Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, the legendary accordionist who helped popularize conjunto and Tejano music worldwide, died Thursday, July 31, at age 86 at his son’s home in San Antonio, Texas. He was surrounded by family members when he passed away following a long illness.

The family announced Jiménez’s death on social media Thursday evening, requesting privacy during their time of grief. His son Arturo Jiménez told The Associated Press that his father had been saying his goodbyes several days before his death and expressed pride in his musical accomplishments. According to Arturo, his father’s last words were “Ya estoy cansado”, which translates to “I’m tired.”

Born on March 11, 1939, in San Antonio’s La Piedrera neighborhood, Jiménez came from a family of conjunto pioneers. His father, Santiago Jiménez Sr., was a foundational figure in the conjunto movement, and his grandfather, Patricio, was also a musician. Jiménez earned his nickname “Flaco,” meaning skinny in Spanish, and began performing with his father at age seven. By 15, he was recording with the musical group Los Caporales.

Conjunto music originated in South Texas more than a century ago when Texans of Mexican heritage embraced the accordion music of German, Polish, and Czech immigrants. The genre typically features accordion, bajo sexto, bass, and drums, blending different cultural influences to represent the Tejano way of life.

Jiménez refined his musical skills performing in San Antonio saloons and dance halls before gaining broader recognition in the 1960s through his collaboration with fellow San Antonio native Douglas Sahm, founding member of the Sir Douglas Quintet. This partnership opened doors to work with major artists including Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Ry Cooder, and the Rolling Stones.

Throughout his career, Jiménez incorporated influences from country, rock, and jazz into traditional conjunto music. His innovative approach helped transform what was once considered cantina music into a globally recognized art form. He released his first solo album, “Una Sombra,” in 1972, the first of more than 25 albums spanning five decades.

In the 1990s, Jiménez became part of the Tejano supergroup the Texas Tornados, alongside Sahm, Augie Meyers, and Freddy Fender. The group won a Grammy in 1991 for the song “Soy de San Luis.” Jiménez also participated in another supergroup, Los Super Seven, which earned him another Grammy in 1999.

Over his seven-decade career, Jiménez earned six Grammy Awards, including his first in 1986 for “Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio” and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. His album “Partners” was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress in 2021. In 2022, he was named a National Medal of Arts recipient by President Biden, though his son Arthur accepted the award on his behalf due to ongoing health issues.

The German musical instrument manufacturer Hohner recognized Jiménez’s mastery by creating a signature line of accordions in collaboration with him in 2009. The company praised his role as a global ambassador for Tex-Mex conjunto music and noted their partnership since 1976.

Jiménez had been hospitalized in January after developing a blood clot in his leg, when doctors discovered additional vascular issues. Despite his health challenges, he continued to be celebrated for his contributions to American music. The White House honored him for “harnessing heritage to enrich American music” and for blending Norteño, Tex-Mex, and Tejano music with blues, rock and roll, and pop music.

Throughout his career, Jiménez remained connected to his San Antonio roots, earning the nickname “el hijo de San Antonio” (the son of San Antonio). He regularly performed at the Tejano Conjunto Festival for decades, with his final performance there occurring in 2024. Music historians note that his influence extended internationally, making him known from Japan to Europe as conjunto music’s greatest world ambassador.

Jiménez’s music appeared on soundtracks for numerous films, including “Y Tu Mamá También,” “El Infierno,” “The Border” and “Chulas Fronteras.” His work with the Texas Tornados produced the cult classic “(Hey Baby) Que Pasó?” which became one of their most recognizable songs.

Tributes poured in from across the music world, with various institutions and fellow musicians acknowledging his role in bringing conjunto music to mainstream audiences while maintaining his authentic connection to the Texas-Mexican community that shaped his sound.