Ramon AyalaEl Rey del AcordeonFor over 40 years, the artistry of songwriter/accordionist/vocalist Ramon Ayala has defined norteño music with signature songs and definitive instrumental styling that have made him a superstar on both sides of the Rio Grande.Ramon, son of local musician Ramon Cobarrubias, began playing his favorite instrument, the accordion when he was six years old. Inspired and supported by his parents, he performed in different public places to help his modest family. His first band experience was a group called Los Jilgueros de Marin, later he joined Los Pavorreales.As a teenager in the early sixties, Ramon virtually invented modern conjunto music, teaming up with the late bajo sexto guitarist / vocalist Cornelio Reyna to form Los Relampagos del Norte, the duo forged a distinctive sound and compiled a roster of songs that have since been covered by countless artists in contemporary Latin music. Their first hit single “Ya no llores” was recorded in 1963.For the next eight years, Los Relampagos del Norte tore up the music charts by revolutionizing and re-inventing norteño music, a genre that was then considered exclusively cantina music. Ramon and Cornelio livened the music and lyrics in order to reach and appeal to more people. The talented duo recorded a total of 20 albums leaving behind many classics such as “El disgusto”, “Devolucion”, “Mi Tesoro”, “Tengo miedo”, and many others.After Cornelio Reyna left to pursue his own ranchero career in 1971, Ramon Ayala set out to prove that he could make it on his own and formed the legendary band, Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte in late 1971. Early next year Ramon was growing and already making a name for himself with his new vocalist, Antonio Sauceda.Changes were yet to come, Antonio Sauceda showed a renewed interest in Christianity and decided to join a Christian seminary, this time Eliseo Robles joined the band, leaving behind the Satellite’s de Fidencio Ayala (Ramon’s brother). Together, Ramon and Eliseo, forged a partnership that artistically surpassed all others and that to this day still remains as the premier perfection of the genre. They created a style that became the standard for norteño music. During the Eliseo Robles years, Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte’s album sales reached peak high in Mexico and the United States with hits such as: “Un rinconcito en el cielo”, “Chaparra de mi amor”, “Tragos amargos” and many others.In the mid-80’s Ramon found himself again without a lead singer. Ego problems from Eliseo caused him to leave the band. Antonio Coronado became the fourth lead singer but although it looked like it was going to be a successful add, the same ego problems appeared and he only recorded 8 albums with the group.In 1993 was the arrival of the 5th and current lead singer, Mario Marichalar who brought a new style to the band, appealing to a younger generation. However, Ramon continues to be a classic singer who is remembered as one of the founders of the modern norteño music. Ramon has won the Latin Grammy in 2001 for his song “Quemame los ojos” and in 2002 the American Grammy as well as 2 more Latin ones for the album “El