12/10/2025
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Raul MaloâŠThe Mavericks frontman died today after a battle of cancer at the age of 60.
I asked myself why this one hit differently when 90% of the country probably doesnât know who he is, sadly.
Probably because today it sunk in that he was a generational talent and probably the closest to challenge Roy Orbisonâs throne vocally.
The tex-mex/country/rock vibes that was Maloâs own modern day spin.
The Mavericks came up in the 90âs when they were getting fairly significant country airplay and I was playing them on KUBA in Yuba City, with songs like âAll You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,â âI Shouldâve Been Trueâ and âDance the Night Away.â I believe âWhat a Crying Shameâ was their first hit.
They stood out. MALO stood out. That voice. The arrangements. The songwriting.
I think what hits the most is when you pass by opportunity. You couldâve seen that friend, but didnât. You couldâve called your Dad, but didnât. You couldâve seen that band maybe multiple times, but didnât.
Well, I didnât. For many reasons over the years, even though a part of me wanted to, I didnât. That band was The Mavericks and I canât tell you how many times they played in the area, notably Crest Sacramento, and by all accounts destroyed. It was that guy Malo that blew everyone awayâŠand for less money than you are spending for that bigger artist in a less intimate venue.
Time to go see that band/artist because you never knowâŠ
âWhat a Crying Shameâ indeed.
PS: Even Roy Orbisonâs account took a bow today. âIn Dreams.â
https://fb.watch/DUFhTFPHuz/?mibextid=wwXIfr