Raul Malo, the singer who led the Mavericks and infused country music with Latin rhythms and a romantic style, passed away on Monday at the age of 60.
The band announced his death on Instagram without sharing details about how or where he died. He had previously revealed to fans that he was battling cancer, and in September, he posted on Facebook that the cancer had spread to the membranes around his brain and spinal cord, leading him to cancel the band’s planned concerts.
Over the weekend, the Mavericks celebrated their 35th anniversary with a special show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Band members Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden were joined on stage by friends and fellow musicians, including performances by Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Patty Griffin, and Marty Stuart.
× The Mavericks became popular in the 1990s with a unique country sound centered around Raul Malo’s powerful voice. Their music blended influences from classic pop, 1950s rock and roll, and the Cuban music Malo grew up with in Miami, as the child of Cuban immigrants. Known for his vocal style, Malo was often compared to Roy Orbison, and he once shared with The Times his admiration for Tony Bennett.
The Mavericks launched their career with their first album in 1990, quickly earning a record deal with MCA Nashville. They released “From Hell to Paradise” in 1992, with the title track reflecting lead singer Malo’s parents’ immigration story. Their 1994 album, “What a Crying Shame,” achieved platinum status and produced several popular country songs, including the title track, “O What a Thrill,” and “There Goes My Heart.” In 1995, they recorded a cover of “Blue Moon” for the soundtrack to Ron Howard’s acclaimed film, “Apollo 13.”
The Mavericks achieved significant recognition in the mid-1990s, winning a Grammy Award in 1996 for their song “Here Comes the Rain,” a lively roots-rock track from the album “Music for All Occasions.” This album also included collaborations with Trisha Yearwood and accordionist Flaco Jiménez. The band was also named Vocal Group of the Year by the Country Music Assn. in both 1995 and 1996.
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With their 1998 album, “Trampoline,” the band experimented with soulful ballads and classic R&B, but it didn’t quite catch on with country music fans. According to Malo, the album was unexpected for some, but he embraced that. He then released his first solo album, “Today” in 2001, where he delved even deeper into his Cuban roots.
Born in Miami in 1965, Malo started the Mavericks in 1989 with Robert Reynolds. Reynolds had previously led a band that Malo played bass guitar in.
After releasing “The Mavericks” in 2003, the group split up but got back together ten years later. Their latest studio album, “Moon & Stars,” was released last year.
Besides his work with the Mavericks and as a solo artist, Malo also collaborated with Los Super Seven, a large and talented roots-music group that featured artists like Jiménez, Freddy Fender, and members of Los Lobos.
Malo is survived by his mother, Norma, his wife Betty, their three sons – Dino, Victor, and Max – and his sister, Carol.
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2025-12-09 22:01