Maxi Priest, born Max Alfred Elliot in 1961, is a British reggae vocalist of Jamaican descent. He is best known for fusing reggae with R&B and pop, creating a unique blend that gained international acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s. Priest is particularly recognized for his hits "Close to You" and a cover of Cat Stevens' "Wild World," which both achieved significant chart success. His musical style has played a significant role in popularizing reggae music globally, making him one of the most successful reggae fusion acts of all-time.