Legendary six-time Grammy Award-winning musician dies aged 86

Metro

4 days ago

Steve Charnock Published August 1, 2025 1:52pm Updated August 1, 2025 1:52pm Link is copied Comments Flaco Jiménez, the iconic American-Mexican accordionist whose music helped define and push Tejano, Tex-Mex and conjunto styles, has died aged 86. His family confirmed his death on Facebook yesterday evening, writing: 'He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely… His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans. The family requests privacy during this time of sadness' (Picture: Gary Miller/FilmMagic) Born Leonardo Jiménez in San Antonio, Texas, in 1939, 'Flaco' (a nickname meaning 'skinny' that both he and his father shared) was raised in an incredibly musical household. His father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a key figure in conjunto music - which has its roots in the Texas-Mexico border region. His grandfather Patricio was also a prominent musician. Flaco joined his dad's band by seven, first playing the bajo sexto before switching to the accordion, which would become his signature instrument (Picture: Michel Linssen/Redferns) Heavily influenced by his father and zydeco legend Clifton Chenier, Jiménez - who would go on to win six Grammys, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 - soon made his name beyond Tejano circles. He became the go-to accordionist for musical stars across the genres, adding his distinctive sound to a wide range of recordings and albums. His solo work and collaborations made him something of an international ambassador for Mexican-American music. It was a role he warmly and enthusiastically embraced (Picture: Rick Diamond/WireImage) Doug Sahm was one of the first rock musicians to spotlight Jiménez, featuring him on a 1971 solo album of his. That break led to sessions with Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Los Lobos and David Lindley. Cooder featured Jiménez on his 1976 album Chicken Skin Music, which would lead to an appearance on Saturday Night Live later that year (Picture:for Americana Music) Flaco's solo career thrived alongside his session work. He won his first Grammy in 1986 for Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio. His accordion work was also featured on the 1988 country hit Streets of Bakersfield alongside Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens, earning him a spot on a No. 1 country single. The three of them would perform together a number of times, to the delight of their fans (Picture: Redferns) In 1989, he co-founded the Texas Tornados with Sahm, Freddy Fender and Augie Meyers. Their hit 'Soy de San Luis,' written by Flaco's father, won them a Grammy. A year earlier, he won another Grammy with the supergroup Los Super Seven. He later joined the Free Mexican Airforce with bluegrass player Peter Rowan (Picture: Frazer Harrison/WireImage) Even in the 1990s and beyond, Jiménez's appeal endured. He played on the Rolling Stones album Voodoo Lounge in 1994 and continued releasing music on his own and with others. In 2024, he received the Founder of the Sound award at the Ameripolitan Awards in Austin, a tribute to his lifelong impact (Picture:) From San Antonio to stages all around the world, Flaco Jiménez was proud to showcase the music of his culture. His name may have meant 'skinny,' but he was a giant of Mexican-American music. One who'll be missed by both those who loved him and those that loved his sound (Picture: Redferns) Next Gallery