Reyes had taken light clothing with her for her European tour; this, combined with the cold weathers of Europe when compared to Mexico, caused her to get sick and, eventually, to lose her voice. Her voice ailment was the cause of a voice change, and, upon returning, she started singing "rancheras". One of her first songs in the ranchera genre, "Guadalajara", became a classic that is nowadays considered by many to be Mexico's second national anthem. In 1928, Reyes launched a career as a solo artist, and a year later began her best years as an artist, achieving successes with songs like "La Tequilera", "¡Ay Jalisco, no te rajes!", "El corrido de Chihuahua", "El herradero", "La Panchita", "Traigo un amor", "Juan Colorado", "El castigador", "Rayando el sol", "Caminito de Contreras", and more. In 1930, the entrepreneur Frank Founce contracted with her to perform several concerts on the stage of the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles. Reyes also appeared in films. She played supporting roles in "Con los dorados de Villa" (1939) and "El Zorro de Jalisco" (1941). Her last film appearances were musical guest roles in "¡Ay Jalisco... no te rajes!" (1941) and "Flor silvestre" (1943). Reyes married three times. In 1934, she married her second husband, producer Félix Martín Cervantes. At the time of her death, she was married to Antonio Vega Medina, a pilot. She died on 25 June 1944 of an "acute intoxication" caused by an "unknown substance", which was believed to be barbiturates. She has a statue in Los Angeles, CA as she visited the city many times during her career. The statue is located in Mariachi Plaza in the east Los Angeles area of the city, a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood.