83R25415 BPG-D
By: Gutierrez H.C.R. No. 121
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Norteno music legend Ramon Ayala is visiting the
State Capitol on May 15, 2013, in celebration of his 50th year in
music, and this occasion provides an ideal opportunity to recognize
this acclaimed accordionist, songwriter, and singer; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Hidalgo, Mr. Ayala was born
in Monterrey, Mexico, on December 8, 1945; he took up his signature
instrument at the age of six and helped support his family with his
playing; as a teenager, he teamed with Cornelio Reyna to form Los
Relampagos del Norte, which synthesized traditional norteno music
with more modern elements from Texas conjunto; their brilliant
fusion defined norteno in the 1960s, and their many hits, including
"Ya No Llores" and "El Disgusto," have been covered by countless
other artists through the years; and
WHEREAS, Los Relampagos recorded 20 albums before the members
parted ways in 1971; subsequently, the accordion virtuoso found
even greater success leading Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte;
songs such as "Un Rinconcito en el Cielo," "Chaparra de Mi Amor,"
and "Tragos Amargos" became norteno standards, and Mr. Ayala has
remained much in demand as a performer, on stage, on television, and
in more than a dozen movies; and
WHEREAS, Nominated for several Grammy Awards, Mr. Ayala won
the honor in the Best Mexican-American Album category in 2001 for
En Vivo... El Hombre Y Su Musica, and he produced the 2010 Best
Norteno Album winner, Classic, a tribute to Los Relampagos by
contemporary superstars Intocable; Mr. Ayala has also received two
Latin Grammys, and in 1997, Los Relampagos was inducted into the
Pura Vida Music Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ayala has demonstrated a deep commitment to his
community, and in 2000, he sponsored the first Ramon Ayala
Christmas Posada, an event highlighted by a toy giveaway for area
children; the presents delight some 10,000 youngsters annually and
are an especially treasured holiday tradition for those from
disadvantaged backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, The posada also includes a mass and a Nativity
reenactment, and the day comes to an exciting close when the man
known as "El Rey del Accordeon"--the "King of the Accordion"--joins
with other performers to present a free concert; the event was moved
from his hometown of Hidalgo to the community of Las Milpas in 2012;
and
WHEREAS, Ramon Ayala has made vital contributions to Texas
music through his innovations and artistry, and while delighting
countless Tejano fans over the course of his career, he has been
equally devoted to bringing the joy of the holiday season to all
members of his community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby declare May 15, 2013, as Ramon Ayala Day at the State Capitol
and congratulate Mr. Ayala on his 50th anniversary in music; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Ayala as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives and Senate.