December 7, 2025 (NASHVILLE) - The National Music Council had the recent privilege to honor Mavericks' leader Raul Malo this weekend with the American Eagle Award as a highlight of the band's two amazing tribute concerts at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. A west coast celebration and presentation will take place this coming January in conjunction with the 2026 NAMM Convention.

Far more than just being possessed of one the greatest voices in recorded music history, Raul put together one of the finest bands and music organizations in the world, while working tirelessly to elevate appreciation for America's beloved, bi-lingual musical traditions. His work in support of music education is equaled in importance only by the extraordinary talents of the Mavericks to create songs, recordings and performances that will be remembered as American masterpieces for generations. 

Sadly, Raul was hospitalized on Friday due to severe complications stemming from his chemotherapy treatments for LMD, but he was there in spirit and via on-line streaming to soak in the love of the huge number of Mavericks fans throughout the music community there for him, as well as the enormous affection and respect he has earned from his peers, many of whom were in attendance to wish him peace and full recovery. 

In presenting the award, Outside Counsel Charlie Sanders focused on the fact that appreciation in our community can be both loud and quiet. "Depth of respect," he said, "cannot be measured in decibels."

"Throughout the music industry, and across legions of fans who make up the Mavericks family, the band has earned widespread musical respect. Raul and the band are revered," he added.

It is NMC's hope that the American Eagle Award helps to deservedly cast the band's reputation in stone for future generations. The National Music Council and the Songwriters Guild of America send their healing power to Raul, his bandmates, his family and his fans.