Raul Malo, the operatic vocalist and co-founder of the Grammy-winning country band the Mavericks, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. He was 60.
The cause of death was cancer, confirmed by a representative for the band. Malo was diagnosed with colon cancer in June 2024 and continued performing with the band through much of his treatment. In September 2025, he revealed he was also fighting leptomeningeal disease, a rare condition in which cancer spreads to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
“It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo,” the band said in a statement. “Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy.”
His wife, Betty Malo, shared her own tribute, writing: “No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did. Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”
Born Aug. 7, 1965, in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrant parents, Malo’s multicultural background heavily influenced his musical style. The Mavericks, founded in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds, released their self-titled debut album in 1990. The band’s unique sound blended country, rock and Latin music, creating what became known as their operatic vocal style.
The group’s breakthrough came with their 1994 album “What a Crying Shame,” which achieved platinum status. The record showcased Malo’s powerful voice, which could command silence from an audience or inspire them to their feet. Bandmates and fans knew him as “El Maestro.”
The band earned their Grammy Award for “Here Comes the Rain,” showcasing Malo’s vocal range and emotional delivery. The Mavericks received two consecutive CMA Vocal Group of the Year awards in 1995 and 1996, cementing their place in country music history. Throughout their career, the band accumulated eight Grammy nominations total, demonstrating their consistent artistic excellence and ability to cross musical boundaries.
Malo launched a successful solo career with his 2001 debut album “Today.” The band later signed with MCA Nashville and continued releasing critically acclaimed albums. Their ability to seamlessly shift between musical styles made them one of the most eclectic performers in American music.
The band’s 13th studio album, “Moon and Stars,” was released in 2024, demonstrating Malo’s continued creative output even while battling his illness. His commitment to music never wavered, and the band celebrated their 35th anniversary at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Dec. 5 and 6.
In September, when his condition worsened, the Mavericks canceled their remaining 2025 tour dates to allow Malo to focus on treatment and recovery. The diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease forced them to halt performances.
Throughout his career spanning more than three decades, Malo’s contributions to American music extended beyond commercial success. His dedication to preserving and promoting multilingual American musical traditions, particularly his championing of Latin influences in mainstream country and rock, opened doors for future artists. The band’s fusion of diverse musical styles created what fans and critics recognized as a distinctly American sound that reached audiences far beyond the United States.
Malo is survived by his wife Betty, their sons Dino, Victor and Max, and family members Norma Malo and Carol Malo. His bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez and Jerry Dale McFadden continue to honor his legacy and the music they created together.
The band emphasized the lasting impact of Malo’s work: “Though his earthly body may have passed, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.”
