Texas conjunto music pioneer Flaco Jimenez, 86, died while surrounded by his family at one of his son's homes on Thursday night, his family announced.

Born into a family of conjunto pioneers, Flaco Jimenez took his Hohner three-row button accordion from San Antonio to the stages of the world, becoming the music’s greatest ambassador. Jimenez died Thursday evening at one of his son’s homes following a long illness. He was 86.

Tejano and conjunto music legend Flaco Jiménez has died at age 86. The six-time Grammy winner was recognized as a pioneer in the Tejano music genre and was exalted for his virtuoso accordion skills.