Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Passes Away at 60 After Courageous Fight with Cancer
Raul Malo of The Mavericks Passes Away at 60
Raul Malo, renowned for his operatic voice as the lead singer of the eclectic music group The Mavericks, died on December 8, 2025, at the age of 60 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt statement on Malo’s official Facebook page, his wife, Betty Malo, shared, “At 8:52 pm on December 8th, 2025, my love… our boys’ father… a devoted son and brother… and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings. He was called to do another gig — this time in the sky — and he’s flying high like an eagle.” Betty expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and friends, saying, “We felt every bit of it. In Raul’s own words: ‘Muchísimas gracias.’”
The Mavericks confirmed Malo’s passing via a post on their official Facebook page, stating, “It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo.” They described him as a “force of human nature” known for his infectious energy and significant contributions to multicultural music. “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,” the band’s statement continued.
Malo revealed his diagnosis of colon cancer in June 2024 but continued to tour alongside Dwight Yoakam as he underwent treatment. However, health complications forced the band to cancel several dates this year, with the disease eventually spreading to his brain. On December 5 and 6, friends and colleagues honored Malo at performances in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, celebrating his enduring impact on music, although he was unable to attend due to hospitalization earlier that month.
During his illness, Malo found solace in music, as friends and fellow musicians frequently visited to play for him. Betty recounted moments where he reunited with former bandmates, further enriching his last months with the joy of music.
A first-generation Cuban-American, Malo was born in Miami in 1965. He grew up in a bilingual household, absorbing the sounds of jazz, pop, country, Latin music, and rock—elements that would inform The Mavericks’ unique sound. The band, which originated in Miami and was signed by MCA in 1991, achieved significant success with their debut album, From Hell to Paradise, and continued to resonate with audiences through hits like “What a Crying Shame.”
Scott Borchetta, founder and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, reflected on Malo’s career, stating, “Raul was the ultimate rock star and he did it his way. I am forever grateful and proud of what we did together. He was a generational talent.”
The Mavericks garnered a Grammy for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their song “Here Comes the Rain,” among numerous other accolades. Despite facing challenges in mainstream radio, the band cultivated a loyal fanbase through their dynamic live performances showcasing Malo’s extraordinary vocals.
Terry Lickona, executive producer of Austin City Limits, praised Malo’s stage presence, noting, “Raul was a force on stage with the voice of both an angel and a tiger.”
After a hiatus in the 2000s, The Mavericks reunited in 2012 and continued to innovate, releasing material such as the groundbreaking Spanish-language album, En Español, and the recent Moon & Stars in 2024.
Tributes from fellow artists have flooded in following Malo’s passing. Otto shared on social media, “RIP Maestro… Raul left behind a loving family and a decades-long musical legacy of excellence.” Producer Shooter Jennings echoed similar sentiments, calling Malo “a performer and craftsman of the highest order.”
Malo is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty, and their three sons, Dino, Victor, and Max, as well as his mother, Norma, his sister Carol, and his bandmates in The Mavericks.
