José Luis Ayala, the legendary drummer for Los Bravos del Norte, died of complications associated with coronavirus, according to reports. His family, including his brother Ramón Ayala, confirmed the news of the talented musician’s passing on Thursday.
“My little brother Guero left us,” Ramón Ayala said in Spanish captioning a photo of his brother on Instagram. “We ask for your prayers for the comfort of our family! Rest In Peace Little Brother!!!”
According to reports, “Güero” Ayala died from complications of COVID-19 on July 30 after contracting the virus almost three weeks ago. His son, José Luis Ayala, Jr., reported that the musician was in intensive care on July 10.
“Normally I don’t like doing this type of publication but the power of prayer and the Faith of God is very great,” José Luis Ayala Jr. shared via Instagram. “My dad @joseluisayalabravo is in the hospital, it has been a very difficult few days, I imagine that for many of you tmb since this pandemic has affected many of us. Right now he is in intensive care “ER” and they still can’t give him a room because the hospitals are full. I ASK YOU TO PRAY FOR HIM SO THAT HE WILL RECOVER Take care of yourselves #quedateencasa #stayhome.”
José Luis Ayala was considered one of the best drummers of his genre, influencing many of today’s best Tejano drummers.
“We’ve lost an absolute legend in our genre today,” wrote Lalo Reyna, bandleader and drummer for Elida Reyna Y Avante, on social media. “Not only did he create a style we’ll always remember him for but he was always so gracious and humble…Our hearts go out to the Ayala family!! RIP Jose Luis! #TheKing #norteno #Legend.”
Joey “JMZ” Jimenez, the drummer for Masizzo, captioned a photo of himself with Ayala, “RIP to the (G.O.A.T.) of Norteño Drumming. Because of you, I started using 2 Bottom Hi-Hat Cymbals.”
Together with his son, he gave advice on the Ayala Drummers platform, which also includes an online store where gear related to the instrument, including cases and drumsticks, are offered.
José Luis Ayala also served as producer and musical director of Los Bravos del Norte, a group he joined in 1978 and was a part of many successful albums and songs earning a GRAMMY and multiple nominations.
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MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE GARZA-COVARUBBIAS FAMILY KNOWN TO MANY AS THE AYALA’S. HE WAS ONE OF MY MENTOR’S WHOM I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO SHARE THE STAGE AND WOULD TRAVEL IN LOS BRAVOS TOUR BUS WITH THE BAND I WAS IN WHICH WAS JOSE LUIS IS BROTHER FIDENCIO AYALA Y SUS SATELITES AS THE DRUMMER. MANY TIME’S IN MEXICO AND HERE IN THE USA. WE WOULD CAR POOL FROM THE VALLEY IF WE PLAYED IN CORPUS CHRISTI AND HE WOULD SHARE STORIES. MAY GOD BLESS AND BE WITH HIS SON GUERITO JR AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY. DESCANSA EN PAZ COMPADRE OUR LORD AND SAVIOR GAINED AN AMAZING HUMBLE, AWESOME DRUMMER.JOSE LUIS”GUERO”AYALA.🙏
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