Raymond Earwood

Raymond Earwood (born in Del Rio, Texas) better known as Mundo Earwood was an American country music singer-songwriter. After graduating high school in Corpus Christi he moved to Houston where he hired a band, and began playing music at several venues around town & quickly piqued the interest of regional listeners. Kat Ballew's Dance Hall in Humble that was owned & operated by Kent & Patsy Spitzmiller was one of his favorite venues to play. His first major national release, "Behind Blue Eyes" spent eight weeks at #1 on the Houston radio charts, six months on the Houston charts, and a long tenure on the national charts. At the age of 18 Mundo found himself performing with his heroes at the Grand Ol' Opry, countless festivals, and several shows with a wealth of talent and many industry superstars. Mundo released several charting tracks over the following years, including "Let's Hear it for Loneliness", "Lonesome as a Cowboy" and "I Can Give You Love". Despite various label changes, including a brief stint as "Mundo Ray," he saw another spurt of success with "Behind Blue Eyes" in 1977, with its re-release on another label. He appeared on the Billboard charts 24 times during his career, with several songs in the Top 40. Mundo wrote for artists such as Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis, Tammy Wynette and Bobby Vinton over the course of his career.

Mundo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer & a fibrous histiocytoma sarcoma tumor in February of 2013 & fought the good fight for more than a year. Receiving his cancer treatment at MD Anderson cancer facility in Houston with the most experienced doctors & cutting edge techniques available. After many months of chemotherapy & radiation treatments they performed a total pancreatectomy. In November, after several months of recovery he went in for a 2nd surgery to remove a 6 pound sarcoma tumor in his back. Unfortunately the cancer had already spread in his abdomen & less than 6 months later on April 21, 2014 the disease took his life. Mundo is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Carol Jean, daughters Angela Bancroft and (husband Aaron), Kandice Reid and (husband Lucas), grandchildren Mason Lee, Karsyn Lee, Ryann Reid, Beaux Bancroft & handpicked granddaughter Michaela Curler.

Prior to his diagnosis Mundo performed around Houston with local band Southern Comfort alongside his lifelong friend Dale Phillips. He was a writer of captivating story songs, a pure voice, and raw talent in the country industry, and will be remembered as one of the greats in the 1970s, 1980s and beyond. To the public Mundo Earwood is an iconic name in the country music industry but to his family he was "superman". A man that knew everything & could do anything. He was a man of God that always put others first, loved his family, guitar picking & golfing with all his heart. For those that were lucky to know Mundo on a personal level, understand what an incredible loss this is for us all.

Mundo's family would like to thank the caring staff at MD Anderson in Houston as well as all of the friends & family that supported them through this difficult journey. A private service will be held this week for immediate family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity that Mundo has been a part of for the last 20 years. The Bluebonnet Youth Ranch (4652 Hwy 77A P.O. Box 90 Yoakum, Texas 77995 - Phone: (361) 293-354 - www.bbyr.org ) who supports abused & neglected children and was very near & dear to Mundo's heart.