Noe Nieto Jr, known to many in the Tejano industry as “Gipper,” died of complications from COVID-19 on Saturday (Sept. 11). The veteran musician was the longtime accordionist for Kumbia Kings and Kumbia Kings All Starz. He was 46.
A.B. Quintanilla III confirmed the news of Gipper’s passing via Instagram featuring a photo of the pair with a caption that said, “I never had a brother till I met ‘Gipper’…It’s with a heavy heart I just received news he passed away from a 2 week battle with Covid…I’m in shock he went so fast…My heart goes out to his Wife and children he leaves behind…He was my best friend and amazing musician and will truly be missed…Be safe peeps.”
Nieto was a member of Los Kumbia Kings for three years beginning in 2003 and followed Quintanilla after the group’s breakup to become a member of Kumbia Kings All Starz since 2006.
Quintanilla and the Kumbia Kings All Starz, along with Pete Astudillo, paid tribute to Gipper during their concert in Laredo on Saturday night performing “Como Te Extraño.”
Tejano Nation sends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Gipper. Kelli Nieto, Gipper’s wife, announced funeral arrangements via social media. A graveside service will take place at Raymondville Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 5 pm. In case of inclement weather, the service will take place indoors at another location to be announced, if necessary.
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