Raul Malo, the genre-blending visionary and frontman of The Mavericks, has died. He was 60 years old.
Maro’s wife, Betty Maro, posted on social media: “A loving man…a father of our boys…a devoted son and brother…and a friend to many have received angel wings.” “He has been called to perform another gig – this time in the air – and is flying high like an eagle.”
Malo, whose velvety baritone and versatile songwriting infused country music with Latin and rock sensibilities for decades, died on Monday, Dec. 8, after a year and a half battle with cancer.
“No one personified life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music and adventure more than our beloved Raul,” his wife wrote. “Right now, he looks down on us with all that heaven allows, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment. Dino, Victor, Max, and I, and our entire family, thank you for your love and support through all of this. We felt it all.”
“In Raul’s own words, ‘Thank you so much,'” she continued.
Malo was a Cuban-American artist best known as the singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the Grammy Award-winning group The Mavericks. The country-Latin-rock band recorded and toured together for more than 30 years, mixing elements of neo-traditional country with the horns and beats of Latin music and the rollicking rock’n’roll.
Malo’s hits include “Here Comes the Rain,” “What A Crying Shame,” “Dance The Night Away,” “Back In Your Arms Again,” “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” and Rick Trevino’s 2003 song “In My Dreams,” which he helped write and produce.
Mavericks and Raul Maro made history together
He was born Raul Joaquín Martínez Maro Jr. in Miami in 1965 to middle-class Cuban parents. Maro and drummer Paul Deakin formed The Mavericks in 1989. Their band became famous in the city’s music scene for their dancey rhythms and soothing sounds.
After releasing independent albums, The Mavericks signed with MCA Nashville in 1991. The group took root in Nashville and released four albums, including their 1992 debut, “From Hell to Paradise,” which contained some of Malo’s most influential lyrics.
The album’s title track is inspired by Malo’s aunt, who was imprisoned in Cuba for protesting against the Castro regime, and evokes the resilience of refugees.
“From hell to paradise / There’s always a price to pay,” Malo sings. “This 90-mile journey/took 30 years/They tried to take forever/What was never theirs.”
The remaining members of the Mavericks mourned Maro in posts on Instagram.
“Anyone who had the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of humanity and possessed an infectious energy,” they wrote. “Through a more than 30-year career that has entertained millions of people around the world, his outstanding creative contributions and unparalleled generational talent have created multicultural American music that reaches far beyond the continental United States.”
The band praised “his strong songwriting and musical talent,” “his lifelong commitment to preserving the multilingual American musical repertoire,” and “his staunch advocacy for music education.”
The band wrote, “Even though his earthly body is gone, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in Heaven and here on Earth through the music, joy, and light he created.” “His contributions to American and Latin music will remain forever, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.”
After the Mavericks disbanded in 2000, Malo pursued a solo career, releasing nine full-length solo projects. He also played with Los Super Seven, a Grammy Award-winning Latin American collective. The Mavericks reunited in 2012 and have been touring and recording extensively ever since.
In 2018, they won a Grammy Award in the Americana Music category for their album Brand New Day. With a lineup of Maro, Deakin, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden, and guitarist Eddie Perez, the group released their latest record, Moon & Stars, in 2024.
“We were able to get labeled ‘alternative country’ because of the most country records we ever made. I think that’s probably how we got labeled ‘Americana’ later on. We’ve always had some sort of label,” Malo said in 2024.
“We always have to be storytellers that are a little bit ahead of the curve in Nashville.”
Raul Malo’s cause of death: battle with cancer worsened before death
After the release of 2024, Malo shared with fans that doctors discovered a cancerous spot in his digestive system.
“We have an amazing team of doctors and medical professionals here in Nashville,” he said in a statement, adding that he will keep fans updated during his treatment and that his health status could affect his live show schedule.
“You’ve been by our side through 35 crazy years of music, shows, breakups, and reunions. We’ve made it through the pandemic together, and we’ll get through this, just like everything else.”
He encouraged his fellow men to see their doctors regularly.
“Modern medicine tells us that with proper treatment, there is a very good chance of survival for this type of cancer, but you won’t know unless you get tested. It’s important to get tested for the sake of your family, your neighbors, and your loved ones.”
After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for a liver tumor, Maro later revealed that the cancer had progressed to leptomeningitis. Leptomeningeal disease is a complication of advanced cancer in which fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
In September, Maro and the band announced they were canceling all upcoming shows, including a two-night tribute show on December 5th and 6th. The tribute concert, which featured appearances by Jamey Johnson, Marty Stewart, Patti Griffin, Nikki Lane and more, celebrated Malo’s 35-year career and impact on the Nashville music scene.
“From Johnny Cash to Elvis to Willie Nelson and beyond, music simply seeks the power to communicate and connect with as many people as possible,” Malo said in 2024.
“If people feel an all-encompassing joy when they listen to The Mavericks’ music, then I’ve done my job.”
Raul Malo is survived by his wife, Betty Malo, and three sons, Dino, Victor, and Max.
