Raul Malo, the beloved frontman of The Mavericks, passed away earlier this week at the age of 60 following a courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer and leptomeningeal disease. His death has left a profound impact on fans and the music community alike.
During the week of his passing, Malo was honored with the American Eagle Award, recognizing his “lifelong commitment to the preservation of the multilingual American music repertoire.” In a heartfelt letter read during the ceremony, Malo reflected on the importance of music in his life. He expressed gratitude for the journey that music had taken him on, from his Cuban American childhood in Miami to international stages, emphasizing that music had been his constant companion even in his most challenging times.
Malo wrote, “Music has been the guiding force of my entire life. It carried me… It gave me a home in Nashville, Tennessee. It connected me to you fans whose love has sustained me through every chapter of this journey.” He spoke about the power of music to transcend barriers, stating, “I’ve always believed that music is one of the most powerful bridges we have… (And God, don’t we need that right now?)” He acknowledged the support he received from fans, sharing how their stories helped him through his own struggles.
Malo, who had openly documented his health journey on social media, passed away on Monday night, as announced by his wife, Betty Malo, on his Facebook page. He is survived by Betty, his sons Dino, Victor, and Max, his mother Norma, and sister Carol, along with his bandmates from The Mavericks.
Raul Malo’s legacy as a musician and a person who connected with diverse audiences through his music will undoubtedly continue to inspire and heal through the art he cherished. His contribution to the music world will be remembered fondly by many, keeping his spirit alive in the hearts of fans worldwide.