CNN
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Maxi Jazz, the British musician best known as the lead singer of dance group Faithless, has died, according to the band.
The band announced Jazz’s passing in a Facebook post on Saturday. The singer, born Maxwell Fraser, was 65. He died peacefully in his sleep on Friday evening, according to Faithless’ Twitter.
“We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died last night,” the band wrote on their verified Facebook account. “He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave proper meaning and message to our music.
“He was also a lovely human being with time for everyone and wisdom that was both deep and accessible,” the post continues. “It was an honor and, of course, a real pleasure to work with him.”
“He was a brilliant lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, a car enthusiast, an endless talker, a beautiful person, a moral compass and a genius.”
Jazz was a longtime fan of British football club Crystal Palace and even became the team’s associate manager in 2012, according to a club statement. To honor his life, the team will be releasing to a song by Faithless on Boxing Day Monday, according to the release.
Jazz formed Faithless with bandmates Jamie Catto, Rollo and Sister Bliss in 1995. The group garnered acclaim for iconic songs like the ’90s dance anthem “Insomnia” and “God is a DJ.” They also performed four times at Britain’s Glastonbury Festival, according to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
