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Legendary American musician and six-time Grammy Award winner, Flaco Jimenez, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced the sad news via a heartfelt Facebook post, confirming that the iconic Tex-Mex accordionist died peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
“It’s with great sadness we share the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez. He was surrounded by loved ones and will be missed immensely,” the family wrote, also expressing deep appreciation to his fans for their unwavering support over the years and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Born Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez in San Antonio, Texas, in 1939, the music legend began his career in music at a remarkably young age.
He started performing at the age of seven, following in the footsteps of his father, Santiago Jimenez Sr., who was himself a pioneer of conjunto music. From these humble beginnings, Flaco grew into one of the most influential and celebrated figures in the Tex-Mex genre.
Jimenez was not only a virtuoso accordionist but also a key figure in bringing the traditional Mexican-American music style into the mainstream.
Through decades of tireless dedication and collaboration with numerous artists across different genres, he helped bridge cultural gaps in the music industry.
Among his most notable contributions to music was his role as a founding member of the Grammy-winning Texas Tornados and the supergroup Los Super Seven.
He also worked with major artists like Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Ry Cooder, Dwight Yoakam, and Linda Ronstadt, earning respect and admiration far beyond the borders of Latin music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jimenez garnered multiple accolades, including six Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of cross-cultural musical fusion.
His ability to infuse traditional sounds with country, rock, and blues resonated with global audiences and made Tex-Mex music an international phenomenon.
Tributes have begun pouring in across social media from fans, fellow musicians, and cultural institutions.
Music historian Elijah Martinez described Jimenez as “a national treasure whose accordion spoke the language of the people.” Latin music star Juan Rivera added, “We lost a legend today, but Flaco’s music and spirit will forever live in our hearts.”
Despite his fame and the global reach of his music, Flaco Jimenez remained deeply rooted in his heritage and community.
He often emphasized the importance of cultural preservation through music, once saying in an interview, “The accordion was my voice, and my heritage was the melody.”
Flaco’s passing marks the end of an era for Tex-Mex music, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on through his extensive discography and the generations of musicians he inspired.
His impact on American music history is immeasurable, and his accordion-driven melodies will continue to echo across cultures and time.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a global family of fans who will remember him not just as a musician, but as a cultural ambassador and visionary.
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