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Raúl Malo, The Mavericks' Lead Singer, Dies at 60

The music world is mourning the passing of Raúl Malo, lead singer of the band The Mavericks, who died at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.

Raúl Malo, The Mavericks' Lead Singer, Dies at 60
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The music world is mourning the passing of Raúl Malo, lead singer of the band The Mavericks, who died at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.... Selengkapnya

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Raúl Malo, lead vocalist and songwriter of the Grammy-winning band The Mavericks, has passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 60.

His death was caused by serious complications from cancer, specifically metastatic leptomeningeal disease (LMD).

Malo's wife, Betty Malo, confirmed the sad news in a post on his personal Facebook page

“No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did,” Malo’s wife, Betty, added.

“Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment.”

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Raúl Malo's Final Journey Against Cancer

Raúl Malo's journey against this deadly disease began in June 2024, when he was first diagnosed with colon cancer.

His condition worsened significantly in September 2025, when he announced that his cancer had reached the leptomeningeal stage (LMD).

The LMD diagnosis, meaning the cancer had spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, forced The Mavericks to cancel the remainder of their 2025 tour dates.

Malo was hospitalized on December 4, 2025, the day before a two-night tribute show scheduled for him in Nashville.

Despite his condition, the tribute shows went ahead on December 5 and 6, 2025, at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium as a show of support and love from the music community.

On December 6, his bandmates from The Mavericks had the opportunity to visit him in the hospital.

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Raúl Malo: Iconic Vocalist of The Mavericks

Raúl Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr. was born in Miami, Florida, United States, on August 7, 1965.

He grew up in a Cuban immigrant family, which likely shaped his interest in Latin music and other genres.

Malo died in Nashville, Tennessee, a country music powerhouse.As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, Raúl Malo had a stellar career.

He was the lead vocalist and songwriter of the band The Mavericks, which he founded in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds.

In addition to The Mavericks, Malo also participated in the supergroup Los Super Seven starting in 2001.

His personal life was also stable; He was married to Betty for 34 years and had three sons: Dino, Victor, and Max.

He is also survived by his mother, Norma, and sister, Carol.

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Raúl Malo's Musical Legacy

The Mavericks, under the leadership of Raúl Malo, are known for their unique blend of traditional country music, 1950s rock 'n' roll, and energetic Latin rhythms.

Malo's powerful baritone voice and musical ability makes him to be known as “El Maestro” among his bandmates and fans.

The band independently released their debut album in 1990.

Their peak recognition came in 1995 when they won the Grammy Award for "Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group" for the song "Here Comes the Rain."

The Mavericks have also received numerous other prestigious awards, including "Top Vocal Group" and "Top New Vocal Group" from the Academy of Country Music in 1994, and "Vocal Group of the Year" from the Country Music Association in 1995 and 1996.

After The Mavericks briefly disbanded in the early 2000s, Raúl Malo also pursued a successful solo career, before the band reunited in 2012.