Kevin Max | |
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Kevin Max in July 2008
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Background information | |
Birth name | Kevin Max Smith |
Born | August 17, 1967 |
Origin | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
Genres | Christian rock, active alternative rock |
Years active | 1988–present |
Labels | Northern, ForeFront, Motion |
Associated acts | |
Website | kevinmax |
Kevin Max (born August 17, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, and poet. He is best known for being a member of the Christian pop group DC Talk. As a solo artist following the 2001 dissolution of DC Talk, he has recorded eight full-length studio albums, one Christmas album, and four EPs. From 2012 until 2014, he was the lead singer of the band Audio Adrenaline.
Born Kevin Max Smith, he legally shortened it to "Kevin Max" in 1997, as a tribute to his adoptive father. Kevin was himself adopted by the Smith family and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His adoptive brother was named Derek. Kevin showed incredible vocal and musical talent early in his life. Renowned for his unusual vibrato and multiple octave range, his voice grabbed attention immediately. His talent grew while at Grand Rapids Baptist High School (now known as NorthPointe Christian High School) and later at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. While at Liberty, Max started a band called 'Connection' and was known around the campus as 'the rock singer.' Max was dismissed from Liberty University for unknown reasons following the first semester of his freshman year. He returned the following semester and shortly thereafter joined the Christian music group dcTalk. Max also shortened his name to avoid confusion with Kevin Smith, the filmmaker.
While at Liberty University, he met fellow DC Talk bandmates: Toby McKeehan ("tobyMac") and Michael Tait. They formed DC Talk and went on to achieve great success in both Christian and mainstream music. The band went on to win 4 Grammy Awards, 16 GMA Dove Awards, and other recognition. However, they decided to take an extended "intermission" in 2000.