Raul Malo (Raul Francisco Martínez-Malo Jr), the vocalist and songwriter known for his rich, operatic voice with the unique Americana/country band The Mavericks, passed away on Dec. 8 at the age of 60 after a two-year struggle with cancer.
The Mavericks shared their sorrow on the group’s official Facebook page, stating, “It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo. Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.
“While his spirited performances garnered a massive & loyal following, and his powerful songwriting and musicianship earned multiple Grammy, ACM, and CMA awards, it was his lifelong commitment to the preservation of the multi-lingual American musical repertoire of which he was most proud, making history in 2020 with the first album ever to debut at the top of both the Latin Pop and Folk-Americana charts. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.”
A Billboard obituary noted that “In June 2024, Malo, whose rich pure voice drew comparisons to Roy Orbison’s crystalline tone, revealed that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer; though the band continued to tour with Dwight Yoakam through his treatments. However this year they had to cancel tour dates due to his health battle, and then cancer spread to his brain.”
On social media Yoakam praised Malo: “In loving memory of one of the greatest voices the world ever had good fortune to hear…and one of the dearest souls I ever had honor and privilege to have known. He was indeed one of the good ones… Rest in sweet lasting peace in his loving arms Raul.”
Billboard reported that “on Dec. 5 and 6 many friends and musical colleagues – including Rodney Crowell Steve Earle and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna – gathered for two shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium celebrating Malo and their indelible contributions to music. Sadly Malo had been hospitalized on Dec. 4 unable to attend.
“Malo was a first-generation Cuban-American born in Miami in 1965. He revered crooners like Dean Martin Frank Sinatra often covering them as he got older; he grew up in a bilingual household soaking up sounds from jazz pop country Latin music rock. Over time their music would blend those influences creating their own unique sound.
“The Mavericks started in Miami before Tony Brown signed them to MCA in 1991. They released their MCA debut album From Hell to Paradise in 1992 followed by What a Crying Shame which earned double platinum certification from RIAA. This album featured hits like ‘What a Crying Shame,’ ‘Oh What a Thrill,’ ‘There Goes My Heart’ all charting within Billboard Hot Country Songs top twenty entries. Their highest-charting single was ‘All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down’ featuring Flaco Jiménez hitting No.13 on Billboard‘s Top Country Songs chart back in 1996.”
The Mavericks won a Grammy for best country performance by duo or group vocals for their hit “Here Comes Rain” earning eight Grammy nominations overall while being named CMA vocal group twice during ’95 & ’96.
Their freewheeling genre-blending style didn’t always fit mainstream U. S country radio but found success overseas especially U. K where they outperformed most American country acts even gaining strong traction early on Canada too.
The Mavericks gave Canada considerable attention which endeared them not just industry insiders but fans alike veteran Canadian label executive Brian Hetherman now associated with NXNE (partnered alongside Billboard Canada) recalled working closely together stating “The Mavericks worked hard here becoming what they were ultimately because above everything else they became friends…I can’t think many other bands from those days that invested time here having fun while breaking into this market successfully by mid-90s gold platinum albums showed how big they really were here compared anywhere else.”
Hetherman remembers “Back when I joined MCA/Universal still new there came across From Hell To Paradise-transfixed instantly didn’t take long until everyone felt same way…it wasn’t long after second album dropped we rallied behind getting involved promoting local gigs hosting parties ensuring hits happened…”
“I recall how idea sprouted-my buddy Ed Harris recalls vividly saying ‘We should make an album’ soon enough It’s Now Its Live emerged executive produced jointly between Ed myself along manager Frank Colari recorded superbly Doug Mc Clement Massey Hall Ottawa surroundings…”
In early twenty hundreds The Mavericks took hiatus while Raul pursued solo ventures releasing critically acclaimed albums collaborating Latino supergroup Los Super Seven along way.
The band reunited back again ten years later putting out In Time which gained duo/group recognition Americana Music Honors & Awards shortly thereafter-their ongoing exploration led them recording entirely Spanish language project En Español honoring traditional tunes Latin America eventually resulting recent release Moon & Stars slated early next year features appearances Sierra Ferrell Maggie Rose Nicole Atkins Max Abrams joining ranks.”
Malo received BMI award songwriting ‘All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down’ also nominated solo Grammys including Lucky One plus collaborations Los Super Seven.
One Canadian artist who forged close ties musically was Whitney Rose honky-tonk singer-songwriter hailing from PEI now based Austin Texas opening several Canadian gigs frequently dueting alongside him impressed enough produce her albums Heartbreaker Year RULE sixty-two.
Contacted via Billboard Canada Rose reflected saying: “He took music seriously never himself enormous respect where songs originated zero patience treating traditions like museum pieces instead using keeping style moving inspiring countless others do similarly relentless support artists believed responsible elevating numerous careers.. his creative mastery extended relationship word ‘no’ you wanted follow him everywhere.”
After news broke regarding Malo’s passing numerous fellow musicians industry associates fans expressed tributes across social media networks sending condolences shared through billboard canada.
Toronto club booker Yvonne Matsell remarked: “This news about Raul passing hit hard can’t pinpoint exact dates back then booking [Toronto club] Reverb recalled receiving call universal asking if could host set post whoever playing obviously answered YES right away.”
“They all treated us warmly particularly Raul who struck me genuinely lovely man booked band again later El Mocambo hosted another show solo artist came soon afterward he’d just charted CHUM listeners seemed older crowd compared usual indie scene drawn initially.”
“And oh that voice.. simply gorgeous!! We chatted briefly sound check pre-show discovering mutual acquaintances memories portray no ego warm genuinely nice person tragic loss within music scene!”
Legendary roots musician Colin Linden took facebook expressing sentiments saying:”Very saddened learn great raul malo gone away such amazing singer lifetime kindness soul too godspeed may angels guide paradise.”
Veteran journalist Eric Thom shared initial experience encountering raul as powerhouse lead vocalist garnering attention early nineties recalling blend genres little bit country dash rockabilly tough adventurous guitar comparable favorites then like Georgia Satellites Jason Scorchers remarkable live act distinct feature over years remained raul malone resonant vocals reminiscent roy orbison blending sweet sensitive essence rooted heritage..”
Years later catching him solo tours leaned heavily embracing latininfluences adding elements swing jazz nashville country accompanied jaw-dropping guitarwork meeting discovered gentle huge handshake sincere smile devoid ego despite immense success phenomenal entertainer performing alone or front energetic backing unit sad day indeed!”
Former broadcaster Sharon Taylor recounted experiences sharing moments connecting understanding building rapport formed wonderful relationships mavericks early years productions introducing events compiling unforgettable highlights journey showcased talents beautifully bringing together diverse communities celebrating culture wouldn’t trade anything!
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