Raul Malo, Frontman of The Mavericks, Dies at 60

Raul Malo, the soulful tenor who led Grammy‑winning band The Mavericks, died Monday night at 60.

Biography

Raul Malo was born Raul Francisco Martínez‑Malo Jr. in Miami to Cuban parents. He co‑founded The Mavericks in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. Their self‑titled debut album was released the following year on the independent, Miami‑based label Y&T Music.

Musical Style

The Mavericks have been described as alt‑country, Americana, roots, Latin, Tejano, and swing. Malo wrote many of the band’s songs and was known for his expansive guitar style and broad vocal range, from a soaring, velvety baritone to operatic high notes. In the early days, the group played punk and rock clubs in Miami to share their sound.

Health Battle

Malo disclosed in June 2024 that he was receiving treatment for colon cancer. In September 2025 he announced on Instagram that he was battling leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare complication when cancer spreads to membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The diagnosis forced The Mavericks to cancel dates with Dwight Yoakam in the middle of a joint tour.

Treatment and Updates

Malo left Nashville, Tennessee, to seek treatment in Houston, keeping his fans updated on his health journey. His wife, Betty Malo, posted on his Facebook page that he had died Monday night. “He was called to do another gig — this time in the sky — and he’s flying high like an eagle,” she wrote. “No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did. Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”

Band Tribute

The Mavericks praised Malo’s deep commitment to the “preservation of the multilingual American musical repertoire” and his steadfast championing of “music education as an inspiration for every child across America and throughout the world.”

Early Works

In 2020, Malo shared in an NPR interview that he grew up in a household where all kinds of music were celebrated. At that time, the band had just released an all‑Spanish album, “En Español,” featuring original songs and classic Latin American standards. In 2002, Malo released an all‑Spanish album for children, “el Cancionero de la Familia Volume 1,” which included vocals from his sister Carol, wife Betty, mother Norma, and other guests.

Solo Projects

Malo released a dozen or so solo albums and collaboration projects, including his instrumental “Say Less,” “You’re Only Lonely,” and “Sinners & Saints.” The Mavericks have taken on various iterations over the years as members came and went, and the group disbanded a couple of times.

Recent Releases

The Mavericks released their 13th studio album, “Moon & Stars,” in 2024. Between that and their debut, the band received a Grammy, two Country Music Association awards, and three Academy of Country Music Awards.

Songwriting and Nominations

Raul holds a BMI award for songwriting for the track “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.” He was nominated for several solo Grammys, including one for his album “Lucky One” and another for his work with the Latin supergroup “Los Super Seven.”

Survivors

Malo is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty; sons Dino, Victor, and Max; mother Norma; sister Carol; and Mavericks bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden.

Key Takeaways

• Raul Malo, frontman of The Mavericks, died at 60 after battling colon cancer and leptomeningeal disease.
• He was celebrated for his multilingual musical repertoire and dedication to music education.
• The band received multiple industry awards, and Malo earned a BMI songwriting award and solo Grammy nominations.

Raul Malo’s legacy lives on through his music, his family, and the countless fans who were touched by his talent and spirit.