Max’s Story

Maxim Langstaff is a Grammy and Emmy nominated multi-media writer and storyteller whose creative and editorial work in print, TV, film, radio, and music has reached hundreds of millions of people worldwide. An author, writer, producer, and director, he is recognized for his innovative vision and exceptional versatility and reach, crafting narratives that reflect deep insight into the natural world, and our shared human experience. His new, much anticipated epic novel, IN THE RAVEN’S SHADOW has just been completed.

Both a member of The Writer’s Guild and presenter at the Breadloaf Writer’s Conference, his editorial and creative writing has been published by The New York Times, Philadelphia Enquirer, Gannett, Wildlife Conservation Magazine, Family Circle, PBS, SONY, Disney, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. His new novel IN THE RAVEN’S SHADOW is explored (above) in the exclusive interview with award winning producer and writer, Angie Staheli (Finding Patience). 

Well known for his acclaimed work with John Denver, Max wrote and produced the Wildlife Concert for both A&E and PBS in 1995, spawning the highest rated music program in cable TV history, two multi-platinum CD sets, and one of the best-selling music videos ever released by SONY, topping the Eagles, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Jackson at the time. It remains one of the best selling prime-time pledge programs in PBS history.  

The creator, writer, and executive producer for both the award winning PBS Series and companion book Soundbreaking (On Record: the Soundtrack of Our Lives), it is one of the largest multi- media documentary film and book projects ever undertaken. 

Among his many credits, he produced the multi-media Making of Sergeant Pepper with legendary producer Sir George Martin, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Phil Collins. As well, he wrote, produced, and directed the most comprehensive filmed history of the Beatles through the eyes of the one man who signed them, produced their work, and played on their recordings. 

His award winning work extends to “Best Film” at the International Wildlife Film festival for Wildlife Crisis, and the “Parents Choice Award” for The Jackfish, a collection of traditional folk songs recorded at Abbey Road Studios. 

As writer and on-air host for the radio program Off the Charts (WERU) he reached worldwide audiences through live broadcast and streaming. As well he has appeared on a number of podcasts including Neutral Position with Nick Palmisciano currently available on YouTube.

Many of the greatest pop culture icons of the 20^th century have collaborated with him on projects he has created, written, and produced including: Paul McCartney, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Brian Wilson, the Bee Gees, Elton John, Clive Davis, John Denver, Joni Mitchell, Dave Brubeck, John Prine, B.B. King, Tony Bennett, Vince Gill, Burt Bacharach, Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Herb Alpert, Steve Winwood, Frankie Vallie, Peter, Paul & Mary, Michael Tilson Thomas, Rascals, Cat Stevens, Dave Mason, Kitty Wells, Public Enemy, Gordon Lightfoot, Steve Cropper, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Earl Scruggs, Robbie Robertson, Gamble & Huff, Hans Zimmer, the Monkees, Smokey Robinson, Ringo Starr, Charlie Louvin, Lieber & Stoller, Sherman Brothers, Paul Anka, Stephen Schwartz, George Benson, Tommy James, Jack White, Glen Campbell, Boston, Roger Waters, Jimmy Jam, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Beck, Carole King, Les Paul, Imogene Heap, Dave Grohl, Vince Gill, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jean Ritchie, Run-DMC, Willie Nelson, Lamont Dozier, AMERICA, Kitty Wells, Dave Grusin, Pete Seeger, Carol Kaye, Micky Dolenz, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Phil Ramone, Oscar Brand, Al Schmitt, Robbie Krieger, Afrika Lambbatta, Rudi Van Gelder, Vera Lynn, Milt Okun, Michael Feinstein, Cowboy Jack Clement, Jim Rooney, Nancy Griffith, Buena Vista Social Club.

His wide-ranging knowledge of American popular music, the Beatles, wildlife conservation, the arts, media, and business, make him much sought after as a lecturer, teacher, and public speaker- including PBS, the University of North Carolina, the Aspen Business Association, Maine Maritime Academy, Holly Springs Cultural Center, North Carolina State University. For a number of years he has served as a judge and keynote speaker for Reflections, a national PTA Program engaging hundreds of thousands of students Pre-K grade – 12, to help them “explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.”

From a long line of published writers and authors, Max’s great uncle is the Pulitzer winning playwright, Sidney Howard, the man who wrote the script for “Gone With The Wind”. His great grandfather, author of Life’s Place in the Cosmos, A Genius in the Family, and Horseless Carriage Days was noted film pioneer/inventor, Hiram Percy Maxim, founder of the Amateur Film League. 

Co-founder and playwright-in-residence for the National Youth Theater at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Max is a graduate of the Putney School, Connecticut College, the National Theater Institute, and the Breadloaf Writers Conference. He has served on the boards of Northeast Film, A.E. Howell Wildlife Refuge and Rehabilitation Center, the Deertrees Foundation, Millenia Music, and Revels Inc. 

Working with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Max helped lead the largest fundraising effort ever undertaken for wildlife conservation, seeding the first integrated global conservation initiative to save Tigers.

On any given day you will likely find him on a wilderness river or mountain trail. A three-time Boston Marathoner, he currently lives in North Carolina with his wife and dog.