is one of the most successful, enduring and energetic bands in the world.  This year they’re celebrating their 40th anniversary.  Their 1972 hit single, “Suavecito” is the ultimate Hispanic love song, and four decades later, still one of the most played oldies tracks on classic radio.
They have performed all over the world and have shared the stage with such groups as the Rolling Stones, and Queen.  MALO has at least eleven albums to their credit and continue to tour to sell out crowds.

A virtual who’s who of Latin Rock all-stars including trumpeter Luis Gasca,  percussionists Pete & Coke Escovedo, Francisco Aguabella, and Victor Pantoja keyboardist Richard Comode, and vocalist Richard Bean. The story of enduring band, begins with lead singer Arcelio Garcia.  Arcelio was born in Puerto Rico and moved to San Francisco with his family when he was three years old.  As a teenager, Arcelio was invited to join a band call the Malibus.  They became very well known and popular band in the Bay area in the mid-sixties, playing R&B, and subsequently expanded their sound to what is known as Latin Rock. A few years into the career of the Malibus, a guitarist was added named Jorge Santana, the brother of already famous Carlos Santana.  In 1970, the Malibus changed their name to MALO and the rest is history.  

By 1971 Malo was signed to Warner Bros. records and recorded their first album which was simply entitled “MALO”.  Arcelio co-wrote four of the six songs including their classic “Nena and Café” which was released in 1972.  MALO also included ”Suavecito” which had evolved from a song they had written and been doing in clubs called “My Love”.   Richard Bean, band member at that time, and Arcelio Garcia wrote a new lyric, thus giving birth to the major hit, while members Pablo Tellez and Abel Zarate also assisted in the composition.
The members on the first album were Arcelio Garcia, lead vocal, Abel Zarate, lead guitar, vocal Pablo Tellez, bass, Richard Spremich, drums, Richard Kermode, keyboards, Luis Gasca, trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals and Ray Murray, 2nd trumpet, trombone, flute and sax.  Guest musicians included Coke Escovedo, timbales, Victor Pantoja, congas, and Richard Bean, timbales, and lead vocal on “Suavecito”. 

In 1972 Warner Brothers released “DOS” followed by “Evolution” in 1973.  In 1974, Arcelio became ill and was not able to sing for a year.  At this point, Little Willie G formerly of Thee Midniters of East Los Angeles became lead singer for MALO.  Willie did one album entitled “Ascencion” and toured with the band.  This album would be the last MALO recorded for Warner Brothers.  Back in good health, Arcelio who own the MALO name and logo, moved back to New York and started the east coast version of MALO.  This resulted in the release of “ MALO V” in 1981.  Arcelio came back to the West Coast and in 1986, and MALO released an album entitled “Coast to Coast” on the Heron label.    
              
MALO’s current lineup includes: Arcelio Garcia, lead vocal and leader of the group.  Jorge Santana, lead Guitar, Gabriel Manzo,  lead  Guitar, Music Director,vocal, Ramiro Amador, Bass, David George, Drums, Daniel Cervantes, Keyboards,  Gilbert Ross, Timbales, David Chavez, Congas, Pete Rodriquez, Trombone, trumpet, Jack Musgrove, Trumpet, Brian Beukelman, Trumpet.   Arcelio MALO Garcia, is still going strong -- founding member, who has stuck through “the thick and thin” of the music business, still enjoys performing, and is thankful for, his ability to play for several generations of fans -- people who keep bringing their grandchildren to MALO shows.  So, what's the secret to MALO’s longtime success? The band is a also family - and of course, when you hear them, you know it's

MALO