Beloved Musician Raul Malo of The Mavericks Dies at 60

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Raul Malo, the beloved tenor and co-founder of the Grammy-winning group The Mavericks, has died at 60. His wife, Betty Malo, shared the sad news on Facebook late Monday, revealing that he had been courageously battling cancer. Fans have been with him throughout his struggle since June 2024, when he announced he was undergoing treatment for colon cancer.

In September 2025, Malo updated his followers on Instagram, discussing his diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare and severe condition caused by cancer spreading to the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord. This led The Mavericks to cancel several scheduled appearances with Dwight Yoakam. In search of specialized care, Malo relocated from Nashville to Houston, keeping fans informed via social media.

“He was called to do another gig — this time in the sky — and he’s soaring like an eagle,” wrote Betty Malo. “Nobody embodied life, love, joy, and passion like Raul. He will now watch over us, guiding us and reminding us to treasure every moment.”

Born Raul Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. in Miami to Cuban immigrants, Malo co-established The Mavericks in 1989 alongside drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. Their first album debuted in 1990 on the Miami label Y&T Music. Over the years, The Mavericks gained fame for cleverly fusing diverse genres—from alt-country and Americana to Latin, Tejano, swing, and roots music—all propelled by Malo’s vast vocal range and innovative guitar techniques.

Malo’s artistry was celebrated for transcending genres. His voice, ranging from operatic crescendos to soft baritones, conveyed deep emotion and technical prowess, supported by songs that interwove Latin and American influences. The band began experimenting with punk and rock in Miami clubs, mirroring Malo’s rich musical upbringing.

In 2020, The Mavericks launched En Español, an all-Spanish album featuring original compositions and timeless Latin classics. Malo also ventured into children’s music with el Cancionero de la Familia Volume 1, collaborating with family members including his wife, sister, and mother. His solo career boasted numerous albums, such as Say Less, You’re Only Lonely, and Sinners & Saints, with The Mavericks releasing 13 studio albums, the most recent being Moon & Stars in 2024.

Both the band and Malo garnered numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, multiple Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. He also received a BMI songwriting award for “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” and had several Grammy nominations for his contributions, including collaborations with the Latin supergroup Los Super Seven.

Raul Malo is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty; sons Dino, Victor, and Max; his mother Norma; sister Carol; and his fellow bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden. His legacy as a trailblazer bridging cultures and musical styles will continue to inspire music lovers worldwide.