[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 136 (Friday, August 8, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LEONARDO ``FLACO'' JIMENEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 8, 2025

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Leonardo 
``Flaco'' Jimenez who passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025. A pioneer 
of Conjunto music, his music powerfully defined the arts. He brought 
generations together through his one-of-a kind talent. He is survived 
by his wife, Adela, his eight children, and his brother, Santiago 
Jimenez, Jr.
  A San Antonio native, Mr. Jimenez was born into a family of 
musicians. He was the grandson and son of trailblazing accordionists 
who encouraged ``Flaco'' to pursue music. He played with his father's 
band as a child, launching a career that spanned more than seven 
decades.
  As ``Flaco'' began to master the accordion, he soon packed Texas' 
dance halls at a young age. His performances captivated audiences and 
spread throughout the country. His incredible talent led to 
collaborations with notable musicians who dominated the air waves. 
These collaborations exposed regions across the country and world to 
the Conjunto sound.
  ``Flaco'' was an international ambassador of Conjunto music, and by 
extension, Mexican-American culture. Everywhere he performed, the 
rhythm from his accordion did more than move the crowd. It exposed 
people to the Mexican-American ethos. The shared stories of hope, love, 
perseverance and triumph touched and shaped the soundtrack of American 
life.
  The power in ``Flaco's'' music forged a legacy defined by success, 
With albums such as eAy Te Dejo en San Antonio y Mas!, and hits like 
``Margarita, Margarita'' and ``(Hey Baby) Que Paso,'' he received many 
prestigious accolades. ``Flaco'' became a 6-time Grammy Award Winning 
artist and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. His 
album, Partners, was inducted into the National Recording Registry at 
the Library of Congress in 2021. He also received various hall of fame 
inductions and lifetime awards.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the life and legacy of a 
Conjunto and Tejano music icon who will long be remembered in my 
hometown, across the State of Texas, and around the world.

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