The Mavericks Play The Hits (CD)

The Mavericks

Raul Malo frontman of the Mavericks is dead.
With great sorrow, we at Bear Family Records learned on December 8, 2025, of the far too early passing of Raul Malo. The charismatic singer, guitarist, and creative driving force behind the country and Americana band The Mavericks was only 60 years old. Born in Miami in 1965 to Cuban parents, Malo fused in his music all the cultural influences that shaped his life: country, Latin, rock, swing, and Americana blended into a distinctive and vibrant sonic signature. His warm, powerful tenor voice became the hallmark of The Mavericks and helped establish the group as one of the most unique and innovative acts in their genre.

Since founding the band in 1989, Malo led The Mavericks with a mixture of musical curiosity, dedication, and a sense of playful experimentation. Hits like All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down and Dance the Night Away carried his unmistakable imprint and brought the band international acclaim. Yet Raul Malo was more than just a frontman: he was a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a constant explorer who refused to accept musical boundaries and instead consciously pushed beyond them. As a solo artist, he demonstrated remarkable versatility and collaborated in projects such as Los Super Seven with other renowned musicians.

In June 2024, Malo made his colon cancer diagnosis public. What followed was a long and arduous battle, which he faced with remarkable courage, openness, and optimism. Surgeries, chemotherapy, and ultimately treatment against a rare and aggressive form of the disease could not halt its progression. In the autumn of 2025, the band was forced to cancel all remaining shows. On the evening of December 8, 2025, Raul Malo lost this battle — and the music world lost one of its most distinctive voices.

Raul Malo leaves behind a musical legacy that reaches far beyond genre lines. He was a bridge-builder between cultures, an ambassador of musical diversity, and an artist who consistently proved that music does not need rigid categories. His songs, his voice, and his passion will live on — in the hearts of his family, his bandmates, his fans, and all those who found joy, comfort, or inspiration in his music.

May Raul Malo rest in peace. His music endures. We extend our deepest condolences to his children and his family and wish them strength in this difficult time.