25 Facts About Maxi Jazz

Maxwell Alexander Fraser, better known by his stage name Maxi Jazz, was a British musician, rapper, singer, songwriter and DJ.

Maxi Jazz was the lead vocalist of British electronic band Faithless from 1995 to 2011 and 2015 to 2016.

Maxi Jazz was born Maxwell Alexander Fraser on 14 June 1957 in Hackney, East London, and moved to Brixton, South London when he was a toddler.

Maxi Jazz founded the Soul Food Cafe System as a DJ in 1984, having discovered hip hop a year earlier.

Maxi Jazz first aired the sound as a DJ calling it "In the Soul Kitchen with DJ Maxi Jazz" on pirate radio station Reach FM London from 1985 to 1986.

Maxi Jazz transferred this sound to pirate radio station LWR in 1987.

In 1995, Maxi Jazz met Rollo Armstrong in a studio and went on to form Faithless, together with Jamie Catto and Sister Bliss.

Armstrong had asked Maxi Jazz to write and sing on a dance track about frustration, which was something to which Maxi Jazz could relate from his own experiences.

Maxi Jazz's work covered a range of personal and social issues, including current affairs and social commentary.

In 2006, Maxi Jazz provided the vocals for the hit Tiesto track "Dance4life".

Maxi Jazz sang alongside Robbie Williams on the single "My Culture" from the collaborative album 1 Giant Leap.

Maxi Jazz celebrated his 50th birthday on 15 June 2007 in Hyde Park, London, with Faithless headlining the O2 Wireless Festival that evening.

Maxi Jazz performed and recorded with Faithless from their founding in 1995 until 2011.

Maxi Jazz re-joined the group in 2015 and 2016 while they performed under the Faithless 2.0 banner.

Maxi Jazz provided lead vocals and played guitar in the band.

In 2022, Maxi Jazz provided vocals on the Vintage Culture single "Commotion" while under the guidance of music manager John Black.

Jazz founded Maxi Jazz Racing in 2000 when he asked Rae Claydon to enter him in the Ford Fiesta Championship for the 2000 season, but was only able to race occasionally due to his musical obligations.

On 9 December 2001, Maxi Jazz was involved in a serious car accident, causing several of Faithless's UK tour dates to be postponed.

Maxi Jazz owned a Subaru Impreza P1, a Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000, a Ford Fiesta Zetec S, a Ford Sierra Cosworth, and a Marcos LM500 R Maxi Jazz owned a Nissan 350Z, which is referenced in the 2010 Faithless song "Flyin' Hi".

Maxi Jazz lived in West Norwood, in the London Borough of Lambeth.

In 2011, a portrait of Maxi Jazz was painted by British artist Joe Simpson; the painting was exhibited around the UK, including in a solo exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall.

Maxi Jazz died "peacefully in his sleep" at his home in South London, after a long illness, on 23 December 2022 at the age of 65.

Maxi Jazz gave proper meaning and message to our music.

Maxi Jazz was a lovely human being with time for everyone and a wisdom that was both profound and accessible.

Maxi Jazz was a brilliant lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius.