Categorizing Malo was a tough task for critics. He has covered almost every genre, including county music, Latin and jazz via rock & roll. However he has made a name for himself in the country music scene, proving to be an ever-expanding musician. He began bass guitar in high school and soon headed towards several small bands. In 1987, he came up with his first recording with the Basics, and one song, "Paperheart," was included on the promotional album Unsigned.

Then in the '80s, he decided to form a country band with his high school friend, Robert Reynolds (bass). Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline inspired both. Paul Deakin, had worked with several progressive rock bands, thus became the drummer, and they selected the name, Mavericks. This band went on to become one of the prominent country bands of the '90s.

Malo being the lead, Mavericks issued their debut self-titled album in 1990. The album proved a success and grabbed the attention of many notable labels. Subsequently MCA Records signed the band on in May 1991. They played their first gig in Nashville. David Lee Holt, who before was with Carlene Carter, Joe Ely, and Rosie Flores, joined as the lead guitarist, with Malo working on the songwriting and vocals. MCA issued From Hell to Paradise in 1992 and issued five more albums for the band during the '90s. Hell to Paradise was a huge hit. However, What a Crying Shame made a good turn over issued in 1994, with its title track coming on the Top 40; the album became platinum in1995.

During the later years of the '90s, Malo started out with parallel solo work, sometimes played along by the Dennis Burnside Orchestra. During October 1999, he accomplished his first solo tour in the U.K., performing a numerous of his new songs. By 2000, he had turned to a producer with Ethan Allen and K.T. Oslin, and got together lost Super Seven as a lead vocalist and songwriter, in addition to accompanying the Latin singer Rick Trevino. Malo's first solo recording, "Bailare (El Merecumbe)," was composed in Spanish by himself and he also did a solo recording of "Downbound Train" by Bruce Springsteen. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, they invited Malo because of his proficiency to handle diverse rhythms.

Malo's debut album as a solo artist, Today, focuses on his Cuban background, but doesn't solely leave out the mystifying-twang guitar of country music. His enthusiasm flows as he mixes the pop sounds of the '60s with salsa and country. Issued by Omtown/Higher Octave Music in October 2001, the album also presents Shelby Lynne on vocals and a backup band of 11 that brings forth the big band sounds of which Malo is getting fond. Malo sings Today in both Spanish and English, speculating calypso, carnival, jazz, salsa, and country charms bringing out the theme of universal love.