On July 31st, the music industry lost a special person when musician Flaco Jiménez passed away at the age 86. Getting his start in music during the late 1940s, the singer spent over seven decades on the stage. Throughout that time, Jiménez released numerous studio albums and watched his stardom expand when winning five Grammy Awards. That was just the start of the legacy of Jiménez. He also worked with stars like Bob Dylan, Linda Ronstadt, Los Lobos, the Rolling Stones, and Dwight Yoakam. Remember not just the musician’s legacy but their friendship, Yoakam shared a touching tribute to the singer.
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Posting a throwback performance of “Streets of Bakersfield”, Yoakam took a moment to honor Jiménez, writing, “In fond and loving memory of the great Flaco Jimenez! It was an honor to know you and a profound privilege to have been able to work with you. Rest in sweet and lasting peace my friend…”
Dwight Yoakam Not The Only One Remembering Flaco Jiménez
Gaining over 17,000 likes, fans also shared their love for Jiménez, writing comments like, “One of my all-time favorite songs. Flaco is from San Antonio where I am from and currently live. Flaco grew up with my dad and uncles. Such great talent such great loss.” Another person added, “I wore out my CD of this album. So good! Lots of memories. RIP Flaco, play for the angels now.”
Besides Yoakam and fans remembering the impact Jiménez had on the music industry, the CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Kyle Young, expressed just how important Jiménez was. “Flaco Jiménez was a paragon of Tejano conjunto music — exemplifying not only its sound, but its culture-blending spirit with his richly melodic accordion playing.”
Holding a special place in country music, Young even pointed to his work on “Streets of Bakersfield”. “Flaco drew millions of listeners into a rich musical world they might not have discovered on their own. ‘Streets of Bakersfield’ by Dwight and Buck wouldn’t have been the same without his sparkling touches. Neither will a music community that cherished his towering talent and open heart.”
Going back to 1988, when “Streets of Bakersfield” was released, the song, performed by Yoakam and Buck Owens, quickly took over the airwaves, shooting to No. 1 on Hot Country Singles. And over the years that followed, the hit was covered numerous times by stars like actor Vince Vaughn. Just a small spot in Jiménez’s career, Yoakam never forgot the friendship they shared.
(Randy Holmes/DISNEY via Getty Images)
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