Along with fellow founders D'Angelo and Erykah Badu, Maxwell was enormously important in defining and shaping the neo-soul movement that rose to prominence over the latter half of the '90s. Drawing his greatest inspiration from the concept of the R&B auteur (looking to artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, etc.), Maxwell recorded some of the most ambitious R&B of his time, becoming wildly popular and often earning critical raves in the process.

Ambassador of Soul Maxwell was nominated for 6 Grammy awards last night, capping a career year for the singer and songwriter. His album BLACKsummers’night (Columbia) was released July 7. The nominations are:

• Song of the Year – 'Pretty Wings'
• Best Male Pop Vocal Performance – 'Love You'
• Best Pop Instrumental Performance – 'Phoenix Rise'
• Best Male R&B Vocal Performance – 'Pretty Wings'
• Best R&B Song – Pretty Wings
• Best R&B Album - BLACKsummers’night

COMMERCIAL

PANASONIC
Edgar Winter Group "Frankenstein"

SONY HD RADIO
Mat Kearney "Undeniable"

GUITAR HERO 3
Velvet Revolver "Slither"

FILM

DAN IN REAL LIFE
Earth, Wind & Fire "September" (Phats & Small Remix)

THE DARJEELING LIMITED
Fritz Reiner & The Chicago Symphony Orchestra "Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A, Op. 92"
Joe Dassin "Les Champs Elysees"

MUSIC WITHIN
The Youngbloods "Get Together"
Donovan "Sunshine Superman"
Jefferson Airplane "Somebody To Love"
The Isley Brothers "It's Your Thing"

BELLA
Rosemary Clooney/Perez Prado "Sway"
Rachael Yamagata "Meet Me By The Water"