Richard Marx

Apart from his contribution to the pop-rock music industry, he is also involved in many philanthropic activities. He contributes funds for cancer patients and is active in the anti-smoking campaign..

He was born on September 16, 1963 as the only son of Ruth, a talented singer and Dick Marx, a vocal coach, composer and musician. His father is also a successful jingle writer engaged in writing commercials for television shows.

Encouraged by his parents, he learnt to play guitar and piano at a very early age. He started singing in the jingle commercials of his father, when he was just five years old.

He was educated at the North Shore Country Day School, Illinois. Lionel Richie, the famous recording artist happened to listen to the songs of 17-year Marx and was impressed by them.

After graduating from North Shore Country Day School, he moved to Los Angeles on the invitation of Lionel Richie. He was given a chance to sing in Richie’s albums.

He became a professional vocalist after graduating from North Shore Country Day School. In 1980, he started his career in Los Angeles as a backing vocalist for Lionel Richie.

His contribution as a backing vocalist in Richie’s album ‘Can't Slow Down’ earned him a considerable name in the music industry. This was followed by offers from singers like Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross and Madonna.

Apart from being a backing vocalist, he also tried his hand in writing songs. He also played a cameo role in the television movie ‘Coach of the Year’ starred by Robert Conrad.

In 1984, Kenny Rogers made a record of the songs of Richard along with those of James Ingram and Kim Carnes. The hits of the trio reached number one in the Adult Contemporary chart.

In 1987, he released his debut album, ‘Richard Marx’. The album featured four hit singles, ‘Don't Mean Nothing’, ‘Should’ve Known Better’, ‘Endless Summer Nights’ and ‘Hold On to the Nights’.

His eponymous debut album titled, ‘Richard Marx’ of 1987 became the greatest hit of the year in the U.S. The debut single ‘Don’t Mean Nothing’ reached No.1 on the Billboard's Album Rock chart.

His album ‘Rush Street’, released in 1991, earned the multiple-platinum status. The single, ‘Keep Coming Back’ from it reached No. 12 in Pop and No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart of Billboard.