October 9, 2006
Richard Marx Is Right Here Waiting For You
The Tribune caught up with local-boy-made-good Richard Marx 
and discovered that he’s -– wait for it -– just a regular guy living on the North Shore. And writing country music.
We’ve been previously dismissive of the Midwest’s answer to Billy Joel, but after perusing the list of singles on his Greatest Hits album, we discovered we could hear each song playing in the crazy radio station in our mind, merely by glancing at the title. For a period in the late 80s, the man was a pop behemoth. And "Should've Known Better" still rocks in a Top Gun-soundtrack kind of way.
If this were "Behind The Music," this would be the point in the story were Marx starts doing crank or getting ripped off by a sleazy accountant. But no. The pop audience? She is a fickle mistress. And times changed. After a couple poorly received albums, Marx concentrated on writing and producing, and he picked up a Grammy in 2004 for composing Luther Vandross’ "Dance With My Father." He also began working with country artist Keith Urban and has become a frequent collaborator with other country artists.
At this point, our dominant memories of Marx involve his rock mullet and the series of videos for “Hazard” that left us confused about what really happened to that girl who got killed. But apparently, he’s on a bit of a comeback with the reissue of his Days in Avalon album and his recent appearance on the Fox show "Celebrity Duets."
Note: A correction has been posted regarding the above. Read about it here.
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that video for hazard was creep city.
I've always like "Keep Coming Back" (with Luther Vandross on backing vocals)
james, is that you? closet marxist?
What about his dreaded permed mullet? That was the just the epitome of horrific hair.
Keep Coming Back video
(no, I'm not James)
This is James. I like "Endless Summer Nights". Totally under-appreciated.
ho! all the vids are on youtube. man, they really are worth 1.65 billion. i love all these richard marx songs!!! i was so in love with him when I was like 10.. and McGyver too.. I think they look similar. Maybe the permed mullet is "my type." :)
Did you want to bone Huey Lewis, too, Rachelle? He rocked the mullet.
Both videos on there were ones that I uploaded to YouTube! Richard is a great singer/songwriter, and the hairstyle is waaaay better now. Nice blog you have on here.
Take care and have a good one...
Sincerely,
Denise :)
yeah, endless summer nights, was my favorite, too.
i had to come check this out as i see "and did you want to bone huey lewis, too, rachelle?" hahaha.
but, don't fuck with huey lewis. or i'll hurt you.
no. i love huey lewis songs, but my parents liked them too.. ew! you don't want to bone the guy who sings the songs your parents like!
I must confess, I own most of Huey Lewis's music and a good chunk of Richard Marx tunes. Can't help it, I'm an 80's type guy... :)
Rich
Huey Lewis has it all over Richard Marx.
That out-of-print first album is glorious.
Picture This is out of print! That's a crime.
I'm listening to it RIGHT. THIS. SECOND.
somebody please--right hair waiting for you? nobody? beh.