Mavericks Frontman and Award-Winning Musician Raul Malo Dies at 60

Malo was diagnosed with colon cancer last year. His career as a singer, songwriter, and producer spanned three decades.

Raul Malo of The Mavericks performs at the 2022 Stagecoach Festival at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, Calif., on May 1, 2022. Rich Fury/Getty Images for Stagecoach

The Mavericks frontman and cofounder Raul Malo has died at age 60 following complications from colon cancer.

Malo died on Dec. 8, his family confirmed, after a battle with leptomeningeal disease (LMD), a rare complication from cancer that spreads from one part of the body to membranes in the brain and spinal cord.

“My love … our boys’ father … a devoted son and brother … and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings,” Malo’s wife of 34 years, Betty Malo, wrote on Instagram. “He was called to do another gig—this time in the sky—and he’s flying high like an eagle.

“No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did,” the statement continued.

Malo first revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2024, after doctors discovered two cancerous spots during a colonoscopy. He began chemotherapy treatments to remove a tumor from his liver before undergoing surgery on his colon.

In September, the singer shared that the cancer had progressed into LMD and that he had begun radiation treatments, with the band canceling scheduled performances on a joint tour with Dwight Yoakam.

Fellow Mavericks Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden remembered Malo for his creative and multicultural talent that inspired millions across the globe.

“It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo,” the band wrote on Instagram. “Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy.

“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 statement continued. “His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.”

Born in Miami, Malo had a career spanning over three decades as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He rose to prominence in 1989 when he co-founded The Mavericks, bringing together alt-country, Americana, Latin, Tejano, R&B, and rock and roll.

In 1990, the band released its self-titled debut album, with 12 more studio albums to follow. Malo was committed to preserving a multilingual American repertoire while delivering a powerful and broad vocal range through his singing.

The band was best known for hits such as “What a Crying Shame,” “There Goes My Heart,” “Dance The Night Away,” “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” and more, with Malo co-writing many of the songs.

Together, they received a Grammy, two Country Music Association awards, and three Academy of Country Music Awards. In 2001, Malo launched a solo career with his debut album “Today” and was nominated for several solo Grammy Awards while also contributing to the Los Super Seven supergroup.

Malo is survived by his wife, sons Dino, Victor, and Max, mother Norma, and sister Carol.