The Maxx
It’s rare to find a band that is steeped in tradition, yet remarkably modern, but The Maxx embodies that statement. Founding members Rod Whittaker (bass/keyboards/vocals), Leroy “Roc” Lovelace (sax/vocals), and Steven Rollins (guitar) are products of the Atlanta band era when neighborhood kids emulated their favorite 70′s funk groups. For over twenty years, The Maxx has continued this tradition by performing the music of their youth along with classic oldies and today’s pop music. Their energetic choreography and eclectic sound keeps them traveling the world entertaining countless weddings, conventions, and major corporate events; including Bill Gates and Microsoft.
The Maxx DNA consists of a strict work ethic instilled by their blue collar parents and endless childhood rehearsals. This discipline elevated The Maxx from a talent show house band to a college tour staple. By naming themselves after The Ohio Players’ album, Climax, it seems they were already prepared for greatness. As the music industry began to shift away from bands in favor of solo artists, the chance of signing to a major label became less likely. This change forced The Maxx to take control of their musical destiny. The process started when they re-named themselves The Maxx to establish their own unique sound. The band’s focus culminated to a decision to move from pursuing a record deal to pursuing their true passion; helping people enjoy life’s most treasured moments. Their Christmas album, For The Holidays, and intimate stage presence are proof of their commitment. By putting their clients first, The Maxx combines professionalism with captivating entertainment. -
Over the years, The Maxx has learned that in order to sustain a successful career, they would have to constantly re-invent themselves. With the addition of Mistee Merritt (Lead and Background Vocals), Dwight Smith (drums), and Menes Ray (trumpet/vocals), The Maxx stays current while propelling their legacy forward. On stage and off, The Maxx exemplify their name through a relentless pursuit of excellence. They tour 125 days out of the year while tailoring their set list to personalize every performance. Even with frequent travels, The Maxx has not forgotten their roots. They support children with their very own 501c3 non-profit, Musical Youth Of America, an organization developed to promote and provide music education to elementary and middle school children. Furthermore, they support and promote high school music programs, with their organization, Band Room Nation. The Maxx has come full circle in having two non-profit organizations give back to the community that produced them. The Maxx recognize that it’s more than music. It’s about creating special moments in people’s lives. Through their musical integrity, The Maxx invests in future generations while bringing joy to the hearts of many.
Song List
Note: This is a partial song list to show the diverse playlist of the band. New songs are added monthly.
Adele - Rollin in the Deep
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Andy Williams - Moon River
Aretha Franklin - Freeway Of Love
B-52s - Love Shack
Barry White - Can't Get Enough of Your Love
Barry White - My First, My Last, My Everything
Bee Gees - Stayin Alive
Ben E. King - Stand By Me
Beyonce - Crazy In Love
Beyonce - Deja Vu
Bill Withers - Lovely Day
Black Eyed Peas - I Got a Feeling
Black Eyed Peas - Where Is The Love
Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses
Bob Marley - Is This Love
Bobby Brown - Every Little Step
Bon Jovi - You Give Love A Bad Name
Brenda Russell - Piano In The Dark
Britney Spears - Til The World Ends
Brooks and Dunn - Boot Skoot Boogie
Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
Bruno Mars - Treasure
Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
Cameo - Word Up
Carly Ray Jepsen - Call Me Maybe
Cee Lo - Forget You
Chairmen Of The Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time
Chairmen Of The Board - Carolina Girls
Chaka Kahn - I'm Every Woman
Charlie Parker - Billies Bounce
Chic - Good Times
Christopher Cross - Sailing
Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode
Cypress Hill - Jump
Dave Brubeck - Girl From Ipanema
Dave Brubeck - Take 5
Diana Ross - Upside Down
Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
Dionne Warwick - Walk On By
Donna Summer - Bad Girls
Donna Summer - Last Dance
Doris Troy - Just One Look
Dorothy Moore - Misty Blue
Duke Ellington - Satin Doll
Duke Ellington - Take The A Train
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Earth, Wind & Fire - In The Stone
Ed Sheeran - The Shape Of You
Ella Fitzgerald - My Funny Valentine
Ella Fitzgerald - I Got Rhythm
Ella Fitzgerald - Misty
Elton John - Blessed
Elvis Presley - I Can't Help Falling In Love
Etta James - At Last
Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
Four Seasons - Oh What a Night
Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself
Frank Sinatra - All The Way
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Frank Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon
Frankie Lymon - Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Frankie Valli - Too Good To Be True
Get Luck - Daft Punk
Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Grey, Maren Morris, Zedd - The Middle
Harry Connick Jr - It Had To Be you
Heartland - I Loved Her First
Ideas of March - Vehicle
Ike And Tina Turner - Proud Mary
Isley Brothers - Shout
Jack Johnson - Better Together
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is
Joey Dee & The Starliters - Peppermint Twist
Journey - Don't Stop Believing
Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back
Katy Perry - Firework
KC & The Sunshine Band - Get Down Tonight
KC & The Sunshine Band - That's The Way I Like It
KC & The Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes
Kool & The Gang - Celebration
Kool & The Gang - Get Down On It
Kool & The Gang - Ladies Night
Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance
Lloyd Williams - Shama Lama Ding Dong
LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
LMFAO - I'm Sexy and I Know It
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong - La Vie En Rose
Louis Armstrong - A Kiss To Build A Dream On
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Maceo Pinkard - Sugar
Maroon 5 - Moves Like Jagger
Marsha Griffin - Electric Slide
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Dancin' In The Streets
Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Heatwave
Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell - If I Could Build My Whole World
Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell - Your Precious Love
Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell - The Real Thing
Mary Chapin Carpenter - Passionate Kisses
Mary J. Blige - Just FIne
McFadden & Whitehead - Ain't No Stopping Us Now
Michael Jackson - Rock With You
Mr. C. - Cha Cha Slide
Nancy Wilson - The Best Is Yet To Come
Nat King Cole - Let There Be Love
Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
Nat King Cole - Our Love Is Here To Stay
Nat King Cole - Straighten Up And Fly Right
Natalie Cole - Almost Like Being In Love
Natalie Cole - Route 66
Natalie Cole - L.O.V.E.
Natalie Cole - Orange Colored Sky
Natalie Cole - Cry Me A River
Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems
Otis Reading - Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
Otis Reading - That's How Strong My Love Is
Outkast - Hey Ya
Outkast - The Way You Move
Pharell - Happy
Pitbull ft. Kesha - Timber
Pointer Sisters - I'm So Excited
Prince - 1999
Ramsey Louis - The In Crowd
Ray Charles - Georgia On My Mind
Ray Lamontagne - You Are The Best Thing
Ready for the World - Oh Sheila
Rihanna - Diamonds
Rihanna - Umbrella
Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music
Rod Stewart - Have I Told You Lately
Rod Stewart - This Old Heart Of Mine
Roy Orbison - Pretty Woman
Sam Hunt - Body Like A Back Road
Sam & Dave - Soul Man
Sean Mendes - There's Nothing Holding Me Back
Shania Twain - Man, I Feel Like A Woman
Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction
Stevie Wonder - My Cherie Amour
Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely
Stevie Wonder - Sunshine Of My Life
Stevie Wonder - My Cherie Amour
Taio Cruz - Dynamite
Taj Mahal - Loving In The Back Of My Mind
Taste of Honey - Boogie Oogie Oogie
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Temptations - My Girl
Temptations - Aint Too Proud To Beg
The Beatles - In My Life
The Contours - Do You Love Me
The Drifters - More Than A Number
The Embers - I Love Beach Music
The Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup
The Platters - With This Ring
The Supremes - Baby Love
The Trammps - Disco Inferno
The Trammps - Hold Back The Night
The Tymes - Ms. Grace
Tina Turner - Simpy The Best
V.I.C. - Wobble
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison - Someone Like You
Van Morrison - Tupelo Honey
Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance
Whitney Houston - Exhale (Shoop, Shoop)
Wilson Picket - Mustang Sally