Max Alfred "Maxi" Elliott (born 10 June 1961), known by his stage name Maxi Priest, is a British reggae vocalist of Jamaican descent. He is best known for singing reggae music with an R&B influence, otherwise known as reggae fusion. He was one of the first international artists to have success in this genre, and one of the most successful reggae fusion acts of all time.
Priest's musical career began with him singing on the South London reggae soundsystem Saxon Studio International, after which some independent single releases followed. His first major album, Maxi (titled Maxi Priest in the US and Canada), was released in 1988, and, along with his cover of Cat Stevens' "Wild World", established him as one of the top British reggae singers.
He is one of only two British reggae acts (along with UB40) to have an American Billboard number one: "Close to You" in 1990. A duet with Roberta Flack, "Set the Night to Music", reached the American Top Ten in 1991. His duet with Shaggy in 1996, "That Girl", was also a hit in the United States, peaking at number twenty.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played some of Maxi Priest's early records between 1983 and 1984. Impressed by the singer, he invited Maxi to do a session for his show, which he recorded in February 1985. However, after the mid-80's, Maxi's solo career moved away from the Saxon Studio sound into a more pop reggae fusion, which Peel was not that fond of.
Sessions[]
1. Recorded: 1985-02-26. First Broadcast: 06 March 1985. Repeated: 25 March 1985, 17 April 1985
- Should I (Put My Trust In You) / Throw My Corn / In The Springtime
Other Shows Played[]
- 1983
- 01 December 1983 (& Caution): Strolling On (12 EP" - Throw My Corn) Level Vibes!
- 08 December 1983 (& Caution): Strolling On (12 EP" - Throw My Corn) Level Vibes!
- 21 December 1983 (BFBS) (& Caution): Strolling On (12 EP" - Throw My Corn) Level Vibes!
- 1984
- 04 December 1984 (& Caution): Should I (Put My Trust In You) (single) Level Vibes! Records
- 1992
- 16 May 1992 (& Dennis Brown, Shabba Ranks): 'Fever (LP-Blazing)' (Greensleeves)