Maxi Priest

Maxi Priest (born Max Alfred Elliott on June 10, 1961– is a dancehall, reggae , pop and R&B-singer from England. His parents were Jamaican, and Maxi is cousin to lateJacob Miller , who was frontman for Inner Circle and one of the greatest reggae and roots reggae icons. Maxi's first major album Maxi (1988) along with his cover of Cat Stevens' 'Wild World', established him as one of the British top singers. He is one of two British reggae acts (along with UB40) to have topped American Billboard: 'Close To You' (1990). Other big hits are 'That Girl' (with Shaggy) (1996) and 'Housecall' (1991,1993). Maxi has done 10 studio albums so far (1985-2014).

Of Jamaican descent, and the second youngest of nine children, he was born in Lewisham, London. He is known as the 'King of Lovers Rock'. His music is sometimes closer to R&B, and pop, than to reggae music itself. His first major album was the self-titled Maxi Priest (1988) along with his cover of Cat Stevens' Wild World established him as one of the British reggae top singers this internationally acclaimed vocalist, is the only UK reggae act to score an American Billboard Number One. That was with a track entitled "Close To You", which was released in 1990.

In addition, a duet with Roberta Flack - "Set The Night To Music", also reached the U.S. Top Ten in 1991. In the latter half of his lengthy recording career, he has favoured working alongside other established, or up and coming, artistes. For example, Maxi Priest has worked with Sly & Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Jazzie B, Apache Indian, Roberta Flack and Shabba Ranks.