Flaco Jiménez “Skinny Jimenez” Dies at 86 | Tejano Legend’s Life, Legacy & Final Words | newsdrift

Flaco Jiménez, the legendary Tejano and conjunto accordionist also known as “Skinny Jimenez,” has passed away at the age of 86. In this video, we look back at his remarkable seven-decade career—from his San Antonio roots to Grammy-winning success and global collaborations with Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, and the Texas Tornados. Discover how Flaco helped preserve and popularize Tex-Mex and conjunto music, earning national honors like the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts. We also share emotional details from his final days, including his powerful last words.

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Today, the world says goodbye to a legend. Flaco Jiménez, known to some as “Skinny Jimenez,” passed away at the age of 86. A titan of Tejano and conjunto music, his accordion told the story of generations, and his influence stretched far beyond the borders of San Antonio, Texas, where it all began.

Born Leonardo Jiménez on March 11, 1939, Flaco came from a family steeped in musical tradition. His father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a pioneer of conjunto music, and it didn’t take long for young Flaco to pick up the family’s signature instrument—the accordion. By the age of seven, he was already performing, and by fifteen, he had made his first recording. Music wasn’t just a passion. It was in his blood.

Flaco Jiménez didn’t just carry on tradition—he transformed it. His sound was rooted in classic Tex-Mex, but his collaborations took his music to the world stage. From the honky-tonk rhythms of country to the bluesy soul of rock and roll, Flaco’s accordion found its way into nearly every genre. He worked with legends like Bob Dylan, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, Dwight Yoakam, and even The Rolling Stones. His versatility made him a bridge between cultures and generations.

He was a founding member of the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven—two supergroups that defined the essence of musical fusion. With the Texas Tornados, Flaco helped craft a sound that blended country, rock, R&B, and traditional Mexican music into something entirely new. Together, they won hearts and Grammy Awards, pushing Tejano music into the mainstream spotlight.

Over the course of his seven-decade career, Flaco earned six Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. His 1992 album “Partners,” featuring a wide array of artists, was selected for preservation by the United States Library of Congress in 2021—an honor reserved for recordings that are culturally, historically, or artistically significant.

But his accolades went far beyond music industry recognition. Flaco was the recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship, the National Medal of Arts, and numerous lifetime achievement awards from the Tejano Music Awards, Billboard, and the Americana Music Association. These honors reflected not just his talent, but his role as a cultural ambassador for the Mexican-American experience.

Even into his later years, Flaco remained active in music, performing and recording while mentoring younger musicians. He was a beacon in San Antonio’s music scene, beloved not just for his skills, but for his warmth, humility, and dedication to the roots of his craft.

Earlier this year, in January, Flaco faced health challenges that landed him in the hospital. His family described it as a difficult period, a “medical hurdle” that he faced with the same quiet strength that defined his life. He eventually returned home, where he spent his final months surrounded by loved ones. On the evening of July 31, 2025, Flaco passed away peacefully at the age of 86.

His final words, according to his son Arturo, were simple yet profound: “Ya estoy cansado.” “I’m tired.”

It’s hard to overstate what Flaco Jiménez meant to music. He was the sound of a culture, the voice of a people, and the heartbeat of a tradition that might have faded if not for his tireless efforts. His accordion was not just an instrument—it was a storyteller, weaving together histories of migration, struggle, celebration, and love.

In a world that often forgets its roots, Flaco reminded us to honor where we come from. Through every note, every performance, and every collaboration, he brought conjunto music to the global stage and gave voice to a heritage that will continue to resonate for generations.

Rest in peace, Skinny Jimenez. Your music lives on.

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