Credit: Facebook / Flaco Jimenez
Austin, TX – Music legend Flaco Jimenez was recognized with the prestigious Darrell K. Royal Texas Music Legend Award by the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association (THSA) during the Hall of Fame weekend on February 21-22 in Austin, Texas. The accolade celebrates Jimenez’s extraordinary contributions to Texas music and his influence on the global stage.
The official Facebook page for Jimenez shared the exciting news, stating, “A huge congratulations to Flaco on receiving the Darrell K. Royal Texas Music Legend Award at the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Awards! A heartfelt thank you to everyone at THSA for making this event possible, as well as BMI and Bryan Peterson for the incredible artwork! Congratulations to all the 2025 Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees—what an amazing honor!”
The Darrell K. Royal Texas Music Legend Award is named after the legendary University of Texas football coach, Darrell K. Royal. Known for leading the Longhorns to 11 conference championships and three national titles, Royal was also a passionate advocate for Texas songwriters. The THSA presents this award to individuals who have significantly supported and shaped the Texas music landscape.
Credit: Facebook / Flaco Jimenez
Flaco Jimenez, an iconic accordionist, vocalist, and songwriter from San Antonio, Texas, has played an instrumental role in popularizing Tex-Mex and conjunto music worldwide. His illustrious career began at the young age of seven, performing alongside his father, the legendary Santiago Jimenez Sr. By 15, he had already recorded music with Los Caporales, setting the foundation for a groundbreaking career that would span over eight decades.
Jimenez’s influence extends far beyond Tejano music. His collaborations with renowned artists such as Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, and Carlos Santana helped bring conjunto music to a global audience. As a founding member of groups like the Texas Tornados and the Free Mexican Airforce, Jimenez blended Norteño, Tex-Mex, and Tejano sounds with rock, blues, and pop, earning him a dedicated following worldwide.
Throughout his remarkable career, Jimenez has received numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an NEA National Heritage Fellowship, and recognition from the Billboard, Americana, and Tejano music communities. He has been inducted into the National Hispanic Hall of Fame and the NYC International Latin Music Hall of Fame and has been named a Texas State Musician. His impact on the industry was further cemented when Hohner released a Flaco Jimenez Signature Series accordion in 2009.
Jimenez’s compositions have also made their mark in film, with his music featured in acclaimed movies such as Y Tu Mamá También and Tin Cup. Even after decades in the industry, he remains an active recording and performing artist in Texas and is part of the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster.
The recognition of Flaco Jimenez with the Darrell K. Royal Texas Music Legend Award is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence on the world of music. His ability to harness cultural heritage and blend musical styles has left an indelible mark on American music, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.
This latest honor comes as Jimenez continues to recover after a recent hospitalization in January, marking a special moment of celebration for the legendary artist and his many admirers.
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