Flaco Jiménez | Photo: Evelyn Vasquez / EV Imagez
An iconic piece of music history, the beloved accordion of Flaco Jiménez, has been added to the permanent collection at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. This marks a significant milestone in the recognition of Jiménez’s contributions to both Tex-Mex and country music with his Hohner signature series accordion.
Flaco Jiménez, known as a trailblazer in the Tex-Mex genre and a Grammy-winning accordion virtuoso, shared the news with fans through social media, expressing his gratitude. “I’m honored to share that my Hohner Corona II accordion, featured in my recordings and performances, is now on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee,” Jiménez wrote.
The accordion is now a key part of the museum’s Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present exhibition, which explores the evolution of country music. The display is an immersive experience that showcases the genres’ rich history—from its earliest folk origins to its contemporary sounds—through an impressive array of artifacts, photographs, recordings, and multimedia.
Jiménez’s accordion joins the ranks of other Texas legends, such as Asleep At The Wheel, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Doug Sahm, who are also featured in the exhibition’s Texas Mavericks section. Visitors can see firsthand the instrument that has been integral to Jiménez’s decades-long career, a tool that helped shape the distinctive sounds of the Texas Tornados, the band he co-founded, as well as countless collaborations with artists across genres.
Photo: Facebook / Flaco Jiménez
Flaco Jiménez’s remarkable career spans decades, with his accordion becoming an essential voice in both the Tex-Mex and country music worlds. Over the years, he has worked with an eclectic range of artists, including The Rolling Stones, Dwight Yoakam, and Ry Cooder. His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, and cemented his place as a cultural icon.
Jiménez expressed his thanks to those who made this honor possible, including Hohner Accordions, Gilbert Reyes – Music, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, saying, “I would like to say thank you to Hohner Accordions, Gilbert Reyes – Music, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for this incredible recognition.”
The Sing Me Back Home exhibit offers a dynamic look at the folk influences that shaped country music, and Jiménez’s accordion stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Tex-Mex sounds on the genre. Fans of Jiménez, country music, and Tex-Mex alike will find this new addition to the Hall of Fame a perfect tribute to a living legend whose music continues to bridge cultural divides and inspire generations. Reserve tickets here: countrymusichalloffame.org
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