Raul Malo, legendary frontman of The Mavericks, has passed away at 60 after a courageous battle with cancer, a representative confirmed to Rolling Stone.
Malo was the lead singer and co-founder of the Grammy-winning band known for blending country, Latin, and rockabilly sounds. With hits like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” the group appeared on the Billboard country charts 15 times, earning global respect for their unique style and powerful live performances.
Beloved for his remarkable voice, fans and bandmates called him “El Maestro.” Malo was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024 and later revealed he was fighting a rare form of cancer affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Born in Miami to Cuban parents, he often spoke proudly of his family’s pursuit of the American dream. After a brief breakup in 1999, Malo enjoyed a solo career but eventually reunited with The Mavericks, releasing their final album, Moon & Stars, in 2024.
The band canceled their tour last year as his condition worsened. In a statement, The Mavericks wrote: “Raul was a force of nature… his talent reached far beyond America itself.”
His wife Betty remembered him as a man who embraced life fiercely: “Now he will look down on us, reminding us to savor every moment.”
R.I.P. to a true legend. 🙏