‘Accordion King’ Ramon Ayala to perform at EMC

Concert by renowned musician is set for July 21

Ramon Ayala, known as the “King of the Accordian,” defined norteño music with signature songs and definitive instrumental styling that have made him a superstar on both sides of the El Rio Grande for the past 40 years. He will be performing at Eagle Mountain Casino on July 21. Tickets start at just $30 and went on sale June 1 — online at www.eaglemtncasino.com or in the Mountain Memories gift shop.

Ayala, son of local musician Ramon Cobarrubias, began playing his favorite instrument, the accordion when he was 6 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 60’s, Ayala 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 reinventing 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, 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 in 1972, Ayala was growing and already making a name for himself with his new vocalist, Antonio Sauceda.

Changes were yet to come, 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, Ayala and Robles, 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 Robles 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 fifth and current lead singer, Mario Marichalar who brought a new style to the band, appealing to a younger generation. However, Ayala continues to be a classic singer who is remembered as one of the founders of the modern norteño music. Ayala has won and has been nominated for several Grammy awards. In 2001 Ayala was awarded with an American Grammy award for the album “En Vivo… El Hombre Y Su Musica”.

Ayala has also been awarded two Latin Grammys’ for the albums “Quemame Los Ojos” and “El Numero Cien”. He has been nominated a total of 10 times with both markets combined. His sales average 750,000 units per year. His performances range from 120 to 150 in both markets. He has more than 105 albums in his trajectory and he also took part in 13 movies, sharing credits with talents such as: Antonio Aguilar, Los Hermanos Almada and Cornelio Reyna among others.

Ayala’s influence on modern music cannot be overstated, as most norteño groups today use their style as their musical foundation to perform their songs.

He is one of the most memorable iconic super stars today. Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte are: Ramon Ayala, Fidencio Ayala, Jose Luis Ayala, Mario Marichalar, David Laure y Raul Rosales.

Tickets start at just $30 for Ayala, who will be performing on Friday, July 21, at Eagle Mountain Casino. Purchase online at www. eaglemtncasino.com or in the Mountain Memories gift shop.