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Roy “Pia” Ramos 1945- 2008
Singer Ruben Ramos, “El Gato Negro,” is the star of popular Austin band Texas Revolution, but bass-playing younger brother Roy Ramos was the musical driving force. Roy “Pia” Ramos had the idea in 1969 to move Ruben from behind the drums to the forefront with Mexican Revolution, which changed its name during the early ‘80s Tejano craze. Roy Ramos passed away Sunday morning after a brief illness. He was 62.
“I’m just so saddened,” said singer Little Joe Hernandez, whose band had played with the Ramos brothers in El Paso two weeks ago. “Besides being a great musician, Pia was such a lovely person. I never once heard him say a bad thing about anyone. He was always the first to praise you.”
Roy Ramos was the youngest of seven siblings who played in older brother Alfonso’s orchestra in the early 1960s. Roy and Ruben Ramos called their next band Mexican Revolution to tie in with the Chicano civil rights movement of the late ‘60s.
“I feel like we lost not just a musical brother, but a true brother,” Hernandez said.
Services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Mission Funeral Home at 1615 East Cesar Chavez St.
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By Rosa
March 3, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
My condolences to the Ramos family. My husband and I attended the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame awards ceremonies in Alice, Texas this past November and we had the pleasure of listening to Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution band which we enjoyed tremendously. Again my heartfelt condolences.
By Glenn Michaels
March 3, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
May God bless “Pia” Ramos and the entire Ramos family. Roy will always be remembered for his kindness, and immense talent as a musician. A true gentleman, Pia would always be the first to offer someone his praise. Rest in peace brother.
By Suzanne
March 3, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Pia will be greatly missed. It was a joy to be around him. My heart goes out to the Ramos family.
By Will Indian
March 3, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I had the pleasure to work with Pia Ramos and found him to be a wonderful person and musician.
By Claro/Frances Trevino
March 3, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Ramos famalies, especially to Alfonso and Ruben,for we have had the pleasure to meet, shake hands,and take pictures with.May God Bless you all, and rest assure that one day we will all be with Roy again. Claro and Frances Trevino Rowlett,tx
By Mario Gomez
March 4, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
May you rest in peace my brother. May the good lord comfort your family during this time. You brought joy to many tejano fans with your great musicianship.