Grammy-winning singer Flaco Jimenez dead at 86
The six-time Grammy-winning singer Flaco Jimenez has died aged 86, his family have confirmed.
In a statement, the Jimenez family shared on Facebook: “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 heartfelt message continued: “And a big thank you for all of the memories. His legacy will live on through his music and all of his fans. The family requests privacy during this time of sadness and grievance.”
Heartbreakingly, The San Antonio Express News reports Jimenez’s last words, according to his son Arturo, were “Ya estoy cansado,” which translates to “I’m tired.”
No cause of death has been revealed.
Over the course of a career that spanned seven decades, Jimenez established himself as the leading Tex-Mex accordionist and performed with esteemed names such as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, and Ry Cooder.
The late musician, born in San Antonio in 1939, began performing in the 1960s, but it took until 1986 for Jimenez to win his first Grammy for his album, Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio y Más!
During his accomplished career, he would win five more Grammys, including a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, as well as the same honour at the Billboard Music Awards and the Tejano Music Awards.
Furthermore, Jimenez was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden in 2022. Sadly, due to health issues, he was unable to attend the ceremony in person.
His most celebrated album, 1991’s Partners, was deservedly inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in 2021. Jimenez proudly said of the achievement: “People used to regard my music as cantina music, just no respect. The accordion was considered something like a party joke. I really give respect to everyone who helped me out on this record and I’m flattered by this recognition.”
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