Raul Malo – Voice of a Generation, and Mavericks Frontman – Has Died

There is such a soaring effortlessness, and a sweetness to Raul Malo’s tone that it certainly distinguishes him, irrespective of any personal taste in music. Sure, when querying the general population, “Raul Malo” might not be the first name that comes up among landmark singers. This is because for his 35-year career—as accomplished as it was—Raul Malo has always followed his heart, and his heart led him to music that needed love, championing, and attention. It needed a voice like Raul Malo’s to sustain. Perhaps he could have been an operatic great of our era. He could have sung straight up pop.Instead, Raul Malo was unwilling and perhaps incapable of playing anyone else’s game, of following anyone else’s path but his own, or of being pigeon holed in any particular place. He was uninterested in doing what might earn him the most treasure or prestige. And he wasn’t one to put himself out there as the “best” of anything. That’s why he reformed The Mavericks after attempting to dabble in a solo career. He felt more comfortable in a band, sharing the spotlight with others.

Everyone loves to talk about the virtues of ’90s country these days and the era’s resurgence in influence. Let’s not forget that it was The Mavericks who were the CMA’s Vocal Group of the Year in 1995 and 1996. When you’re listening to a ’90s country playlist and a song like “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” or “What A Crying Shame” comes on, it smacks you square in the face with the feels, and reminds you just how spectacular Raul Malo and The Mavericks were back in the day.

But this is just where it all started. Where it would go with The Mavericks and Malo’s solo career would influence the worlds of Latin music, classic pop, big band, and everything in between.

One the most astounding things about the career of Raul Malo and The Mavericks has been the longevity of it. The band’s big comeback record in 2013, In Time, won the Saving Country Music Album of the Year. This was the same year Sturgill Simpson released High Top Mountain, and Jason Isbell released Southeastern. Some still question that pick. But the strength of that Mavericks album is steadfast.Miami, Florida is an unlikely origination point for a country band, but The Mavericks were an unlikely story in country all the way around. After Malo met bassist Robert Reynolds and they bonded over their shared love of performers like Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash, they decided to start a country band in 1989, bringing in drummer Paul Deakin. Since any country bars in the region insisted live bands play covers, they had to play the rock clubs instead. When the band made such a racket in south Florida that they were asked to play a showcase in Nashville in 1991, the story goes that the rep from MCA Nashville chose to sign them even before they finished their sound check. That’s how good The Mavericks were. That’s the kind of voice Ralo Malo possessed. They didn’t become a hit machine. They never even had a single crack the Top 10. But they were the envy of every other artist in Nashville, and set audiences ablaze. Not dissimilar to other Latin pioneers in country like Freddy Fender and Johnny Rodriguez, Raul Malo and The Mavericks opened up country music to new audiences, and did so with music that was distinctly country in its day. But even beyond the work of their predecessors, Raul and The Mavericks also created a bridge from country fans to appreciate the music of Latin America and south Florida by fearlessly pursuing these influences, especially in Malo’s solo career, and the later iterations of The Mavericks. We had a sense the end of Raul Malo’s singing was coming soon. Just this last weekend, a couple of tribute shows were held at the Country Music Mother Church—The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. But that doesn’t make the shock, the profound sense of loss, the vacancy left in our souls where Raul Malo’s voice once uplifted, cajoled, comforted, and inspired any less cavernous and difficult to navigate. You may never see Raul Malo’s name alongside the Mount Rushmore of American crooners like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, George Jones, and the like. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t belong there. He was Raul Malo, and he sang right from the soul with no latency. And that voice will forever echo throughout the chambers of our hearts for eternity, irrespective of his continued presence on Earth. But he is the very first we hope to hear sing again when we’re all reunited with the Almighty. Raul Malo passed away on December 8th after a long battle with Cancer. He was 60 years old. – – – – – – – – – – –

Saw him a few times in the UK with both the Mavericks and also on a solo tour. Amazing voice will sadly be missed. Check out his version of For The Good Times on You Tube

I’ve been lucky enough to see the Mavericks about 4 times in the last 10 years (including once at the Ryman), and Raul acoustically once. The man had a phenomenal voice and was an excellent songwriter. The band, as well, was absolute top notch. He will be very sorely missed.

I had the pleasure of seeing The Mavericks live twice. Both times were after they reunited. The first time was at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ and the second was at the Beacon Theatre in NYC. They put on an unforgettable show each time.

There goes my heart….what a Loss!
Thank you for the concerts in Switzerland! 2017 Interlaken! What a Show! Awesome! Unforgotten!
RIP
Condolences to your Family and the Mavericks from Switzerland

Well said, Kent. I’ve commented numerous times after one of Trig’s obituaries how beautiful a send off an artist received. Didn’t want wear it out on this point, but this was such a lovely tribute, l felt the need to second your thought.

I knew immediately back in the early 90’s from the first time I heard this man’s voice on that day that there was something incredibly special going on with him. Terrible news to hear on this day.

I know it has been coming for sometime now but it is very sad and distressing news and still comes as a shock. I saw him and his band many times and one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. He will be much missed. My sympathies go out to his family and friends. He is a massive loss. You beautifully put the way so many of us feel about this news.

Do you think the Ryman shows will be released publicly? It would be so meaningful. [And I don’t mean the way they released the Kenny Rogers tribute concert, cutting and pasting it and leaving out criminal performances from the video, like the Judds; I mean like Garth’s 2013 Vegas concert that he released, beginning to end, just as it should be.] It would help the world heal.

I have not heard if there was a production crew at the Ryman tribute shows, though I would be surprised if they weren’t at least recorded from the board.

Both nights were broadcast as a PPV livestream video on Nugs, so there was a full crew there; I’m guessing at least the audio will come out, Nugs usually makes those downloads available for sale.

Livestream broadcasts and live album/concert films are slightly different disciplines. But yeah, at the least they could take the livestream and release it. I hope they do.

Easily the best live act I’ve ever seen, and he had the most beautifully haunting voice. I was lucky enough to see The Mavericks four times over the years, and each show was majestic and powerful. I don’t know that we’ll see his talent again. Just unbelievably sad.

I knew you would have a great tribute. The Mavericks were one of my favorites of 90’s country. Saw them twice and Raul solo once. A great artist and voice. Seeing him live was such a joy.

This is devastating news. What a talent. If you’re reading this and know of the Mavericks primarily through their 1990s hits, I’d encourage you to check out their most recent album, Moon & Stars from 2024. It’s a fun romp through a variety of roots genres.

I hadn’t seen The Mavericks in concert in a long while. I remember a great show with Mary Chapin Carpenter the night before Easter 1996. A hand full of times after that and into the 2000’s.

Saw him with the Mavericks about 3 years ago at a casino in Iowa. Texted in family chat during the show,” Best voices I’ve heard live:1, Elvis, 2 Waylon, 3 Raul Malo” and ill stand by that statement today. He came out after the show and my wife told him…. “my husband proposed to me while playing one of your songs (all that heaven will allow, cover)” and classic…. he points at me and says, “This guy? … and you said yes?”. Great personality and charming guy. Wonderful voice and ear for a good song.

No words could describe this devastating loss. His voice was so amazing that it overshadowed the band who are amazing in their own right. One of the best live bands ever and Raul’s voice was ALWAYS perfect, just as he sounded in the studio. A truly brilliant, gifted singer. It’s a tragedy that his voice will never bring his fans new songs and that his presence will no longer be felt by his friends and family. Rest in Peace. The choir of Angels now has their lead singer.

Even though he and his legendary voice were the focal point of the Mavericks, he was best suited for being there instead of being a solo act. That group was the perfect vehicle for his singular talent. Nobody was like him and no group was like them. He actually had the chops to do something on Broadway or even light opera. Whatever he did do always came off as grounded, sincere and real.

Greats like Raul don’t always get to be huge like a Sinatra or Cash or Bowie (another singular shapeshifter). He was like the secret handshake or someone that you got a nod and a smile from someone who was part of the club. He will be remembered as an an artist’s artist who actually did have the common touch.

When this past weekend’s shows were announced, it felt like the farewell tribute that I wished it wasn’t. After I did a not very deep dive on what his condition evolved into, I accepted that this was to be the case. Thankfully, he hung on until after the shows were completed.

I’m absolutely floored. Raul Malo was a one-of-a-kind voice. Instantly recognizable, extraordinarily unique, a true singer in every sense of the word. Fantastic tribute, Trig.

I only saw The Mavericks once. As part of the 49 Winchester and Dwight Yoakam show in Baton Rouge, LA earlier this year. He looked to be enjoying himself at the time. Sort of an “in the moment” vibe coming from the stage. He’ll be missed.

There was never a moment on stage that Raul didn’t look like he was having a good time. Magically, the happiness radiated never seemed force. He was simply being himself.

“ And that voice will forever echo throughout the chambers of our hearts for eternity, irrespective of his continued presence on Earth. But he is the very first we hope to hear sing again when we’re all reunited with the Almighty.” Wonderful tribute, Trigger. Rest in Paradise, Raul!

My dad signed The Mavericks to MCA. Aside from being a great band they were also just all around lovely people. I remember them coming out to hang at the farm. I also remember watching them backstage at Fan Fair (CMA Fest before it was that) and just being blown away by their live performance

Later the next year a couple of the guys came by another studio while Raul was with the on-air folks…just to see how they operation worked…nice guys and genuinely curious how their music and videos were getting out there…

Malo and the Mavericks have been my unequivocal musical favorites since I first heard them. Saw them live for the first time at Massey Hall in Toronto (on a winter night where no one should have been travelling) with Junior Brown (at his commercial peak – and was who dynamite on stage) as the opening act. Simply put – it was a magical night. Malo was genuinely in awe of the fact that the audience was willing to come out to see them in spite of Mother Nature’s best efforts to prevent anyone from doing so. The band reciprocated the love by releasing (what I believe to be) their only live album from cuts performed that night in Toronto (including a killer version of Hag’s Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down) and the following night in Ottawa. Like almost everyone else who has commented I will lament the reality that I’ll never see him perform live again. RIP Mr. Malo.

Original Mavericks member Robert Reynolds is who Trisha Yearwood was married to. Robert ended up getting sort of sidelined in the band to acoustic guitar for his final years, and eventually removed from the band for personal reasons. But he was a huge part of The Mavericks at the beginning.

I will miss his voice terribly. There was a naturalness that is pretty rare these days with a power that wasn’t forced. I could attempt to wax poetic, but I knew when I first heard them that this band was special and that Raul was deeply gifted. In interviews, there was always a joy that was radiated from the depth of his soul. There was a decency, and even when he left a message on you tube last year about his cancer condition, somehow he made it about others and less about himself. How often does it happen that any human makes his own suffering about others? We could all take lessons from his joy and humility. And yes, No Time deserved album of the year, and to me, Trampoline was not far behind. This is music and a man to be emulated, and I hope many will.

From the first time I heard The Mavericks back in the 90’s in high school, they became my favorite country band. I could try to describe their sound 100 times, and would probably come up with a different description every time. I was able to finally see them live last year. They opened for another favorite performer of mine, Dwight Yoakam, in Tuscaloosa. The Mavericks absolutely blew the roof off the place with their hour long set. I would daresay they outperformed Dwight that night.

I think I’ve seen The Mavericks and Raul Malo in concert and have more of their songs on Spotify than any other performer, with the possible exception of John Hiatt. The first time was at the Summer Lights festival in Nashville in 1984, and I’ve loved them ever since. Saw them in 2016 at The Lyric in Birmingham, in 2018 with the Nashville Symphony, and in 2024 at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre with Dwight Yoakam. The 2024 show at The Ryman is one of the top 3 concerts I’ve ever attended. In retrospect, it seems like a farewell show – like he knew it might be one of his last. It was everything a music lover could ask for. I imagine Raul floating down a Dream River with the moon and stars above.

I’m surprised at how devastating this news is to me- I haven’t reacted this strongly to any other country music passings before. You just knew he could have given us incredible music for the next 30 years. Fuck cancer.

When their first album came out, I remember thinking ‘there’s a retro classic country movement coming’ – before that it was mostly modern neotraditional stuff that felt super commercial, or Dwight Yoakam, and I was aware of no one else among the younger artists doing what they did. There’s a section in Buck Owens’ autobiograophy where he says that people suddenly started calling him to congratulate him on his new song on the radio- which was of course not Buck at all, it was The Mavericks’ All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down. They helped lay the groundwork for bringing back the classic sounds.

and then he evolved into all the other genres. Here’s 9 inspirational minutes of the best singer of our time doing one of the saddest/most beautiful songs he wrote:

I always appreciate your reviews, this one is amazing. I’ve always been affected by Raul’s voice, and ranked him and his band at the very TOP! what a loss, I’m so very sad.

I haven’t read all the comments yet, but I can say I’m crying…, so darn sad, his voice was heavenly and with the Mavericks they were the best live show anywhere, hands down as my wife says. My condolences to his wife, family and friends, he was a shining light that will shine on forever!

Beautiful words, Trigger. They played Ruth Eckerd Hall and the new venue, The Sound, here in Clearwater, Fl. the last few years and both shows were absolutely magical. RIP Raul Malo. Gone but never forgotten.

Saw the Mavericks last year in Austin. One the best shows I have ever seen and I have been going to a lot of concerts since 1970. What a talent we witnessed and lost. RIP Raul.

This one hurts.
I’m so glad I went to see them and Dwight Yoakam earlier this year.
Raul Malo and The Mavericks were the epitome of cool. It’s a shame that they weren’t bigger hit makers because of it.
Time to go spin In Time on vinyl tonight for sure.

The Mavericks have been one of my very favorite bands since the early 90s, when I first stumbled upon them doing an outdoor festival show. But my favorite song by Raul is off his lesser known “Nashville Acoustic Sessions” album… his cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s “Early Morning Rain” is just sublime. Another great song on that album is “Hot Burrito #1 “.
Still amazes me how many folks have never heard of Raul and the Mavericks.

A wonderfully written tribute to an amazing talent. I’ll never forget the first time I heard Raul and the Mavericks and just said wow! RIP Raul and my deepest condolences to his wife, the rest of his family and the Mavericks.

First heard the Mavericks when I picked up their debut CD, “From Hell to Paradise,” at a promo/used CD store (that was a thing in the ’90s) on St. Mark’s Place. Raul’s voice was soaring and grand. But the record–especially the title song –were highly political, railing against Castro, so radio didn’t touch it. They started to hit with their second disc, “What a Crying Shame,” which eschewed politics.I played their first CD, with its focus and point of view, more, but I guess I was in th minority there

A beautiful tribute to an exceptionally talented man. The Mavericks were eons ahead of their time. We were fortunate to have Raul in the music world. A true legend. 💔

It is a sad thing to lose so distinctive a male vocalist as Raul Malo, especially given that he was the front line vocalist for The Mavericks, undoubtedly one of the most underrated (at least by the public) bands in any genre in the last 40 years. It is shocking to think that they didn’t crack the Top Ten on the country chart, but they seemed to me much more of an album band than a “singles” band; and they blended a lot of Latin influences and rock into their style, which may have made some uneasy, at least during their peak years.

In the front row, accompanied by her elderly caretakers, is a middle-aged woman with Down syndrome who enthusiastically and with all the passion her problematic phonological processing permitted, loudly proclaimed “I love you, Raul” repeatedly after each song.

At the meet and greet afterwards-this was back when your ticket alone was stil considered worthy enough for access-the lady from the front row was first in line. Raul acknowledged the rest of us with a nod that said “I’m going to spend as much time with her as she wants.” And he did. And again, no one minded. His persona matched his voice…both magnificent.

“And when the sun goes down
Your memory still hangin’ around
Inside this honky tonk
Where I think of you
The flashing lights shine bright
And sparkle in the night
And my heart turns a neon blue…”

I am very thankful to have been able to see the Mavericks in Austin 5 years or so ago. Raul Malo is one of those very rare singers who could hit certain notes with his voice and you’d swear you could feel it grab you by the chest and lift you right out of your seat…and this was from seating in the balcony in one of the last rows at the Moody Theater. A musical experience I’ll never forget and always cherish! RIP, Raul!

Their rendition of America’s ‘Ventura Highway’ during COVID was spectacular, wish they had put that on an album.
Also, his contribution to the Buddy Emmon’s Tribute Cd doing Night Life was incredible.

Saw The Mavericks open for Dwight back in April. I went to that show thinking it might be my last chance to see Dwight Yoakam live, and The Mavericks were an added bonus… didn’t realize they would be the ones I’d be seeing for the last time. RIP.

For those in th deeper side of the spectrum, it is worth every penny to pay for SiriusXM and listen to HOURS of Dwight Yoakam hanging out with people like Raul Malo spinning records and talking about anything and everything.

When I discovered country music when I moved to California to go to law school in the mid 90s, the Mavericks became one of my immediate loves. The albums What a Crying Shame and Trampoline were on constant repeat for me in the 90s. I saw them before the break up and thought they were amazing. I lost track of them when they broke up. .They got so little coverage when they reunited by the mainstream media, that I did not realize they had reunited until I read Trigger’s review of In Time. That review and the album itself reignited my love affair with them all over again, which has continued to this day. I am heartbroken to hear of Raul’s passing. What a voice, what a frontman and what a band! He will be missed.

Same for me. I was a fan of their 90a albums, but that review led me to buy In Time and subsequently see them play live many times in the last decade+. I shared that article link with many people when trying to describe who the Mavericks are.

Source: savingcountrymusic.com