Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, one of the most iconic Tex-Mex musicians of the 1970s, has passed away. His family announced the news through a statement posted on social media, requesting privacy and respect during this difficult time. Here is everything we know about the death of the accordion master.
How did Flaco Jiménez die?
So far, the family of the Tejano musician has not revealed the cause of death nor whether he had any illnesses. It is believed that his passing was due to natural causes given his age; however, the official report is still awaited.
In the statement posted on the accordionist’s official Facebook page, Jiménez’s family said that he died surrounded by his loved ones.
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“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. Thank you to all of his fans and friends—those who cherished his music,” the post reads.
How old was Flaco Jiménez?
At the time of his death, the accordionist was 86 years old.
What was Flaco Jiménez’s net worth?
Flaco Jiménez’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, but some websites estimate it to be around $1.19 million. The Tejano musician built his fortune over decades of work as a solo artist, session musician, and member of several bands, including Los Super Seven and Texas Tornados.
Who was Flaco Jiménez?
Flaco Jiménez left an indelible mark on Tejano music and accordion tradition. Born in San Antonio, Texas, into a deeply musical family, his grandfather played polkas and waltzes on the accordion, while his father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a pioneer of conjunto—a genre blending Mexican, European, and American influences. In 1936, his father recorded one of the first conjunto albums, a landmark in defining the musical style.
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From a young age, Jiménez showed great interest and talent for music. Self-taught, he learned to play the bajo sexto, a 12-string Mexican guitar, and mastered the accordion by watching his father. By age eight, he was performing publicly alongside his family, and at fifteen, he formed Los Caminantes, a group that quickly became popular in Texas thanks to its fresh and dynamic style.
His musical versatility led him to collaborate with legendary artists across genres, including Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, Carlos Santana, The Rolling Stones, Dwight Yoakam, and Buck Owens. He was a key member of the Texas Tornados, alongside Doug Sahm, Augie Meyers, and Freddy Fender, and was also a founding member of Los Super Seven, a group featuring prominent Latin and American musicians.
Flaco was globally recognized for his talent and as an ambassador of Tejano musical culture. Throughout his career, he earned six Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as numerous honors from the Tejano Music Awards, Billboard, and the Americana Music Association. In 2012, he received the National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honor in the United States for folk and traditional arts.
One of his most notable works, the 1992 album Partners, was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress, solidifying his legacy as a fundamental figure in American musical history.
