Iconic musician Flaco Jimenez from The Rolling Stones has passed away.
Legendary Accordionist Flaco Jiménez Passes Away at 87
American musician Flaco Jiménez, known for his mastery of conjunto, norteño, and tejano music, passed away on July 31st at the age of 87.
Jiménez, who was born in San Antonio, Texas, was a solo artist and a key member of influential groups such as the Texas Tornados and Los Super Seven. Over his more than 70-year career, he won multiple Grammy Awards, including three for solo albums and several with his groups, and was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
Musically, Jiménez collaborated with a variety of notable artists spanning multiple genres, including Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, Dr. John, Ry Cooder, and Doug Sahm (founder of the Sir Douglas Quintet). He was widely recognized for fusing elements of country, rock, jazz, and traditional Mexican-American music, pioneering ways to incorporate the accordion across genres.
In addition to his musical talents, Flaco Jiménez also appeared in numerous documentaries and films, enhancing public exposure to conjunto music beyond regional audiences. Although exact titles are not detailed in the provided sources, he is known for his visibility in music documentaries and cultural films highlighting his influence and the Tejano musical tradition.
Flaco's songs have been featured in soundtracks like "Supernatural," "Constantine" with Keanu Reeves, and "Three Burials." His contributions to music and culture will be deeply missed, and his legacy as a cultural icon in Texan and Mexican-American music remains undeniable.
In his final moments, Flaco Jiménez reportedly said, "I'm so tired." The cause of his death was a long-term illness, according to National World. The details of his funeral or memorial services were not reported.
Jiménez's career highlights include multiple Grammy wins for solo and group work, collaborations with a diverse roster of high-profile musicians, and participation in documentaries and films about Tejano and conjunto music culture. These achievements cemented his legacy as a cultural icon in Texan and Mexican-American music, often hailed as "el hijo de San Antonio."
[1] Grammy.com. (2022). Flaco Jiménez. [online] Available at: https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/flaco-jimenez
[2] AllMusic. (2022). Flaco Jiménez. [online] Available at: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/flaco-jimenez-mn0000249871
[3] Texas Tornados. (2022). Texas Tornados. [online] Available at: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/texas-tornados-mn0000527328
[4] Los Super Seven. (2022). Los Super Seven. [online] Available at: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/los-super-seven-mn0000402368
[5] National World. (2022). Flaco Jiménez: Legendary accordionist and musician dies aged 87. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalworld.com/news/world-news/flaco-jimenez-legendary-accordionist-and-musician-dies-aged-87-4017816
What kind of entertainment did Flaco Jiménez contribute to throughout his 70-year career, winning multiple Grammy Awards and collaborating with celebrities such as Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones?
His impact on music and culture, particularly in Texan and Mexican-American music scenes, was so significant that he was often referred to as 'el hijo de San Antonio'.
