Flaco Jiménez a Legend?
Born Leonardo Jiménez in 1939 into a musical family, Flaco was a prodigy on the accordion, recording his first songs as a teenager. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s, playing with his father Santiago Jiménez Sr., himself a renowned accordionist, before carving out a sound that blended traditional Mexican norteño with rock, blues and country.
He collaborated with global artists like Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, Ry Cooder and The Rolling Stones, and was a founding member of the Tex-Mex supergroup Los Super Seven. His distinctive playing style helped bring Tejano music to a wider audience.
Jiménez won six Grammy Awards over his lifetime and was recognized with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. In 2015, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering contributions to American music.
How Are Fans Responding?
Tributes flooded social media following the announcement. 'A legend has left the stage,' wrote one fan. Others gathered outside his mural in San Antonio's West Side, lighting candles and playing his music through phone speakers and portable radios.
Artists from across genres also paid tribute. Latin Grammy winners and Texas politicians called him a 'national treasure,' while Tejano stations replayed his hits throughout the evening.
Why Does It Matter?
Jiménez was not just a musician; he was a bridge between cultures. His work helped validate Tejano music on international stages and paved the way for future Latin artists to break into the mainstream. In a region marked by cultural fusion, he stood as an ambassador of heritage and harmony.
Music historians credit Jiménez with expanding the reach of the accordion beyond borders, bringing the soulful rhythms of South Texas into new territory without losing their roots.
What Comes Next?
Plans for a public memorial in San Antonio are currently underway, with the city expected to honor Jiménez with an official day of remembrance. Fans are also petitioning for a permanent monument or plaza to be named after him in the historic West Side, where his career began.
His family has asked for privacy but thanked the public for the outpouring of love and remembrance. 'His music will never die,' their statement read.
