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Flaco Jiménez, born Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, was an American singer, songwriter, and accordionist who died on Thursday, July 31, 2025. His family members announced the news via a statement shared on the late singer’s social media accounts.
“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.
Flaco Jiménez’s family also asked for privacy as they go through this time, thanking fans for appreciating his music.
“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 was born into a family with a long history of accordionists. However, he gave a unique twist to his music, growing to become one of the most visible representations of the accordion. Known for playing conjunto, norteño, and Tejano, Jiménez had a successful seven-decade career, winning several awards and receiving honors and accolades.
Over the course of his career, Flaco Jiménez won six Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts and honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist from the Americana Music Association.
Flaco Jiménez died at age 86 after battling a long illness. He is survived by his wife, Adela Jiménez, and their five children: David Jiménez, Gill Jiménez, Leonardo Jiménez Jr., Rachel Fernandez, and Rosalinda Jiménez Esquivel.
Flaco Jiménez’s legacy explored
Flaco Jiménez is primarily remembered for popularizing the genres of conjunto, Tejano, and Tex-Mex music, blending these rare genres with more popular musical styles like country, rock, and jazz.
While originally recognized only in America, Flaco grew his audience after collaborating with Dr. John, David Lindley, Peter Rowan, Ry Cooder, and Bob Dylan. His appearance on Cooder’s world music album Chicken Skin Music and the Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge album also increased his reach.
In addition to its recognition in the music industry, Flaco’s music has also featured in the movie industry. His songs have been used in movies such as Y Tu Mamá También, El Infierno, Picking Up the Pieces, The Border, Tin Cup, Striptease, and Chulas Fronteras.
Joaquin Castro, a representative of Texas’s 20th congressional district, described Jiménez as a pioneer of conjunto music.
“I am saddened by the passing of San Antonio music legend Leonardo "Flaco" Jiménez. He was a pioneer in conjunto music—receiving a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, National Medal of Arts, and a place in the National Recording Registry for his work. Texas is proud of his legacy. May he rest in peace,” he wrote on X.
The Texas Music Office described him as one of the pioneering figures of Tejano music. The office also acknowledged him as a master of the accordion and a cultural ambassador for Mexican-American music.
Read more: Who was Flaco Jiménez? A look into the Tejano musician’s artistry as he dies at 86
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Some of Flaco’s recognized works include Ay Te Dejo En San Antonio, El Güero Polkas, El Puente Roto, En El Cielo No Hay Cerveza, and Por Una Mujer Casada.
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