It's not every day a Grammy award-winning artist stops by Bakersfield.
But on Thursday, Regional Mexican Musician, Ramon Ayala, held a meet-and-greet for his fans.
He's known as Mexico's "King of the Accordion."
"He's the greatest. I love his music," said Maria Villanueva, an Ayala fan.
"it's very overwhelming, very emotional," said another fan, Nikki Chavez.
"I've never seen any other celebrity come here and do something like this," said Ricky Sierra.
Ayala made a stop in Southeast Bakersfield to meet with his fans and promote some of his most recent projects... Including his own brand of tequila.
"First off, I'm here to see my people," he said, "We have a beautiful fan base going back many years…"
Ayala signed autographs for fans and posed for pictures - something not many artists do often. But he says it's what keeps him humble.
He said, "To stay in touch with the public, with people, with our people who have always supported us, for years. We're talking about seeing generations listening to our music, that we've sung for our people. That's what motivates us more than anything. To come talk with them, chat with them, to coexist with them."
Ayala is 70-years-old and has more than 52 years in the music industry. He plays accordion, sings, writes and is known for his lively performances. His music genre, Regional Mexican, also known as Norteño music, is popular worldwide.
Fans here agree saying his timeless songs bring the family together.
"It reminds me a lot of the times growing up with my grandpa. He was more like my father, so, when I hear this music it gives me really good memories, family parties," said Chavez.
"Everybody in their family has an uncle or a dad or son that listens to this type of music and that's what brings everyone together," said Sierra.
"My son used to dance with me when he was young. Now me and my grandson, we dance together in the living room, me and my girls dance in the living room," said Villanueva.
As fans awaited a glimpse of the Latino superstar,Ayala gave words of inspiration for those trying to achieve the American dream.
"You've got to give it your best. You've got to have faith. Faith in God in order to move forward and give it your all to whatever projects you have going on," said Ayala.
Ayala will be performing in Fresno this Saturday.
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