MAXWELL

Maxwell along with artists, was tremendously important in the shaping of the neo-soul movement during the late '90s.

Maxwell was born in Brooklyn, New York May 23, 1973. Maxwell is really his middle name. He chooses to keep his first and last name to himself, to assure absolute privacy from the media. At the age of three, Maxwell lost his father in a plane crash. As a result of this, Maxwell decided to go to God for guidance. It was then, in the Baptist church that Maxwell first began to sing. At the age of seventeen was when Maxwell really got into music. He started writing songs using a cheap Casio keyboard.

In 1994, he signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. It was during that year, Maxwell recorded his debut album, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite. Collaborators include, songwriter Leon Ware, guitarist Wah Wah Watson, and multi-instrumentalist Stuart Matthewman. The album was inspired by a brief affair. But it wasn't released in 1994. Due to certain fears, Columbia decided to shelf the album. It wasn't until the spring of 1996 that Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite finally appeared. The album was slow to gain favor with audiences because Maxwell's sound was different. One would call it, Neo-soul. But listeners continued to hear Maxwell, his sound caught on. Thanks to the gold-selling second single Ascension (Never Wonder). When the year was finish, Maxwell's Urban Hange Suite was platinum and he had a Grammy Nomination.

In 1999, Maxwell saw his biggest hit to yet with the single Fortunate. Which was written by R. Kelly, for the soundtrack of the film Life. It was ranked as the it number one R&B hit of the year in Billboard magazine.

Maxwell attributes inspiration from legendary guitarist Wah Wah Watson, who's played with a vast array of artists including Marvin Gaye, Pharoah Sanders, Herbie Hancock and Barry White.

Today, Maxwell is a very successful singer/songwriter. Who is on his was to greatness.

Influences include: Marvin Gaye, Prince, and many others.

DISCOGRAPHY

ALBUMS

2001- Now (LP)
1998- Embrya (LP)
1997- MTV's Unplugged: Maxwell (EP)
1996- Maxwell's Urban Hange Suite (LP)

SINGLES

This Woman's Work
Lifetime
Get to Know Ya
Fortunate
Let's Not Play the Game
Martimony: Maybe You
Luxury: Cococure
Whenever, Wherever, Whatever
Sumthin', Sumthin'
Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)
Til the Cops Come Knockin

SOUNDTRACKS

2000- Love and Basketball (This Woman's Work)
1999- The Best Man (Let's Not Play the Game, As My Girl)
1999- Life (Fortunate)
1996- Love Jones (Sumthin', Sumthin': Mellosmoothe)

Italic songs were singles

External Links

Offical Website
www.musze.com

Fan sites
Ascension of Soul, For Lover's Only Website, Maxwell Chronicles

Maxwell's Groove Room, Muszewell, The Latest Maxwell News

Groups/Forums
Maxwell Fan Forum, MaxwellStyle, Nites Auraqual Family