Maxwell: 'I thank people for not forgetting me'

Maxwell: 'I thank people for not forgetting me'

Soul artist Maxwell says he is still amazed at the reception he has received since releasing 2009's _BLACKsummers'night_. "I just thank people for not forgetting me," he laughs, acknowledging the eight-years he took in between his last release, 2001's _Now_. He just wrapped up a two-month tour with fellow soul stars Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, and will continue touring next year with other artists. "Maxwell":http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/success-is-getting-in-the-way-of-new-maxwell-cd.php said his fans have helped him prove that soul music in 2010 can still hold its own in sales and radio play. "[This is about] all these people who care and who have turned radio on its head," said the neo-soulster, whose _BLACKsummers'night_ earned him two Grammy awards, including best R&B album. "I'm grateful I can do what I do and not compromise my sound." In a brief interview with theGrio, "Maxwell":http://musze.com/home.html said he could leave music again for that long under one condition -- to start a family. "...I think I deserve that at this point in my life," said Maxwell, 37. "I think also it would probably enrich my music and...you should be a good dad and a good husband if you can." Although he says it may seem like his latest successes won't last since his album has been out nearly a year, "Maxwell":http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/37790388#37790388 says he is also planning a European tour to "mix things up." "I made a promise to music when I was a kid," Maxwell said. "And I just want to settle that score and see what else comes afterwards."