Maxi Priest

Maxi Priest, a British reggae artist, gained international fame in the late '80s and '90s with his blend of lovers rock, pop, and R&B. His smooth vocals and romantic lyrics led to hits like "Close to You" and "Wild World," showcasing his ability to fuse reggae with soulful melodies. Born Max Elliott in London in 1962, Priest's musical journey began with gospel singing in a large family and evolved as he embraced Rastafarianism and changed his name. After early success with singles like "Wild World," he went on to release albums like 1990's Bonafide, solidifying his place in the music industry with chart-topping singles and collaborations with artists like Shaggy and Robin Trower.

Priest's career saw him signed to Virgin Records, releasing albums that showcased his versatility and crossover appeal. From his breakout album in 1988 to subsequent hits like "Close to You" and collaborations with artists such as Roberta Flack and Shaggy, Priest continued to evolve his sound. Despite some commercial ups and downs, his dedication to his craft led to successful albums like 2007's Refused and collaborations that expanded his musical horizons. With his latest projects like 2019's It All Comes Back to Love and 2020's United State of Mind, Priest continues to captivate audiences with his soulful voice and genre-defying music.