Maxwell (singer) Biography: Height, Songs, Ethnicity, Wife, Awards, Parents, Movies, Age, Net Worth

Gerald Maxwell Rivera, professionally known as Maxwell, is an acclaimed American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor, recognized as a pioneer of the neo-soul movement in the mid-1990s.

He gained widespread fame with his debut album Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (1996), which showcased his smooth, sensual vocals and sophisticated production on hits like Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) and Sumthin’ Sumthin’.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Gerald Maxwell Rivera
• Stage Name: Maxwell
• Born: May 23, 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
• Height: 1.82m
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Girlfriends: Janet Jackson, Deimante Guobyte (ex), Selita Ebanks (ex), Julissa Bermudez (ex)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Gerald Maxwell Rivera was born on May 23, 1973, in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, to a Haitian mother raised in a devout Baptist household and a Puerto Rican father who died in a plane crash when Maxwell was three.

He was primarily raised by his mother in a religious environment, attending church regularly and singing in the choir, though he was shy as a child.

Public records provide limited details on his formal schooling, as he began focusing on self-taught music composition with a Casio keyboard around age 17.

He is of Haitian-Puerto Rican heritage and was raised Baptist, though his current religious affiliation is not publicly documented.

Career

Maxwell began writing songs and performing in New York clubs in his late teens, drawing inspiration from vintage soul, jazz, and the city’s multicultural scene.

After signing with Columbia Records in 1994, he released his debut album Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite in 1996, which slowly built momentum through word-of-mouth and became a double-platinum success, earning Grammy nominations and establishing him as a key figure in neo-soul alongside artists like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu.

Hits from the album, including Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) and Sumthin’ Sumthin’, showcased his falsetto and intimate songwriting, leading to tours and critical acclaim.

He followed with Embrya (1998), a more experimental and spiritual project that went platinum, and Now (2001), which debuted at No. 1 and included the hit Lifetime.

After a hiatus, he returned with BLACKsummers’night (2009), the first part of a planned trilogy, earning two Grammy Awards (including Best R&B Album) and hits like Pretty Wings and Bad Habits.

His later work includes blackSUMMERS’night (2016) and singles like Lake by the Ocean, which won a Grammy for Best R&B Song.

Maxwell continues to influence R&B with his selective releases, live performances, and occasional acting roles.

His timeless sound, Grammy wins, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and 2019 Lifetime Achievement honor from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation reflect his lasting impact as a thoughtful artist who prioritizes quality and emotional depth in modern soul music.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @maxwell

Personal Life

Gerald Maxwell Rivera has been linked to several high-profile women over the years, including model Deimante Guobyte around 2013, actress Selita Ebanks between 2009 and 2010, TV host Julissa Bermudez in 2014, and earlier figures like Elisabeth Röhm and Ananda Lewis.

In 2025, rumors arose of a possible romance with Janet Jackson after they were seen holding hands in London, but sources confirmed they are longtime friends with no romantic involvement.

He has no publicly known children or spouse and focuses his energy on music and other creative pursuits.

Net Worth

Maxwell‘s estimated net worth is around $10 million.

He earns mainly from album sales and streaming royalties from his catalog, including multi-platinum releases like Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite and BLACKsummers’night, as well as from extensive touring, live performances, music production credits, and occasional acting or endorsement work.