Legendary musician Flaco Jimenez, award -winning artist Grammy, died on Thursday 31 July at the age of 86.
After a long illness he reportedly died in one of his sons’ homes. His last words were “Ya Estoy Cansado (I am tired),” according to the local publication quoting his son Arturo.
His family shared reports of his demise and posted on Facebook and said, “With great sadness we share the loss of our father, Flaco Jimenez tonight.” They said he was surrounded by his loved ones and “would be extremely missing”.
“I thank you all of his fans and friends – those who appreciated his music. And thank you for all memories. His legacy will live through his music and all his fans,” he read below.
The family asked for privacy during this time of sadness and grief.
Flaco Jimenez spent a lot of time hospitalization at the end of last year, but in January 2025 he returned home to his family.
Who is Flaco Jimenez?
Flaco Jimenez, born as Leonardo Jimenez on March 11, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas, was a towering character in Conjunto, Tejano and Texas-Mexican Accordion Music.
Conjunto was a translation of Tex-Mex Polk and Waltzes, which was brought to the central Texas European immigrants. Usually it played a small band, on the first accordion and Bajo sexto (12-seventy instrument). Later, bass and drums were introduced to the mix.
Together with his brother Santiag JR, Flaco, Spanish for “Skinny”, he devoted his life to music promoted by his grandfather Patricio Jimenez and father Santiago Jamenez sr.
Flaco Jimenez started playing with his father at 7 when he was a boy, and at a time when he was a teenager (15), he recorded with the band. His first local hit was the single “Hasta La Vista”, which was released in 1955 at the top of Tipico.
He got up from regional dance halls to global stages through cooperation with legends such as Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, Linda Ronstadt, Emmyla Harris and Rolling Stones.
He was an integral part of Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven and won six Grammy Awards during his seven de-three career, including lifelong success in 2015, and in 2021 he saw his partners in 2021.
Last year he was awarded the National Medal of Art 2022, but due to health problems he could not participate in the ceremony in the White House.
(Tagstotranslate) Flaco Jimenez
