Another legend gone. Chances are you’ve heard Flaco Jiménez—even if you didn’t know his name. For more than seven decades, his unmistakable accordion sound helped define and popularize Tejano music, bridging Mexican folk traditions with American country, rock, and blues.
Flaco’s influence ran deep—whether leading his own conjunto, anchoring the Texas Tornados alongside Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender, and Augie Meyers, or joining forces with Joe Ely, David Hidalgo, and Cesar Rosas in Los Super Seven. He was a sought-after collaborator, lending his talents to Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, and many more.
His 1992 album Partners stands as a testament to that legacy, bringing together an incredible lineup that included Dwight Yoakam, Linda Ronstadt, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, and Los Lobos. Flaco and his accordion turned regional roots into a universal language—one that continues to resonate across genres and generations.
Here’s a quartet of videos capturing Jiménez in action. Two from the Texas Tornados, Jiminez leading the group on “Ay Te Dejo En San Antonio” and then defining the sound on Doug Sahm’s “Mendicino”. As a sample of his countless guest appearances, we’ve got him sitting in with the Mavericks on The Tonight Show and with Dwight Yoakam on Austin City Limits.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.