Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Has Died
Raul Malo died less than two years after being diagnosed with cancer. (Photo credit:Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Raul Malo, the talented singer who fronted the Grammy Award-winning country band, The Mavericks, has died of cancer. He was 60.
Raul Malo’s wife, Betty, announced his death on social media, saying that he “gained his angel wings” at 8:52 p.m. on December 8th.
“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 Malo wrote.
“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.”
Malo’s bandmates acknowledged his passing in a heartfelt letter shared to social media. They remembered him as “a force of human nature with an infectious energy.”
Malo revealed his cancer diagnosis in June 2024. The nature of his cancer has not been disclosed. The singer underwent chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgeries in an effort to treat the disease.
In September 2024, Malo revealed that he had been diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease (LMD), also known as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. LMD is a rare complication that occurs when cancer spreads to the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
“I want to let everybody know, I am in no way alone, or scared. I have an amazing wife and boys, wonderful family, team, road crew, band, friends and fans. I don’t even have enough words to describe the love and support that I’m getting right now,” Raul wrote on Instagram at the time. “To my friends who have sent me texts and messages, I want you to know that I’ve read them all. I can’t return them all, but your love, prayers, and well wishes have not gone unnoticed.”
After news of Malo’s new diagnosis was announced, his family started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of his treatment. As of press time, that account has raised nearly $270,000.
About The Mavericks
The Mavericks, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Raul Malo, bassist and vocalist Robert Reynolds, drummer Paul Deakin, and guitarist Ben Peeler, got their start in Florida in 1989 and found success in the Miami music scene. In 1990, the group released their self-titled debut album on an independent record label.
The success of that album caught the attention Nashville talent scouts who invited the band to play at a showcase. That event led to a partnership with MCA Nashville and a band shakeup.
The Mavericks released five albums in the ’90s and cemented their place as one of the decade’s hottest country groups. Singles “What A Crying Shame,” “Here Comes The Rain,” and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” earned them Grammy nominations. “Here Comes The Rain” became their first and only Grammy-winning song, earning them a trophy for Best Country Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal.
The Mavericks were named the Academy of Country Music’s Top Vocal Group in 1994 and 1995. And in 1995 and 1996 won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year honors.
In early December, The Mavericks hosted a tribute show at the Ryman Auditorium in honor of Raul Malo. The show, “Dance The Night Away: A 35 Year Musical Legacy,” featured performances from Marty Stuart, James Otto, Maggie Rose, Jamey Johnson, Wendy Moten, and many more.
Malo was scheduled to attend the event, but was taken to the ER the day before the tribute show.
“Our love is fighting hard right now but not a second goes by that he doesn’t appreciate all the love everyone shows him. The boys and I had to bring him to the ER earlier today but @raulmalo01 is stable and ready to fight. We are all excited for @theryman shows and hope everyone enjoys them! Raul has changed many lives and his music has brought so much love to so many people,” Betty Malo shared at the time.
Raul died four days later. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betty, sons, Dino, Vincent, and Max, mother Norma, and sister Carol.
