Raul Malo, Frontman of The Mavericks, Passes Away at 60

Raul Malo, the captivating voice and co-founder of the Grammy-winning group The Mavericks, has died at the age of 60. His wife, Betty Malo, announced his passing on Facebook, revealing that he had been battling cancer. Fans have been following his journey since June 2024, when Malo first informed them about his treatment for colon cancer.

In September 2025, he shared on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a severe complication that occurs when cancer spreads to the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. This unfortunate diagnosis led to The Mavericks having to cancel some of their tour dates with Dwight Yoakam. Malo relocated from Nashville to Houston for specialized care, keeping fans informed through social media.

“He was called for another gig — this time in the sky — and he’s flying high like an eagle,” Betty Malo wrote. “No one embodied life, love, joy, and passion like Raul did. He will now look down on us, lighting the way and reminding us to cherish every moment.”

Born Raul Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. in Miami to Cuban parents, Malo co-founded The Mavericks in 1989 alongside drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. Their debut album was released the following year through Miami-based label Y&T Music. Over the years, The Mavericks became renowned for their unique blend of genres—ranging from alt-country and Americana to Latin, Tejano, swing, and roots music—anchored by Malo’s impressive vocal range and creative guitar style.

Malo’s musical style was acclaimed for its genre-defiance. His voice, from operatic highs to smooth baritones, conveyed deep emotion and craftsmanship, complemented by songs that drew from both Latin and American heritages. Early on, The Mavericks experimented with punk and rock in Miami clubs, reflecting Malo’s diverse musical upbringing.

In 2020, The Mavericks released En Español, an all-Spanish album featuring original songs and Latin classics. Malo also ventured into children's music with el Cancionero de la Familia Volume 1, partnering with family members like his wife, sister, and mother. Over the years, he produced several solo albums such as Say Less, You’re Only Lonely, and Sinners & Saints, while The Mavericks released 13 studio albums, with their most recent being Moon & Stars in 2024.

The band and Malo’s contributions garnered numerous accolades, including a Grammy, several Country Music Association Awards, and Academy of Country Music Awards. He also won a BMI songwriting award for “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” and received multiple Grammy nominations for his solo work, including collaborations with 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 fellow Mavericks bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden. His legacy as a cultural and musical pioneer will continue to inspire music enthusiasts around the globe.