Raul Malo, the iconic frontman of The Mavericks, had been courageously fighting cancer, with fans worldwide rallying behind him.
Sadly, that battle has now concluded.
The cherished singer passed away on Monday at the age of 60, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Raul Malo, the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Grammy-winning, Latin-influenced country band The Mavericks, died on Monday at the age of 60. A spokesperson for the band confirmed Malo’s passing to Rolling Stone, noting that he had been struggling with cancer.
Malo was the leading figure of The Mavericks, a dynamic band from Miami celebrated for their fusion of country, Latin, and rockabilly styles.
The Mavericks have made 15 appearances on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. Their most successful track on the chart is “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” a collaboration with accordionist Flaco Jiménez, which reached number 13 in 1996.
Celebrated for his powerful and emotive voice, Malo was lovingly referred to as “El Maestro” by both fans and bandmates. One fan expressed on social media: “I realize that Raul’s voice, talent, and integrity make it nearly impossible for him to perform any song at any level but excellent.”
His performances could leave audiences in awe, either stunned into silence or erupting in cheers, and alongside his co-founders — bassist Robert Reynolds and drummer Paul Deakin — the Mavericks gained a reputation as one of the most versatile live acts.
Cancer diagnosis
Unfortunately, Malo received a colon cancer diagnosis in June 2024. He subsequently underwent surgery to remove a liver tumor, followed by another procedure on his colon.
By September 2025, he disclosed that he was also battling LMD, or leptomeningeal disease, a rare cancer that impacts the brain and spinal cord.
Malo was born on August 7, 1965, in Miami to Cuban parents who escaped their homeland. The golden-voiced singer frequently discussed his family’s journey to the U.S. as a quest for the American dream.
“They came here to pursue the American dream — the promise that here in this country, you won’t be persecuted for your religious beliefs, skin color, or ethnicity,” he shared with Rolling Stone in 2017.
Solo career
Following internal conflicts and grueling tours, the Mavericks disbanded in 1999. Malo then embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album Today in 2001. The band would later reunite, and Malo’s voice only grew more extraordinary with time.
Even while pursuing his solo endeavors, the Mavericks remained Malo’s primary focus. In 2024, he revisited older, unrecorded material for Moon & Stars, the band’s 13th and final studio album.
“I visited the storage unit and opened the bin, and it felt like a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark: hard drives, tapes, notebooks, DAT tapes, and everything we used for recording,” Malo reminisced.
“Who would believe that time wouldn’t be gentle? You have a full head of hair, and your goatee isn’t gray. I understood why it was never recorded. But now, I can sing it in a baritone, and it sounds authentic.”
Cancelled tour
In September 2025, Malo revealed that the Mavericks would be canceling the remainder of their tour due to his battle with cancer. “Things have taken a turn,” he stated.
Malo passed away from cancer on December 8, 2025.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of our friend, bandmate, and brother Raul Malo,” the Mavericks expressed in a statement, as reported by Rolling Stone.
“Anyone fortunate enough to be in Raul’s presence knew he was a remarkable force of nature, radiating infectious energy. Throughout a career spanning over three decades, entertaining millions worldwide, his immense creative contributions and unparalleled, generational talent forged a type of multicultural American music that transcended borders.”
“No one represented life, love, joy, passion, family, friends, music, and adventure quite like our cherished Raul did,” Malo’s wife Betty shared. “Now he will watch over us with all that heaven permits, guiding us and reminding us to cherish every moment.”
Rest in peace to an absolute legend. 
