[1] After graduation, Malone worked in bands of Woody Herman (1969), Duke Pearson (1970), Louie Bellson (1971), Doc Severinsen, Frank Zappa (1972),[2] and Blood, Sweat & Tears (1973).

After he was heard performing with Ten Wheel Drive and Genya Ravan, he received a call from Saturday Night Live a late-night comedy television program.

He appeared in the movie version and in 1993 reunited with Paul Shaffer, who worked for Saturday Night Live, and Will Lee, who was a member of the CBS Orchestra.

His solo album, Soul Bones, includes guest appearances by Paul Shaffer and John Popper of Blues Traveler.

In 2007, Malone was invited by music director Geoffrey Moull to arrange and perform a concert with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra.