Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Passes Away at 60 After Battle with Cancer and Leptomeningeal Disease
Raul Malo, the soulful-voiced frontman of the Grammy-winning band the Mavericks, has died at the age of 60. According to his wife Betty, Malo passed away on Monday night after a long battle with cancer, which was later complicated by leptomeningeal disease, a rare condition that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Malo had been documenting his health journey on social media since he first disclosed his colon cancer diagnosis in June 2024. The band's fans were kept updated as Malo sought treatment for the disease, with his wife frequently sharing updates about his progress.
The Mavericks had to cancel several dates with Dwight Yoakam in September 2025 after Malo was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease. Despite the challenges, Malo remained committed to music education and the preservation of America's multilingual musical heritage, a cause that he championed throughout his career.
Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Malo co-founded the Mavericks in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. The band's unique blend of rock, country, surf, and Latin music has earned them a devoted following across various genres. With Malo's soaring vocals and expansive guitar style at the helm, the Mavericks have released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including their self-titled debut, which was praised for its innovative sound.
Throughout his career, Malo has been recognized with several awards, including a BMI award for songwriting. The band received a Grammy, two Country Music Association awards, and three Academy of Country Music Awards between 2002 and 2024.
Malo is survived by his wife Betty, sons Dino, Victor, and Max, mother Norma, sister Carol, and former bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden. His legacy will be remembered as a champion of music education and the celebration of diverse cultures through music.
In a poignant tribute posted on his Facebook page, Betty Malo described her late husband as "called to do another gig – this time in the sky" and wrote that he would look down on his fans with "all that heaven will allow," reminding them to cherish every moment.
Raul Malo, the soulful-voiced frontman of the Grammy-winning band the Mavericks, has died at the age of 60. According to his wife Betty, Malo passed away on Monday night after a long battle with cancer, which was later complicated by leptomeningeal disease, a rare condition that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Malo had been documenting his health journey on social media since he first disclosed his colon cancer diagnosis in June 2024. The band's fans were kept updated as Malo sought treatment for the disease, with his wife frequently sharing updates about his progress.
The Mavericks had to cancel several dates with Dwight Yoakam in September 2025 after Malo was diagnosed with leptomeningeal disease. Despite the challenges, Malo remained committed to music education and the preservation of America's multilingual musical heritage, a cause that he championed throughout his career.
Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Malo co-founded the Mavericks in 1989 with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds. The band's unique blend of rock, country, surf, and Latin music has earned them a devoted following across various genres. With Malo's soaring vocals and expansive guitar style at the helm, the Mavericks have released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including their self-titled debut, which was praised for its innovative sound.
Throughout his career, Malo has been recognized with several awards, including a BMI award for songwriting. The band received a Grammy, two Country Music Association awards, and three Academy of Country Music Awards between 2002 and 2024.
Malo is survived by his wife Betty, sons Dino, Victor, and Max, mother Norma, sister Carol, and former bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden. His legacy will be remembered as a champion of music education and the celebration of diverse cultures through music.
In a poignant tribute posted on his Facebook page, Betty Malo described her late husband as "called to do another gig – this time in the sky" and wrote that he would look down on his fans with "all that heaven will allow," reminding them to cherish every moment.
still can't believe it 
he was always so full of life & energy when i saw him live back in 2003 
but his music spoke to me more than just his presence 
the way he blended all those genres together was pure magic 
and now we'll never get to experience that same chemistry again 
rest in peace, raul 
The sad news about Raul Malo's passing is really hitting me hard 
. The Mavericks have been making music for what feels like forever, and it's crazy to think that Raul won't be joining them anymore 
. My thoughts are with Betty, their kids, and all the fans who'll be feeling this loss deeply 
.
He was such a talented soul, but also so brave for sharing his health struggles on social media 
His music will always be a reminder of the beauty of Latin rock and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage 
My heart goes out to Betty, Dino, Victor, Max, Norma, Carol, Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, Jerry Dale McFadden... all the loved ones who will miss him so much 
Malo's passion for music education and preserving America's multilingual heritage is going to be deeply missed 
rest in peace, Raul... your legacy will live on through the music 
. From "Dance the Night Away" to "All Night Long", his soulful voice just brought everyone together, you know? 
. And even though the diagnosis with leptomeningeal disease was tough, he never lost sight of what mattered most – music education and preserving our multilingual musical heritage 
. But I'm keeping it positive, thinking that his legacy lives on through the countless fans he inspired over the years 
. Rest in peace, Raul – you will be deeply missed 
... cancer is such a cruel thing 
, and now they'll never get to perform live again 
... RIP Raul, your soulful voice will be deeply missed 
.
. So let's take a moment to appreciate Raul Malo's impact on the music world and celebrate his life, legacy, and love for music 
.
my heart goes out to his wife Betty and kids, he was an incredible artist and a true pioneer in blending different genres of music 
I remember listening to the Mavericks' self-titled debut album for the first time and being blown away by Raul's soulful voice 
? but seriously, what's leptomeningeal disease even? sounds like some sci-fi movie villain stuff 
...anyway, RIP Raul Malo 
. Malo's unwavering commitment to music education and preserving America's multilingual musical heritage is truly admirable 
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