Gerald Maxwell Rivera, better known simply as Maxwell, isn’t your typical R&B superstar. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he emerged in the mid-1990s at a time when many thought soul music had lost its spark. With his debut, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” he didn’t just drop a record – he sparked a movement. The album’s smooth fusion of neo-soul and classic R&B signaled something fresh, anchored by Maxwell’s unmistakable falsetto and an honesty in storytelling that quickly set him apart.
What really makes Maxwell different isn’t just his velvety voice or irresistible stage presence; it’s the way he lets his guard down in his music. Tracks like “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and “Fortunate” aren’t just hits – they’re confessions. Maxwell explores love and heartbreak with a rawness that lets listeners see right through to the heart of the person behind the microphone. Fans connect because there’s nothing manufactured or distant about what he’s singing – every emotion sounds lived-in and genuine.
But Maxwell has always marched to the beat of his own drum. Despite the intense buzz early in his career, he chose to step away from the spotlight for almost eight years – a rare move in a music industry that’s always demanding more. When he finally reemerged with “BLACKsummers’night” in 2009, the reception proved he hadn’t lost a step. The record earned him a Grammy, reminded critics and fans alike of what had been missing, and confirmed his lasting impact on soul and R&B.
Behind the Music: Maxwell’s Private World
If you’ve ever tried to learn more about Maxwell’s life offstage, you’ve probably noticed how little there is to find. He’s managed to keep his personal life out of the tabloid circus, rarely sharing details online or courting publicity. That same low-key approach carries over into his love life.
Since around 2013, Maxwell has been in a long-term relationship with Deimante Guobyte, a model. The two largely keep their romance out of the public eye, rarely posting about each other or making splashy red-carpet appearances – just another example of how Maxwell values authenticity and privacy.
Before Deimante, there were a few other high-profile relationships, but Maxwell stayed just as private. He was seen with TV host Julissa Bermudez a handful of times in 2014, and dated model Selita Ebanks for about a year between 2009 and 2010. Still, neither relationship played out in the public eye – a rarity in the age of social media oversharing.
Over the years, there have been rumors and whispers about other relationships, but Maxwell almost never addresses speculation. In fact, he’s only rarely commented on his approach to love. In a 2017 interview with Essence, he likened love to a song: “It has its ups and downs, but it should always be heartfelt.” That idea – of keeping things sincere, both in music and relationships – seems to be a thread that runs through Maxwell’s life.
Whether he’s quietly spending time with someone special or pouring his emotions into a song, Maxwell lets authenticity be his guide. It’s part of why his fans connect so strongly to his work, and why so many respect not just his artistry, but also his decision to stay true to himself away from the limelight.
Past Relationships
Janet Jackson
Julissa Bermudez
Deimante Guobyte
Selita Ebanks
Kris Jacobs
Raven Davis
Doutzen Kroes
Camila Alves McConaughey
Elisabeth Röhm
Ananda Lewis
Miredys Peguero
Sade
At his concerts, it’s clear Maxwell believes in letting the music lead. There are no flashy distractions – just him, his band, and songs delivered with conviction. In a music world that sometimes gets caught up in spectacle, Maxwell’s soulful focus on substance is a breath of fresh air, reminding us all that the most powerful performances often come from a place of genuine feeling.
