Artist Biography by John D. Buchanan
The Mavericks are an American country music band. The group formed in 1989 in Miami, Florida. The Mavericks won Vocal Group of the Year at the Country Music Awards in 1995 and 1996.
Fusing traditional country with a rich variety of rock, pop, and Latin influences, the Mavericks became one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful groups of the early '90s. While the group struggled to make the most of their talent and influences on their first two albums, they hit their stride with 1994's What a Crying Shame, a critical and commercial breakthrough that was a grand showcase for the rich, emotive vocals of Raul Malo and the band's eclectic but accessible approach. The album spawned four singles that landed in the country Top 40, and earned them the freedom to expand their sound on 1995's Music for All Occasions, another success on radio and with fans. They edged away from country into a more distinctive fusion of Latin and pop flavors on 1998's Trampoline, and while it wasn't as commercially successful in the United States as their previous two long players, it was a major success in the U.K., and opened up a large fan base overseas. The group's run of hits faded in the 21st century, and they spent most of the 2000s on hiatus, yet they still held on to a loyal fan base who embrace the group's enthusiastic eclecticism. Releases like In Time (2013) and Mono (2015) eased back on the country side of their personality in favor of Latin and pop accents, but they still bore the trademarks of Malo's vocals and the group's expressive, creatively restless approach. Led by singer/songwriter Raul Malo (born August 7, 1965, Miami, Florida), the band was formed in Florida in the late '80s. Malo had previously played in several different bands while he was in high school, as did bassist Robert Reynolds (born Robert Earl Reynolds, April 30, 1962, Kansas City, Missouri). The pair met at school and discovered they had similar musical tastes -- they both enjoyed Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash -- and decided to form a band. Reynolds persuaded his best friend, Paul Deakin (born Paul Wylie Deakin, September 2, 1959, Miami, Florida) -- who had been a drummer in progressive rock bands before and had done some session work -- to join the fledgling country band.
Taking the name the Mavericks, the band began playing rock clubs around the Miami area and built up a solid local following. The group chose to play rock clubs because the country bars only wanted to book bands that played covers and the Mavericks preferred to concentrate on original material. In the fall of 1990, the band released an eponymous independent album. The record worked its way onto play lists across Florida and made its way to Nashville, where it gained the attention of nearly every major record label.
In May of 1991, the group went to Nashville to play a showcase gig. Scouts from all of the town's major labels were in attendance, but the band decided to sign with MCA Records. Later that year, the Mavericks set about recording their first major-label album; before the sessions began, they added lead guitarist David Lee Holt, who had previously played with Joe Ely, Rosie Flores, and Carlene Carter. Titled From Hell to Paradise, the record primarily consisted of Malo's original songs and was released in 1992. Although it was critically acclaimed, the album wasn't a commercial success; only a cover of Hank Williams' standard 'Hey Good Lookin' made the charts, peaking at number 74. The Mavericks' commercial fortunes turned around with their second major-label album, What a Crying Shame. Produced by Don Cook (Brooks & Dunn, Mark Collie), the album was more streamlined and focused. It became a hit upon its release early in 1994, with the title track becoming a Top 40 hit. Shortly after the release of What a Crying Shame, the group replaced Holt with Nick Kane (born Nicholas James Kane, August 21, 1954, Jerusalem, Georgia).
Throughout 1994, the band racked up Top 40 hit singles. 'O What a Thrill' went to number 18 in the summer, with 'There Goes My Heart' reaching number 20 in the fall. By the spring of 1995, What a Crying Shame had gone platinum. During the first half of 1995, the Mavericks recorded their fourth album, Music for All Occasions, which appeared in the fall of the year. Like its predecessor, it was critically acclaimed and a commercial success. By the spring of 1996, the album had gone gold. Trampoline followed in 1998; easily the group's most musically ambitious set to date, Trampoline's blend of pop and Latin textures didn't connect with the mainstream country audience in the United States, though the album (and its first single, 'Dance the Night Away') proved to be a major success in the United Kingdom.
The Mavericks soon found themselves at loggerheads with their record company, and they parted ways with MCA. The group went on hiatus for several years, with Malo releasing a solo album in 2001 and recording with the Latino supergroup Los Super Seven, while Robert Reynolds played on sessions with the group Swag. In 2003, the group re-assembled -- with guitarist Eddie Perez replacing Nick Kane -- and recorded a self-titled set for Sanctuary Records. The album failed to chart, and the band split up shortly thereafter. Sanctuary cashed in with a live album and DVD, recorded in Austin, Texas on the album's promotional tour, and released in the fall of 2004. The members went their own ways, most of them continuing to perform in various music projects, while Raul Malo continued his successful solo career, recording five more albums.
The Mavericks reunited again in 2011, and expanded their lineup to a quintet with pianist Jerry Dale McFadden, a longtime sideman, bumped up to full membership alongside Malo, Deakin, Perez, and Reynolds. The band signed a deal with Valory Music, an imprint of Big Machine Records, and in early 2012 they charted with the digital EP Suited Up and Ready... and the single 'Born to Be Blue.' Their seventh full-length studio album, In Time, followed in February 2013 via Valory. The Mavericks toured in support, but fans noticed that Reynolds was playing acoustic guitar during the shows rather than bass, and was barely audible in the mix. In December 2014, the Mavericks made the surprising announcement that Reynolds had been fired from the band after it was discovered he had developed an opiate addiction (the group said they had financed several unsuccessful stays in rehab for him) and was accused of soliciting money from fans under false pretenses. Despite the drama, the Mavericks were determined not to let down their fans, and completed an eclectic new album, Mono, which was released in February 2015. In 2016, the Mavericks asserted their independence by launching their own label, Mono Mundo Recordings, distributed by the successful indie outfit Thirty Tigers. Their first release on the new label was a concert recording, All Night Live, Vol. 1, made during the Mono tour. A studio album, Brand New Day, followed in March 2017. The Mavericks rounded out the year with the release of a holiday single in November 2017, Christmas Time Is ... A full Christmas album, Hey! Merry Christmas!, followed in October 2018. Official photo of The Mavericks | |
Background information | |
---|---|
Origin | Miami, Florida, U.S. |
Genres | |
Years active | 1989–2004, 2012–present |
Labels | Y&T Music, MCA, Mercury, Sanctuary, Valory Music Co. |
Website | themavericksband.com |
Members | Paul Deakin Raul Malo Eddie Perez Jerry Dale McFadden |
Past members | Randall Gregory David Lee Holt Nick Kane Ben Peeler Robert Reynolds |
The Mavericks are an American country music band that combine Tex-Mex, neotraditional country music, Latin, and rockabilly influences. The Mavericks were founded in 1989 in Miami, Florida. Between 1991 and 2003, the band recorded six studio albums, in addition to charting 14 singles on the Billboard country charts. Their highest-peaking American single was 1996's 'All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down', a collaboration with accordionist Flaco Jiménez. They are best known in the UK for their 1998 single 'Dance the Night Away', which spent 18 weeks on the chart, peaking at number 4. In 1996, The Mavericks won a Grammy Award for the song 'Here Comes the Rain'.
The band split up in 2000, reuniting in 2003-2004 before splitting up again. During the period 2001-2011, lead singer Raul Malo released six solo albums. Bass player Robert Reynolds and keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden co-founded the 'supergroup' SWAG, along with Ken Coomer of Wilco, Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick, and Doug Powell.
In 2012, the band announced plans for several reunion festival dates. Shortly after, they were offered a record deal by Big Machine Records. Their reunion album In Time, was released in February 2013. Since then, the group has recorded and toured regularly.
- 1Career
- 2Members
- 3Awards
Career[edit]
The Mavericks began their career within the punk and alternative music scene in Miami, Florida, frequently playing on the same bill as emerging acts including Marilyn Manson. The band initially consisted of singer Raul Malo, guitarist Ben Peeler, bassist Robert Reynolds; and drummer Paul Deakin. This line-up issued an independent self-titled LP before Peeler was replaced by David Lee Holt.
In 1991, the band was signed by MCA Nashville, and their first major label release, From Hell to Paradise, debuted in 1992. Holt subsequently left the band, and The Mavericks recorded their follow-up What a Crying Shame as a trio, augmented by session musicians. Nick Kane (lead guitar) appears as the group's fourth member on the album cover, and is credited as a full member of the band in the liner notes, but joined The Mavericks after the album was recorded and does not play on this record.[citation needed]
What A Crying Shame produced four top 40 country hits: the title track, 'O What a Thrill', 'There Goes My Heart' and 'I Should Have Been True'. A fifth single, a cover of Bruce Springsteen's 'All That Heaven Will Allow', peaked at number 49.[citation needed]
in February 1994, piano player Jerry Dale McFadden joined the band as an auxiliary player and 'fifth Maverick', though he was not at this point an official full member. He would contribute to all live shows and studio recordings from this point forward, beginning with 1995's Music for All Occasions. This album included the single 'Here Comes the Rain', which won the band a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal the following year.[2] Its follow-up was 'All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down', their highest country chart peak at number 13.
During 1996 and 1997, the band embarked on the 'Tour for All Occasions' and released a live album, It's Now! It's Live!.[citation needed]
Their 1998 album Trampoline produced a number 4 UK hit in 'Dance the Night Away' - remaining on the UK charts for over ten weeks and becoming one of the most recognizable songs for the Mavericks in the UK. 'I've Got This Feeling' and 'Someone Should Tell Her' also made the UK charts.[3] However, the album was not anywhere near as successful in the US, charting much lower than previous Mavericks album releases and failing to spin off any top 40 country singles.
In 1999, the band issued a 'best-of' album featuring three new tracks, called Super Colossal Smash Hits of the 90s: The Best of The Mavericks. The album was quickly reissued the following year with two additional new tracks. However, the release did not spin off any top 40 hit singles in either the US or the UK, and the band found itself in a financially precarious situation. In February 2000 the band suspended payments to all their salaried employees, and in May they fired guitarist Nick Kane.[4] Malo embarked on a solo career at this time, and the group effectively dissolved for the next few years.
In 2003, the Mavericks were revived, with Eddie Perez added to the line-up in Kane's place. The band recorded a new album The Mavericks, but split up again shortly after the 2004 tour ended.
Reunion[edit]
In October 2011, The Mavericks announced plans to reunite for a tour in 2012.[5]
In February 2012, the group signed with Valory Music Co., an imprint of Big Machine Records.[6] They released a digital extended play titled Suited Up and Ready, and charted in early 2012 with 'Born to Be Blue'. The full-length album, In Time, was released on Valory Records on 26 February 2013.
Founding member Robert Reynolds was dismissed from the band in October 2014 after it was revealed that he had developed an addiction to opiates and was soliciting money from fans (under false pretences) to support his addiction, leaving Malo and Deakin as the two remaining original members. This revelation was not made public until December.[7]
Reynolds has not been replaced by a permanent band member. As Reynolds' addiction affected his playing, both before Reynolds's firing and after, session players played bass on Mavericks recordings and at live shows (where in recent years Reynolds played a 'barely audible' acoustic guitar that was deliberately buried in the sound mix).[7] In his absence, Ed Friedland is the band's touring bassist.[8]
The Mavericks released a new album, Mono, on 17 February 2015. In June 2016 they parted ways with Valory.
The group released their ninth studio album Brand New Day on 31 March 2017.
On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed The Mavericks among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[9]
Members[edit]
Current members
| Past members
|
Timeline[edit]
Awards[edit]
Academy of Country Music Awards[edit]
1994
- Top New Vocal Group
- Top Vocal Group
1995
- Top Vocal Group
Country Music Association Awards[edit]
1995
- Vocal Group of the Year
1996
- Vocal Group of the Year
Grammy Awards[edit]
1995
- Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal by
Americana Music Association Honors & Awards[edit]
2015
- Best Duo or Group of the Year
Discography[edit]
Official videography[edit]
Officially released films featuring the Mavericks are listed with their original release dates.
- 2014 The Mavericks: In Time Live (DVD - Valory Music Co.)
- 2004 The Mavericks: Live in Austin Texas, directed by Michael Drumm (DVD - Sanctuary Records Group)
- 2004 The Best of the Mavericks: The DVD Collection (DVD - MCA Nashville)
- 1999 The Mavericks LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL SEPT 1998 (DVD - Cherry Red Films)
References[edit]
- ^John D. Buchanan. 'The Mavericks biography'. Allmusic. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
- ^Whitburn, Joel (2008). Hot Country Songs 1944 to 2008. Record Research, Inc. pp. 260–261. ISBN0-89820-177-2.
- ^Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 356. ISBN1-904994-10-5.
- ^'Music: Ax-Swinging (Nashville Scene . 08-07-00)'. Weeklywire.com. Retrieved 2015-05-04.
- ^'The Mavericks Reuniting for 2012 Tour'. CMT.com. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
- ^'Valory Goes Maverick With New Signing'. MusicRow. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ abHudak, Joseph (22 December 2014). 'The Mavericks Say a Founding Member Has Been Fired for Drug Addiction'. Rolling Stone Country. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^'The Mavericks'. Elmoremagazine.com. 20 November 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
- ^Rosen, Jody (25 June 2019). 'Here Are Hundreds More Artists Whose Tapes Were Destroyed in the UMG Fire'. The New York Times. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
Other sources[edit]
- Hingston, Michael (2005). 'The Mavericks' in the liner notes for The Mavericks Collection. McErlain, Lisa et al., Project Coordinators. Universal / Spectrum Music.
External links[edit]
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