In Memoriam
José Luis Ayala 1956-2020
José Luis Ayala, a member of Los Bravos del Norte, passed away on July 30th, as a result of COVID-19 complications. Considered one of the “best drummers” of the norteña music genre, Ayala had been hospitalized for weeks.
The news of the death of El Güero Ayala was given by Ramón Ayala, who took to Instagram to confirm the death of his beloved brother, who he lovingly called “Güero” which is a term of endearment to refer to a lighter-skinned person.
“My little brother Güero left us. We ask for your prayers for the comfort of our family! Rest In Peace Little Brother!!!”
It is not an understatement to say that the norteña music arena is mourning over the Ayala’s passing. “Today we have to say goodbye to a brother of music. Rest In Peace José Luis Ayala, our condolences to family and friends. Thank you for all the music that you have given the world along with Ramón Ayala and Los Bravos Del Norte,” expressed Los Tigres del Norte.
Likewise, another giant in norteña music, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, said, “Our deepest condolences to the entire Ayala family and Los Bravos Del Norte for the sad departure of our dear friend, colleague and the Master of Masters as a drummer, musician, and exceptional performance artist throughout the norteña music industry.”
His son José Luis Jr. had taken to social media on July 19 asking for prayers for his father, who was in intensive care being hospitalized for COVID-19.
The Ayala brothers, from Monterrey, Mexico, always worked together to pursue their musical talents. Before becoming a member of Los Bravos del Norte, José Luis was a member of Los Satelites with his other brother, Fidencio Ayala. Eventually, all three brothers joined together to succeed with Los Bravos de Norte. Tributes are flooding social media.
José Luis Ayala, his brother Ramon, also known as “The King of the Accordion,” and Los Bravos del Norte had tremendous success in the 70s when the band reformed with a new lead singer, Eliseo Robles. They had top Billboard records in the United States and Mexico with their hits, “Tragos Amargos,” “Un Rinconcito En El Cielo,” and “Chaparra De Mi Amor.”
According to José JR., his father had been fighting for his health since July and made public through his Instagram post asking for prayers. He continued to keep his followers updated on his father’s health and on his passing.
Los Bravos Del Norte won one major GRAMMY Award win and nine nominations. In addition, they also won two Latin GRAMMY Awards for their albums. Both of the Ayala brothers were renowned Mexican musicians, composers, and songwriters of Norteño music.