Flaco Jiménez, Grammy-Winning Tex-Mex Legend, Dies at 86

Flaco Jiménez, the legendary American accordionist and singer-songwriter who helped bring Tex-Mex music to international prominence, has died at the age of 86.

His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt Facebook post on Thursday, stating that he died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones.

“It is with great sadness that we share tonight the loss of our father, Flaco Jiménez,” the post read. “He was surrounded by his loved ones and will be missed immensely. Thank you to all of his fans and friends—those who cherished his music. His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans. The family requests privacy during this time of sadness and grief.”

Born Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez on March 11, 1939, into a musical family of Mexican descent, he began performing at the age of seven. Over the course of his decades-long career, he played a pivotal role in popularizing conjunto and Tejano music by blending traditional Mexican sounds with rock, country, and blues.

Jiménez collaborated with a host of global music icons, including Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Ry Cooder. He also co-founded two Grammy-winning supergroups: Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven.

A six-time Grammy Award winner, Jiménez was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 2015. He was also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists and patrons by the U.S. government, in recognition of his contributions to American culture.

Flaco Jiménez’s music broke cultural barriers and introduced generations of listeners to the vibrant soundscapes of the U.S.-Mexico border. His influence remains deeply etched in both American and Latin music history.