Raul “Mague” Margarito Casares (March 17, 1938- August 18, 2020)

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to RGV Conjunto legend Raul “Mague” Casares who passed away Tuesday, August 18th, in Pharr, Texas at the age of 82.

Mague was a Native Texan, born in Pharron March 17th, 1938. Mague was a legend in Conjunto across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, headlining several national tours with his band “Mague Casares Y Su Conjunto.” His skillful accordion riffs and timeless singing voice were unmatched as he filled the air with music and inspired joy in everyone who had the opportunity to witness his talents. When he wasn’t playing accordion, Mague  could be found spending time with his loving family and rooting on his team, the Dallas Cowboys. May he rest in power and may his musical talents continue to spark merriment in the hearts of generations of Conjunto-lovers to come.

We send our sincere condolences to the Casares family as they mourn the passing of Mague. We encourage everyone to honor Mague’s life and celebrate his influence on South Texas Conjunto music by listening to audio excerpts of his discography, including his original compositions such as “La Critica” and “Ya Te Perdi” at UCLA’s Strachwitz Frontera Collection or on YouTube.

To send flowers or plant a tree in Mague’s memory, visit Legacy.com.