The Mavericks Raul Malo, the Grammy-winning singer whose velvety baritone and innovative song writing redefined Americana and country music, has died at age 60. The news was shared by his wife Betty Malo on Facebook, confirming his passing on December 8, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
The Mavericks Raul Malo Cancer Journey
Diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in June 2024, The Mavericks Raul Malo openly documented his treatment on social media, undergoing liver tumor surgery and chemotherapy in Nashville. By September 2025, he revealed progression to leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare complication spreading cancer to brain and spinal cord membranes. This forced tour cancellations with Dwight Yoakam and all remaining dates, though tribute shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium proceeded December 5-6, featuring Jamey Johnson, Marty Stuart, Patty Griffin, and Nikki Lane.
Betty Malo expressed her feelings with great emotion: “He was summoned to perform another gig—this time in the heavens… No one personified life and love, joy and passion… quite like our cherished Raul.” The band praised The Mavericks Raul Malo for preserving multilingual American music and championing music education globally.
The Mavericks Raul Malo Musical Legacy
Born Raul Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. in Miami to Cuban parents, The Mavericks Raul Malo co-founded the band in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. Their self-titled 1990 debut launched a career blending alt-country, Latin, Tejano, rock, and surf influences. Malo’s soaring tenor—from baritone depths to operatic highs—powered hits like the BMI Award-winning “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.”
The Mavericks earned a Grammy for Best Country Performance by Duo/Group (1996), two CMA Vocal Group of the Year awards (1995-96), and three ACM Awards. Despite breakups and lineup changes, they released 13 studio albums, culminating in 2024’s Moon & Stars.
Malo engaged in solo projects, releasing over 12 albums, which include Today (2001), Lucky One (nominated for a Grammy in 2009), Sinners & Saints (2010), and the instrumental album Say Less (2023). He shone in Los Super Seven and children’s Spanish album El Cancionero de la Familia Volume 1.
Early Miami gigs in punk clubs evolved from rock roots, reflecting Malo’s multicultural upbringing: “A celebration of all these cultures,” he told NPR in 2020 about En Español.
The Mavericks Raul Malo Awards and Impact
| Award | Year | For |
| Grammy | 1996 | Best Country Duo/Group |
| CMA Vocal Group | 1995, 1996 | The Mavericks |
| ACM Awards | Multiple | Top Vocal Group |
| BMI Songwriting | – | “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” |
| Grammy Noms | 2009, 2016, 2018 | Solo albums & Americana |
The Mavericks Raul Malo leaves a void in roots music, survived by wife Betty (34 years), sons Dino, Victor, Max; mother Norma; sister Carol; and bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, Jerry Dale McFadden.
Fans worldwide mourn The Mavericks Raul Malo, whose passion inspired generations. Tribute concerts honored his 35-year legacy just before his passing.