The Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Dies at 60 After Cancer Battle

Raul Malo, the frontman of The Mavericks, died Monday, December 8, after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. He was 60.

"My love… our boys' father… a devoted son and brother… and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings," Malo's wife, Betty Malo, posted on social media. "He was called to do another gig—this time in the sky—and he's flying high like an eagle."

Malo's velvety baritone and songwriting infused country music with Latin and rock sensibilities for over three decades.

"No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did," his wife wrote.

The Music

Malo was best known as the singer, guitarist, and songwriter of the Grammy-winning Mavericks. The band mixed neotraditional country with Latin horns and beats plus rock 'n' roll.

His hits include "Here Comes the Rain," "What A Crying Shame," "Dance The Night Away," "Back In Your Arms Again," and "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down."

Born in 1965 in Miami to Cuban parents, Malo and drummer Paul Deakin formed The Mavericks in 1989. They rose up in Miami's music scene with dancey rhythms and feel-good sound.

The Mavericks signed with MCA Nashville in 1991 and put down roots there. Their 1992 album "From Hell To Paradise" included some of Malo's most powerful lyrics.

The title track was inspired by Malo's aunt who was imprisoned in Cuba for protesting the Castro regime.

"From hell to paradise / I'll always pay the price," Malo sings. "This 90-mile trip has taken / 30 years to make / They tried to keep forever / what was never theirs to take."

A Force

The Mavericks' remaining members posted to Instagram mourning Malo.

"Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul's orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy," they wrote. "Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself."

The band disbanded in 2000. Malo pursued a solo career, releasing nine full-length solo projects. He also played with Los Super Seven, a Grammy-winning Latin American collective.

The Mavericks reformed in 2012 and have been touring and recording since. In 2018, they won a Grammy for their album "Brand New Day" in the Americana category. They released their latest record, "Moon & Stars," in 2024.

"The countriest record we ever made allowed us to become labeled 'alt-country,' which I suppose is how we later became labeled as 'Americana'—we've always had some sort of label," Malo said in 2024. "We can't help but to be storytellers whose work is always slightly ahead of the Nashville curve."

The Cancer Battle

After their 2024 release, Malo shared that doctors found cancerous spots in his digestive system.

"I've got a great team of doctors and medical professionals here in Nashville," he said, telling fans his health might impact show schedules. "You all have stuck with us throughout these 35 crazy years of music, shows, breaking up, and getting back together—we've even survived a pandemic together. We'll get through this just like we have everything else."

He urged men to get regular check-ups.

"With modern medicine, these types of cancer are very survivable with proper treatment, but if you don't get checked, you'll never know. It's important to do it for your family, the people around you, and those you love."

After liver tumor surgery and chemotherapy, Malo shared the cancer had progressed to leptomeningeal disease, a complication where fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

In September, Malo and the band canceled all shows except two tribute concerts on December 5 and 6. The shows, featuring Jamey Johnson, Marty Stuart, Patty Griffin, Nikki Lane and others, honored Malo's 35-year career.

"From Johnny Cash to Elvis to Willie Nelson and beyond, music is just about seeking the power of communicating and connecting with as many people as possible," Malo said in 2024. "If people feel a sense of inclusive joy when they hear The Mavericks' music, then I've done my job."

The End

Malo fought cancer for a year and a half. He underwent surgery. Went through chemo. Kept performing when he could. Canceled shows when he couldn't. Held tribute concerts that honored his career.

He died surrounded by his family after doing what he loved for 35 years—making music that connected with people. Raul Malo is survived by his wife, Betty Malo, and their three sons: Dino, Victor, and Max.

In Raul's own words: "Muchísimas gracias."

If Malo's music moved you, consider sharing this story or bookmarking it to keep his music and memory alive for others.