Gerald Maxwell Rivera, known as Maxwell, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and record producer born on May 23, 1973. Emerging in the mid-1990s with his debut album Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, he helped popularize neo soul music alongside artists like Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo, and Erykah Badu. His early work produced chart-topping singles such as Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder) and Sumthin' Sumthin'. Maxwell's platinum-certified albums Embrya and Now solidified his reputation, while his hit single Fortunate became a major commercial success. After a brief hiatus, he returned with BLACKsummers'night, earning multiple Grammy Awards and further acclaim with its follow-up blackSUMMERS'night. Throughout his career, Maxwell has received three Grammy Awards, numerous Soul Train Music Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, recognizing his impactful contributions to modern R and B and neo soul.