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Raoul Malo, distinctive soulful vocal and Grammy-winning, genre-defying pioneer band MavericksHas died at the age of 60.
Malo died Monday night, his wife, Betty Malo, confirmed in a post on her Facebook page. He had been undergoing cancer treatment since revealing his diagnosis of colon cancer in June 2024, a health journey he openly shared with fans on social media.
More recently, in September, Malo revealed on Instagram that he was struggling leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare complication where cancer spreads to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
due to the severity of their illness Mavericks Canceling tour dates scheduled with Dwight Yoakam,
Malo relocated to Houston from his Nashville, Tennessee home to receive special treatment and continues to update his followers on his condition. His wife’s tribute read: “He was called to do another show – this time in the sky – and he is flying high like an eagle.
No one embraced life and love, happiness and passion, family, friends, music and adventure the way our beloved Raul did. Now he will see us all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to enjoy every moment.”
Born Raul Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. in Miami to Cuban parents, he co-founded The Mavericks in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bass guitarist Robert Reynolds.
Their self-titled debut album was released the following year.
The band’s sound defied easy categorization, often described as alt-country, Americana, roots, Latin, Tejano, or swing. Malo’s songwriting, elaborate guitar style, and broad vocal range – from velvety baritone to operatic high notes – were central to his unique blend, which also incorporated rock, traditional country, and surf influences. In their early days, The Mavericks honed their sound in punk and rock clubs throughout Miami.
“I grew up in a household where we listened to all kinds of music,” Malo said in a 2020 NPR interview. “I just remember it was a celebration of all these cultures.”
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The Mavericks release their 13th studio album, moon and starsIn 2024. Despite line-up changes and hiatus, their career garnered one Grammy, two Country Music Association Awards, and three Academy of Country Music Awards.
Frontman Raul Malo also pursued a solo career, releasing a dozen albums. speak less And Sinners and saints. His versatility led to the band releasing an all-Spanish album. in spanishand their 2002 children’s album, The Family Songbook Volume 1included his sister Carol, wife Betty and mother Norma.
Malo’s personal accolades include a BMI Award for “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” and a Grammy nomination for her album. lucky one And work with Los Super Seven. He 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.