Raul Malo: The Voice That Defined The Mavericks

Like many music fans, I was saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of the frontman for the country group The Mavericks, Raul Malo. The amazingly talented singer died on December 8th after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 60. Malo, along with the rest of the incredible band, left a mark on country music that many fans might not recognize. It's time they learn.

It All Started in Miami

The story of this country band doesn't begin in Nashville; it starts in Miami. The Mavericks were formed in 1989 when Raul Malo met bassist Robert Reynolds. They bonded over their love of music from artists like Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. Their music would blend country, pop, and Latin themes into a unique sound. The band played mostly in bars that booked rock acts, because all the venues where country bands played wanted those bands to play covers. The Mavericks played all original material.

Hitting It Big in Nashville

After the band hit it big in Miami, they played a showcase in Nashville for talent scouts and record label executives. They were signed on the spot by MCA Nashville. The Mavericks would release their major label debut album, 'From Hell to Paradise', in 1992. The album was a critical success. But the band's follow-up effort, 'What a Crying Shame,' would launch them into the country music mainstream.

The album would spawn hit singles at country radio, including What a Crying Shame, O What a Thrill, and There Goes My Heart.

The Mavericks followed up the success with the release of 1995's 'Music for All Occasions'. Hit singles included Here Comes the Rain, and the band's highest charting song, All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down.

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Taking Home The Trophies

At their peak during the mid-1990s, The Mavericks won multiple awards from The Grammys, ACMs, and the CMAs. Some of their wins included;

1994 ACM Top Vocal Group
1994 ACM Top New Vocal Group or Duo
1995 CMA Top Vocal Group
1995 ACM Top Vocal Group
1995 Grammy for Best Country Performance for a Group or Duo
1996 CMA Top Vocal Group

The band has 8 Grammy nominations to its credit, and was awarded the 2021 Trailblazer Award at the Americana Music Honors and Awards.

Which Mavericks Album Should I Listen To?

There are so many great songs by this group. But if you're a relative newcomer, I suggest an album that gives you a great overview of the band's music. That would be the 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best of The Mavericks. Sit back and enjoy the one-of-a-kind voice of Raul Malo and remember a truly great and unique country band.