Facebook / Flaco Jimenez

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Tejano and Conjunto community paid a heartfelt tribute to one of its most beloved musical icons, Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, on Thursday night in San Antonio. The world-renowned accordionist, who passed away on July 31 at the age of 86 after battling vascular complications and diabetes, was remembered by hundreds who gathered at the Carver Community Cultural Center for what his family called his “final curtain call.”

The West Side native was more than a Grammy-winning musician — he was the heartbeat of conjunto music and a cultural ambassador whose songs became synonymous with the spirit of San Antonio.

Tejano icon Shelly Lares, who served as emcee for the evening, opened the program with an emotional tribute. “We are proud he represented us all over the world,” she said. On stage, Jiménez’s accordion rested next to a framed portrait, a silent but powerful reminder of the music that touched millions.

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Several influential voices from the Tejano and conjunto community shared their memories, including Juan Tejeda, founder of the Tejano Conjunto Festival. “He was one of our greats,” Tejeda said. “The only conjunto artist to have won six Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.” He described Jiménez as a humble, joyful man whose more than 100 recordings will “live with us forever.”

The night blended laughter, music, and tears. Flaco’s granddaughter Natalie Marquez, visibly moved, said, “I wish I could hear you sing one more time.” U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro captured the sentiment of many when he declared, “Flaco’s music was San Antonio. It was the sound of San Antonio.”

A poignant musical moment came when Max Baca, Jiménez’s longtime bajo sexto player, performed “Me voy lejos,” with Flaco’s absence felt deeply in every note. Baca reflected on his friend’s warmth: “Flaco had a way of making everybody feel special when he’d sit down and talk to you one-on-one… There will never be another Flaco.”

His daughter Raquel Fernandez shared words that resonated across the room: “In life, I loved you dearly. In death, I love you still. In my heart, you have a place no one else can fill.”

Flaco Jiménez’s career spanned over 70 years, taking conjunto music from the dance halls of Texas to international stages alongside legends from multiple genres. His legacy is etched not only in his accolades and recordings but in the culture he championed and the countless lives he touched.

As the evening closed, it was clear that the “Sound of San Antonio” will never fade — because Flaco Jiménez’s music, and the love he inspired, will play on forever.

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