Raul Malo, the beloved frontman of The Mavericks and one of Americana’s most distinctive voices, has died at 60 after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for blending country, Latin, and rockabilly influences, Malo co-founded the Grammy-winning band and earned acclaim for his powerful vocals and magnetic performances. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2024 and later leptomeningeal disease, he continued to share his artistry and humor even as his health declined.
A son of Cuban immigrants, Malo built a rich legacy that spanned chart-topping hits, a successful solo career, and The Mavericks’ final album Moon & Stars. In September 2025, he canceled the band’s remaining tour as his condition worsened, and he passed away on December 8. Remembered as a force of nature by his bandmates and a source of boundless joy by his family, Raul Malo leaves behind decades of music that transcended genres and touched audiences around the world.
