Flao Jimenez | Credit: Facebook
SAN ANTONIO, TX — The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is honoring the legendary life and music of Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez with a powerful tribute exhibition now open to the public at the Progreso Community Gallery, located across from the historic Guadalupe Theater at 1300 Guadalupe Street.
Titled LEONARDO FLACO JIMÉNEZ, PRESENTE!, the exhibition was originally installed in May as part of the “Documenting Our Cultura” showcase during the 2025 Tejano Conjunto Festival. Now serving as a heartfelt memorial, it features rare photographs and memorabilia curated by renowned community archivist Ramón Hernández, celebrating the Grammy-winning accordionist’s enduring legacy.
Courtesy: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Born on March 11, 1939, in San Antonio, Flaco Jiménez was a third-generation musician and the son of conjunto pioneer Santiago Jiménez Sr. He began playing the accordion as a child and went on to shape the sound of conjunto and Tejano music across the globe. Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, Jiménez earned five Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Flaco’s boundary-breaking collaborations with Ry Cooder, Texas Tornados, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and others helped bring the sounds of the Texas-Mexico border to international stages. His landmark 1992 album Partners stands as a shining example of his ability to bridge genres and cultures. His accolades include inductions into both the Tejano Music Hall of Fame and the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
Despite recent health struggles, Flaco’s love for music never faded. He passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 86, leaving behind an indelible mark on music history and hearts worldwide. He is survived by his children and an international community of fans and musicians who continue to be inspired by his artistry.
The LEONARDO FLACO JIMÉNEZ, PRESENTE! exhibition is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting fans, friends, and future generations to honor the legacy of a true musical icon.
For more information, visit guadalupeculturalarts.org.
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