San Antonio commemorated Flaco Jiménez, the world-renowned accordionist, with heartfelt tributes and music.
SAN ANTONIO — On Thursday night, San Antonio honored and remembered one of its favorite sons: Flaco Jiménez.
The world-renowned accordionist passed away last week at age 86 after battling vascular complications and diabetes, according to his family.
The legendary conjunto artist from the city’s west side inspired generations of musicians. His songs became synonymous with both San Antonio and the people who call it home.
Hundreds packed into the Carver Community Center for a night filled with heartfelt speeches and live music.
Tejano artist Shelly Lares served as the memorial’s emcee, opening the event with an emotional tribute.
“We are proud he represented us all over the world,” Lares said.
On stage sat his accordion next to a photo of him. Several key figures from the music world spoke, including Juan Tejeda, founder of the Tejano Conjunto Festival.
“He was one of our greats,” Tejeda told the audience. “He was the only conjunto artist to have won six Grammys, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Tejeda described Jiménez as a humble, simple man who knew how to have a good time.
“While his accordion may be silenced, the music he left behind—more than 100 recordings across different formats—will live with us forever,” he said.
The audience included people from all generations, among them 17-year-old country music artist Jacobie Bell.
“I grew up listening to him, especially with Dwight Yoakam on Streets of Bakersfield,” Bell said. “That’s one of my favorite songs. He was featured on it, and like I said, he will be missed. There will never be another like him.”
Teresa Champion, a flamenco dancer and a well-known figure in the San Antonio arts community, also shared her memories. She said she grew up just a few houses down from Jiménez.
“Everybody loved him,” Champion said. “He was a good man. Flaco was very friendly.”
While the night was filled with laughter and sweet memories, it was also marked by grief—especially during remarks from his family.
With tears in her eyes, his granddaughter Natalie Marquez said, “I wish I could hear you sing one more time.”
Though Jiménez’s musical achievements were many—Grammys, international acclaim, and collaborations with music legends—those who spoke Thursday night emphasized that his greatest impact was cultural.
“Flaco’s music was San Antonio. It was the sound of San Antonio,” said U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro.