Ramon Ayala

From an early age, Ramón Ayala—recognized as the accordion king and the son of musician Ramón Covarrubias—embraced the accordion as his instrument of choice. Backed by parental encouragement, he played in assorted public settings to support his family’s modest circumstances. His first ensemble was Los Jilgueros de Marin, after which he became a member of Los Pavoreales. Following his move to Reynosa, he encountered Cornelio Reyna and together they established Relampagos del Norte. The band’s self-titled debut album contained the hit single “Ya No Llores.” After Cornelio Reyna’s death, the group adopted the name Los Bravos del Norte, also frequently billed as Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte, and soon issued the tribute En Las Alas de un Ango A Cornelio Reynas.

Beginning in 1998, Los Bravos del Norte sustained a demanding schedule of recording and live appearances, often releasing more than two albums within a single year apart from the numerous compilations that saturated the market. Ayala and the band recorded most frequently for Freddie Records, though additional titles appeared on Rosita, P&G Music, and Fonovisia. Between 1998 and 2016 more than 60 releases emerged, spanning love songs, rancheras, corridos, and dances performed in classic norteño style.