Jennifer D'Spain

Saddest news today. Such a talent gone too soon that I admired and followed for years. 🤍🙏🏽 The Mavericks

It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo on December 8th, 2025 at the age of 60.

Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.

While his spirited performances garnered a massive & loyal following, and his powerful songwriting and musicianship earned multiple Grammy, ACM, and CMA awards, it was his lifelong commitment to the preservation of the multi-lingual American musical repertoire of which he was most proud, making history in 2020 with the first album ever to debut at the top of both the Latin Pop and Folk-Americana charts. It was this commitment, along with his steadfast championing of music education as an inspiration for every child across America and throughout the world, for which Raul was honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Music Council of the United States’ American Eagle Award.

Though his earthly body may have passed, Raul’s spirit will live on forever in heaven, and here on earth through the music, joy, and light he brought forth. His contributions to American and Latin music will be everlasting, as his songs and voice touched fans and fellow artists around the world.

Raul is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Betty; sons Dino, Victor, and Max, mother Norma, sister Carol, and Mavericks bandmates Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden.

The family thanks everyone for their love & support, and asks for privacy at this time.

Photo by Alejandro Menendez Vega

Hi lovies,

Saturday the 15th at 11:30am we’re hosting a bake sale benefit with Jennifer D'Spain and Stephanie Ayers to help out a dear local Mom, wife and friend who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer.

All proceeds go directly to her family. ♥️
Thank you for your support!

You can’t stand her… and you’re not even sure why.

Maybe it’s her confidence.
Maybe it’s the way she walks in without needing validation.
Maybe it’s the fact she’s still standing—
after everything meant to knock her down.

She doesn’t beg to be liked.
She’s not rude, just real.
And that unsettles people who wear masks.

Truth is, she’s not your enemy.
She’s just free.

And sometimes, freedom looks like a threat
when you’re still trying to find yours.

Let that sink in. 🤍

Had to re-post this! My creative juices are flowin’ again and……..it’s about dang time!

©️ Laurie Payne