Ramón Ayala was born on March 10, 1945. And today he has established himself as one of Mexico's renowned accordionist and songwriter. Ramon Ayala has been credited for setting the standards of modern norteño music with his distinctive accordion playing and lyrics. His innovative style blended electric guitars and drums to his music, but still his music symbolizes a traditional northern ranchera style.

Ramón Ayala started playing his favorite instrument by the age of six. His chief inspirations were his parents. Then he began performing at several public places to help his modest family. Subsequently he joined the band called Los Jilgueros de Marin. Later, Ayala joined Los Pavoreales.

After meeting Cornelio Reyna at a cantina called "El Cadillac" Ramón Ayala formed the group, Los Relámpagos del Norte. They soon made a self-titled debut album that came out with the hit single "Ya No Llores." in 1963. And Ramón became widely popular. The group topped the music charts till the next 8 years. They were much famed for revolutionizing and re-inventing norteño music, a genre that was then regarded as exclusive cantina music. The talented duo released 20 albums resulting in numerous classics such "El Disgusto", "Devolución", "Mi Tesoro", "Tengo Miedo," and many others.

In 1971, however, Cornelio Reyna made a departure from Los Relampagos del Norte to shift to the mariachi genre. Critics and fans both thought him just to be an accordion player. Ramón Ayala decided to prove, that he could find his own ways. And found the legendary band, Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos Del Norte in late 1971. And rapidly he gained immense popularity, making a name for himself with his new vocalist, Antonio Sauceda. Sauceda had a similar singing style and voice tone as Cornelio Reyna, which complemented with Ramon Ayala. This blend added to the popularity of his music.

By the mid-80's he was again without a lead singer. Ayala set out to search for another lead singer, which would be the fourth of his career, and finally found Antonio Coronado. But due to some ego problems Coronado also left the band in 1992.The following year, Ramon Ayala celebrated the 30th anniversary of his successful career along with his 5th and current lead singer, Mario Marichalar. With Marichalar's entering the group, Ramon Ayala changed his style once again. Previously known and successful for devout ranchera and cantina-style songs, Ramon Ayala's new style turned out to be too bland and balmy. This was an attempt made by him to appeal to the younger generation.

However, Ayala remains to be a classic musician who is remarkable as one of the pioneers of modern norteño music. To his credits are many American and Latino Grammy's along with record sales of about 750,000 units per year. Ramón Ayala along with his latest lead singer has achieved much fame for setting the style for norteño music. Though his lead has always been changing, he has continued performing, retaining his characteristic style that best presents norteño music.