NASHVILLE, TN 09-12-2025] The music world is mourning due to the tragic loss of Raul Malo, the distinctive, soulful singer, guitarist and classic band frontman of the Grammy-winning band The Mavericks. Malo passed away on Monday night, December 8, at the age of 60, following a long battle with cancer.
The news was confirmed by his wife, Betty Malo, in a heartfelt post on his social media, stating, “He was called to do another gig, this time in the sky, and he’s flying high like an eagle”. The loss of Malo, known as “El Maestro” for his expert vocal talent and versatile songwriting, leaves a major imprint in the American music world.
Raul Malo: The Voice that Defined The Mavericks
Born Raul Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. in Miami to Cuban parents, Raul Malo co-founded The Mavericks in 1989. The band quickly established themselves as true musical innovators, skillfully blending a kaleidoscopic mix of neotraditional country, Latin rhythms, Tex-Mex, western swing, and vintage rock and roll music.
Malo’s voice was the emotional anchor for this eclectic sound. His powerful, expansive music could shift seamlessly from a velvety Roy Orbison-esque songs to high, operatic high notes, differentiate The Mavericks from any other music band group in country or Americana music. It was this singular voice, bonded with songs written and co-written by Malo, such as the CMA-winning hit “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” and the Grammy-winning “Here Comes the Rain”, that boosted the band’s international fame in the 1990s.
“No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did,” wrote his wife, Betty Malo.
A Long and difficult Battle with Cancer:
Malo had openly shared his health journey with fans . In June 2024, he disclosed about his diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer. His condition worsened in September 2025 when he was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare complication where cancer spreads to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This diagnosis tragically forced The Mavericks Raul Malo to cancel their remaining tour dates, including a joint show with Dwight Yoakam.
Despite the struggle, Malo continued to engage with his fans, demonstrating his characteristic strength and commitment to music even while he was under critical treatment. His final studio album with the band, Moon & Stars, was released in 2024, proving his strong creative spirit.
Legacy of a Genre-Defying Maestro:
Beyond his work with The Mavericks, Malo maintained an amazing solo music career, releasing over a dozen solo albums that explored jazz, pop standards, and traditional Cuban music, further solidifying his reputation as a musical genius. He was also a member of the famous Latin supergroup Los Super Seven.
His commitment extended beyond performance, as Raul Malo was a born champion of music education and the preservation of the multilingual American musical history. His creative genius efforts led him to winning a Grammy Award for the band, two Country Music Association awards, and various other accolades across industry.
The passing of Raul Malo is not just a loss for The Mavericks, it is a major loss for every listener who was moved by a voice that transcended boundaries and celebrated the rich diversity of American music. His musical contributions will continue to inspire for the future generations.
