Richard Marx Opens Up About Life, Love, And His Journey Through Music

Imagine cruising through the bustling streets of Los Angeles when suddenly, a classic Richard Marx hit fills the air. Surprisingly, it might just be Richard himself behind the wheel! The legendary singer-songwriter, who recently released his first book, Stories to Tell: A Memoir, loves the reactions he gets when his music plays unexpectedly. It's like a little musical magic happening right there on the road.

“If I’m driving with one of my kids or Daisy [Fuentes] and one of my songs comes on, we don’t hesitate to crank it up!” Richard laughs, sharing a vivid image of him at a stoplight, blasting 'Should Have Known Better' loud enough for the whole intersection to hear. "It’s hilarious when someone looks over, completely shocked, like, ‘Wait, what’s happening right now?’”

It’s taken Richard, a Grammy-winning artist with 14 No. 1 songs under his belt, a long time to fully embrace his achievements. "You know, I always felt like celebrating my success might jinx it," the 57-year-old confesses. "And honestly, I didn’t want to come off as arrogant or full of myself. It wasn’t until I met my wife, Daisy, that I gave myself permission to celebrate all the good fortune I’d had. There’s a way to do it gracefully, and I’ve learned that balance over the years."

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From Childhood Melodies to Global Hits

Did you ever doubt music would be your path?
Not for a second. Since the moment I could make a sound, I was singing. My parents noticed early on that I could carry a tune—something I definitely inherited from my mom, who was an incredible singer. The gift of creating melodies? That’s all my dad. So no, I never questioned what I was meant to do. It was always music, through and through.

Early Influences Shaping a Sound

Who inspired you growing up?
Oh, the list is long and varied: Sam Cooke, Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Carly Simon. If I had to pick one act that shaped me the most, it would be Earth, Wind & Fire. Maurice White, their lead singer, might just be my all-time favorite vocalist. His voice is pure magic, and it left an indelible mark on me.

The Transition to Fame

How did success change your life?
There’s no guidebook or TED Talk that prepares you for becoming a public figure. I was only 23 when my career took off. One day, I was blending into the crowd at a 7-Eleven, and the next, I was being followed through a mall because people had seen my video on MTV. If you’re naturally private or a bit shy, that kind of sudden fame is a major culture shock. It takes time to adjust and figure out how to navigate it.

How did you adapt to the spotlight?
It was a conscious effort. Early on, I made a commitment to myself that if someone approached me, I wanted them to leave feeling glad they did. I’ve seen some of my peers treat fans in ways that seemed disrespectful or dismissive, and it breaks my heart to witness that. I don’t ever want someone to approach me and regret it. Fans are the reason we do what we do, and I want to honor that connection.

Writing a Memoir: A Journey Worth Sharing

Why did you decide to write your memoir now?
It wasn’t something I planned from the start. About nine years ago, I began doing solo acoustic shows in small theaters, armed with just a guitar and a piano. I realized quickly that if it was just me playing songs, people could just listen to the records at home. I needed stories to share, and as I dug into my past, I found so many funny, wild, and behind-the-scenes moments that I thought, “Hey, this could be a book!” And here we are.

What will readers discover about you?
One thing I hear a lot is, “I didn’t think you’d be funny.” Well, humor is a huge part of who I am. I have a dark, sarcastic, often self-deprecating sense of humor, and laughter is essential to me. I hope that whether you’re a fan or not, people take away my deep sense of gratitude. I’m one lucky guy, and I don’t take it for granted.

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Collaborations and Future Dreams

You’ve worked with legends like Luther Vandross, Natalie Cole, Josh Groban, and Keith Urban. Is there anyone left on your wish list?
Not really. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many of my idols, and almost every experience has been fantastic. I’d still love to write a song for Rod Stewart. And a few years ago