80s LEGEND On Creating THIS #1 Hit In Only MINUTES | Professor of Rock

One of the biggest artists of the late 80s Who’s first 7 singles reached the top 5 and debut album was triple platinum, Richard Marx tells the hilarious story behind his biggest hit and one of the most popular love song of all time, Right Here Waiting which went to #1 in 1989 from his 4X platinum album Repeat Offender. It’s a song that every 80s kids knows by heart and can likely play on the piano.
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​#80s #Rock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to become an Honorary Producer.
With Valentines Day around the corner we are going to be featuring several of the biggest love songs of the 80s directly from the artist who wrote or performed them. Everyone loves a great song story. at least I do. Some of the greatest songs of all time were written in less than an hour, some took years to coalesce. Some were inspired by life changing events and some just fell out of the sky where the artist just felt like a vessel. So many unique stories.
Of the many hundreds of interviews I’ve done and the thousands of songs I’ve been fortunate to hear first hand the story of, this one is a favorite. That’s another thing about doing interviews.. Sometimes you interview an artist and they blow you away with how funny and charasmatic and wise they are. So this is a little bit of both. Great song story and a great interviewee.
Richard Marx is truly on of the funniest guys in the industry. He’s also very smart in the way he sees the industry that he’s successfully maneuvered. His self titled debut album sold 3 million copies on the strength of several of 1987 and 1988’s biggest hits including Don’t Mean Nothing a #3 on the pop charts and #1 on the rock charts was a scathing look at the greed inside the music business. Joe Walsh of the Eagles played the slide guitar and Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmitt who have both been in the band at different times sang the background vocals, and really does sound like the song could’ve been on side B of the Eagles album the long run.
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It was nominated for best Rock Vocal at the grammy’s that year. Next was Should’ve Known Better. Another classic from that year that also went to #3 on the Hot 100, His next single Endless Summer Nights went all the way to #2 in early `1988 and was an example of Marx’s perseverance as the song was recorded years before and rejected by many labels in 85 and 86. Richard Marx was born the son of Dick Mark a jazz musician and founder of a jingle company and his mother a former singer. Richard started young. At 5 years old he was singing jingles for his father's company; some of the companies he sang for were Arm and Hammer, and Nestle Crunch.
At 17 a demo tape of his songs somehow got the attention of Lionel Richie . Lionel thought Marx had something and told him he should come to LA. Marx sang background vocals for some of the best talent in the music business. He also co wrote with many artists including the late Kenny Rogers. the two wrote Kenny’s #1 country hit Crazy in 83 when Marx was just 19 but Marx wanted to record his own music as an artist. He kept pushing even when some in the business told him he would never make it. Man did he ever.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is a 70s or 80s Ballad that takes you back to either the school dances or the roller skating rink every time you hear it?

[@RBS_]

"....If you leeeeave me NOOWW, you takeawaythebiggest, PAART of meeeee..." ...ha-HAAA!! ...I was a roustabout, could not EVEN bother with the School Dances, I'm too busy spikin' the PUNCH! ...HA-HAAA!!

[@alliswede42]

Time After Time, Cyndi Lauper

[@edryba4867]

@@RBS_ If you were on MY crew, I would have FIRED YOU RIGHT THERE ON THE SPOT! My rule was simple: FINISH THE GIG FIRST! Then we’ll ALL go out and get HAMMERED!!!

[@stephenbrown4211]

I remember dancing with a college lecturer to Lady by Kenny Rogers. Takes me back when I hear it

[@TheSlowoldman]

You and I by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle was my high school prom theme song and my wedding song when I married my high school sweetheart.

[@alliswede42]

He is hilarious-one of my all time favorite tweets was from him: "Went to the dentist today. My teeth are fine. I just wanted to hear some of my songs."

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's got a great sense of humor. Thanks Allison.

[@tammyblackwell499]

That's hilarious!🤘

[@robertcronin6603]

Lol! I like him more for not taking himself too seriously - it's a difficult thing to do for most famous talented people.

[@Obamafan6861]

Brilliant.

[@Obamafan6861]

His social media presence is pretty on-point.

[@bigtimefirebreather214]

For me Richard Marx is one of those sneaky artists. I never realize how many hits he has had until they're listed somewhere. Man that guy was a hit making machine!

[@BaddogSports]

Richard Marx is an absolute LEGEND! He’s, easily, one of my all time favorite artists! I swear he never released a bad song! What an amazing voice!

[@mournblade1066]

"Waiting for a Girl Like You" is probably my favorite so-called "love song." It is absolutely gorgeous.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. Guess what? Lou Gramm is going to be one of our Professor of Rock Live guests! I'm very excited.

[@fifthof1795]

It is a fabulous song.

[@davidpalay361]

I want to know what love is is the best love song ever written

[@jamierodriguez3554]

Agreed, still touches me deeply

[@grimlock1211]

. I don't want to live without you is best

[@bradmahoney371]

In a different time, your show would have been one of the best weekly shows on the television. POR is the most comprehensive and intriguing interview show on the internet. It is the rock music equivalent of Neil deGrasse Tyson's podcasts, featuring great information with a depth of knowledge not found anywhere else. Your work is of the highest quality to be found. Thank you for your passion and dedication.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow. Thanks for making my day! I appreciate your support!

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I agree ABSOLUTELY!

[@johnnymartin49]

As Smokey would say"I second that emotion". 😎

[@wingman5985]

Absolutely correct. In a world so lacking in quality entertainment. Thanks Professor. Keep up the good work.

[@tammyblackwell499]

Agreed!! Been sharing your work with friends and they now are subscribers! We love your content! You have a depth of knowledge, an enviable depth of knowledge and we appreciate that you share this with us! Thank you! 🤘❤️

[@JamesRWaddell]

Richard Marx and his "Repeat Offender" album saved my life. I was swept away from my life in Oak Harbor, Washington and my beloved friends at 14 years old. We were transferred to Philadelphia by the Navy and it was a tough adjustment. I held back and kept myself from making friends because I couldn't imagine saying goodbye again and having a broken heart again. We were home schooled and I started working that year as a cart pusher and bag boy at the commissary on base. During my spare time I would walk along the sidewalk that winded along the Deleware River. I would arm myself with my Walkman and cassette copy of "Repeat Offender". I could identify with so much of the sadness, the defiance, the angst, and the beauty found in his songs. As a young adult a roommate quipped that hearing Richard Marx from my room was a sign that I was feeling sad, maybe depressed, and it made her want to reach out. By my twenties I wasn't that lost and lonesome teenager any longer, but Richard's music did often fit my mood because adulthood brought an entirely different set of issues that I found were minimized and brought into perspective against the song, "Angelina" or "Wait for the Sunrise". Personally, "Right Here Waiting" was not my favorite. It's pitch is so very high and beyond my ability to sing along with, at least not with any comfort by me. I had to be an octave bellow him and the sweet, delicate feeling he displayed was muddied and heavy an octave bellow. A few key signatures away from the original and I did find it enjoyable to play on the piano and sing along with, however, the key change caused a different feel and mood to be exposed. Suddenly, the ballad became a straightforward, plodding, middle-of-the-road rock song with less desire to rekindle the romance and more melancholy arms-lengthening and an aloofness about it. A version and concept I, as an artist, feel more authenticly than the hopeless romanticism and the trying-so-hardness of the original song. It wasn't until a few years ago when Richard played a cameo/charicature version of himself on a sitcom, which I can't remember the name. He was playing ambient music at a restaurant and I'm unsure of why, but suddenly I was a bucket of tears listening to him play and sing. No significant romances or affairs had come and gone recently, I can only guess it was nostalgia or the realization that ever since I was 13, at that point 44, I was still right here waiting for whomever...maybe there is a lid for every pot, a soulmate for each of us, we must not be ready, when we no longer look for love, when it's meant to be...I think I've learned all these years that maybe love will find each one of us in it's own time, and we each get the love that our heart and soul needs maybe not how and when we want it, maybe that's horaeshit and sometimes people live an entire life never finding the one, falling in love, experiencing the magic of romance, maybe that is a part of life some people find always beyond and out of reach. So hearing Richard sing, still sing, about waiting right here, rings deeply sad and too familiar now that I'm 48 years old. The rest of Richard's music maintains the moodiness, the melancholy, the loves that fell apart, the mistakes, the misses were left with after thinking we have an initial hit. The songs like "Keep Coming Back" serve as sweet reminders to keep looking, keep an open heart, keep the faith that I may be old when love comes to me, but to live like it might not come and that's ok, instead of waiting in vain missing out on the world around me. I love the universe for blessing my life with Richard Marx. Every album has brought me something new and necessary. His older songs like, "Should Have Known Better", found its way into one of my recently written songs in an interpolation. Almost 35 years later and I'm still learning love and life lessons from Richard and his songs. Thanks for doing an episode honoring this important artist who has been so important to my musical education, my development and an influence as and to my artistry, an artist who's songs shaped my love life and whose songs ministered to my broken heart, the deep cuts, and the kiss-offs I've lived through because I didn't let my inner hopeless romantic give up. Love you Richard Marx. Link to my song in which "Should've Known Better" speaks to the character in the song I wrote. Inspiration and magic can be found if the artist is open to being a vessel for the muses and willing to tell the story being given to them instead of letting ego and stubborn-will get in our own way. Enjoy kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH6ooopriphgr6c

[@czluver4338]

Richard Marx IS the 80's for me. My high school sweetheart and I saw him in concert at Six Fags in Ft. Lauderdale in 88 and that's what I flash back to. The slow dancing, the kissing to his music. Life was so simple then. I don't think you ever get completely over your first love because of the innocence the memories carry with them. Amazing times; amazing songs.

[@derekcheatham1911]

Speaking as a metalhead from the 80's, if Richard Marx comes on the radio the volume goes up! Undeniably talented singer songwriter.

[@MsGoon40]

He wrote with Vixen.

[@lucyfuir6386]

Love me some richard marx

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Same, by the late 80s I was into alternative Rock (Pixies, Sonic Youth and the likes) but Marx is cool

[@cliffendicott7832]

I was 17 when Richard's first album came out - I remember watching "Don't Mean Nothing" premier on MTV. I couldn't get over how smooth this guy's voice was and I wore out that first album when I bought the cassette AND LP. When Repeat Offender came out I loved it (but not quite as much as his debut album) but on first hearing "Right Here Waiting" you couldn't deny it was an all time classic. I saw Marx in concert that summer (1989) with Wilson Phillips as his opening act (a little group that I still think was better than anyone gives them credit for). I still have the program in a bottom drawer somewhere.

[@Cicilo1983]

Wilson Phillips recorded one of the BEST debut albums ever. Their jusic and lyrics are really heartfelt, and those harmonies are simply incredible. Professor of Rock, please interview them !

[@robynanthony1612]

The song of his, that I really liked, was “Hazard”.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

@Robyn Anthony I LOVE this song. One my favorites of his.

[@CoachTabe]

Yes! Such an incredible song.

[@yourajudication]

Hazard was and still is amazing.

[@davidpearson6785]

Was gonna write exactly that, hazard is a great song

[@Begining2013]

I'm aged 50 and my son is 15. I excitedly told him about this great music guy that I subbed to on KZbin and my son laughed when I said it was Professor Of Rock because he was already subbed and told me he listened to every episode. Your channel is so informative and engaging for young and old alike.

[@davidinark]

I was in college when "Right Here Waiting" came out and was about to leave the girl I was dating for home halfway across the US for the summer. This became one of "our songs," as these types of songs often do with couples. We eventually went our own ways. Of course we met new loves. I am happily married for more than 30 years to my beautiful, amazing wife. But, when "Right Here Waiting" comes on, I am instantly transported in my mind and heart back to those college days and the times of hope and promises of a young love's endurance, ripped apart by distance and time. The fading hope and unfulfilled promises of a wild and intense college love brings a teariness to my eyes as my mind's eye floats along the breezes of wistful nostalgia. This is the power of music. And, this is the power of the message you bring with each of your videos, POR. You help us remember and give us the backstory. You make us smile, laugh out loud, and shed a tear. Keep doing what you're doing. You are healing hearts and keeping memories alive in us "old fogeys" as we grow further and further away from those bygone youthful days of our 70's and 80's childhoods.

[@MossTheBoss]

Two things: 1. The Fee Waybill story in the studio is hilarious. I can actually picture Fee responding exactly how Richard describes it 2. I definitely need to hear Richard's angry metal song

[@SD9Driver]

Love The Tubes 😎

[@serendipityshopnyc]

The 30th anniversary video of this song, with bits cut in from his performances of it over the whole course of those three decades, is a must-see for anyone who loves the song--and the yearningly patient lyrics work beautifully with the images of his time passing.

[@MakeLifeExtraordinary]

I was lucky enough to see a show of his up in Harrisburg PA in this tiny little room attached to the museum, where there was no more than 100 to 150 people and I was sitting up front. It was him and the guy from Vertical Horizon doing an acoustic thing and it was the most intimate incredible show of an international performer you could ever see. Definitely the best concert I ever saw because it was personal. He was 2 feet away from me and everybody else in the first few rows. Probably sang for 2+ hours, all of his hits and sit around and kid around with the crowd, answer questions.. Almost like a VH1 storytellers session. I’ll never forget that. Because it’s not many artists would do so like that in the possession they were in like him. That was probably 2004 or 2005. Could’ve been 2003. I don’t remember. He would probably know better than me. But I thank you, Richard, for doing that. You are truly one of my favorite songwriters of all time and inspiration for my own music.

[@jenniferstadwick2155]

Nah. Not probably would have known better. He SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER.😜

[@stephenhanft1226]

Love Richard Marx music. He is a great singer-songwriter who emerged in the late 80s. He is very versatile. He can do great, fast, rock songs to slow, romantic ballads. He's definitely one of the best.

[@timothypatrickmurphy7118]

I remember the first time I heard the song on the radio in my car. Mind blowing really. Richard is so multi talented. Endless Summer Nights is another one. I remember the first time I heard that song...Rarely do songs impact you in such a way. They did for me, along with All You Need is Love in 1967 on a beach in Oceanside, CA. That’s pretty fair Company Richard! Also, I knew Cynthia before they met. We met at Carlos and Charlie’s on Sunset Blvd. One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met! Great Interview as always, but this one was really Special for me! Thank you!!! 😊

[@AffordableEscapesShreveport]

Richard Marx! O HELL YESSSS!!!! And "It Don't Mean Nothin" if you don't see him LIVE! He's still one of my guilty pleasures! He's on tour NOW- so ck out a gig!

[@leonwickramage2465]

Dear God, this takes me back. This song was played during my senior year semi-formal (just 3 decades after the song hit #1...and keep in mind, I'm a 2000s baby. Also, it's a favorite of my dad, who was around my age when the song came out). I had been longing to ask my crush for a dance that evening, and it was miraculous that this song (one of my all-time favorite love songs) happened to be the "slow- dance song". I asked her, and she excitedly accepted. Those three minutes were beyond magical, and that feeling can't be put into words; slow dancing to the song's simmering gentleness and Marx's understated, yet reaffirming croon.

[@janet4498]

I love how Richard Marx mixes things up on his albums. The Repeat Offender album kicked off with the up-tempo-rocker "Satisfied" and shifted the mood with "Right Here Waiting" and made you think with songs like "Children of the Night" (a song that really affected me as a kid when I heard it).

[@ProfessorofRock]

Children of the Night did the same to me. Great insight Janet!

[@veddyveddygood]

It's just a great pop/rock album. I could listen to it cover to cover.

[@vampyr69]

It's amazing how the simplest of songs have so much power. John Lennon was a complex musical genius, but his biggest and most memorable song is 2 simple chords, also written in C, Imagine.

[@miguelteixeira4134]

well... i was never much of a fan of his music, but i'm a fan of him now! guys is very well spoken, smart and very funny to listen to.

[@tcaabr]

I'm sorry for the long post, but the background context is important...In November of 2013, a huge tornado hit Washington, IL. STYX and REO SPEEDWAGON, along with RICHARD MARX, TED NUGENT, LARRY THE CABLE GUY, SURVIVOR, HEAD EAST and BRUSHVILLE put on a benefit concert. "Rock To The Rescue" raised $400,783. This completely sold-out show, at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, raised funds for central Illinois communities that were affected by the storm. Many of the acts were rocking & rolling, and the crowd was going wild jamming to the hits. Then soft spoken Richard Marx comes on, and I'm thinking, what's this guy doing here ruining the buzz. Let me tell you something: he started playing that piano riff and the whole place goes NUTS!!!!! And everyone is SCREAMING the lyrics to this love song so loud you could hardly hear him at all. He went played a couple of his other #1 hits and all the bikers/farmers/country folk are just eating it up. He was terrific!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Richard Marx!!

[@debbeborders5762]

Great interview with Richard Marx. He has more songs in my favorites than I realized.

[@WARRENBUFETT]

I was brought to tears from 13:53 to the end of the video: His words, "And I'm thinking, wow the power of this song just..."

[@RJRonquillo]

I highly recommend his Stories To Tell memoir. So many great stories.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a good book.

[@matondo0]

Talking about best song stories always takes me to imo the best song story El Paso by Marty Robbins. My grandfather loved that song and everytime I listen to it it reminds me of him. Love for you to profile it.

[@charleyanne]

RM is a beautiful man. Soul, heart & brain. I've seen him many times & met him after one of the concerts. Very great conversationalist. I can't believe you were able to get an interview with him, but then again, it's you!!! Adam, *THE Professor of Rock* !!! *Angelina* is another beautiful song.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

Right here waiting is up there with Journey's Faithfully at the top of the list of my favorite songs of all time. I love all of Richard Marx's classic songs from the 80s and 90s and would love to hear more from your interview with him.

[@russellrobinson4888]

The great irony of this song and my life blows me away. I left my long time lover and wife the day before Valentines day 2022. We had so many discussions about it and when I got to the airport, I messaged her the link to this song. We have both been fans of Richard Marx for many years. Irony number 2, I live in SOuth Africa. Richard Marx, if you ever read this comment, man, you KNOW our government sucks. How they could possibly believe you were going to instigate an uprising or insurrection just shows how dumb and insecure they really are. I love this song and Endless summer nights now reduces me to tears given the parting of our ways.

[@markguertin210]

Cool background story about that song. One thing about Richard Marx is he has like a zero filter ! He thinks it,he says it. Very refreshing ! Thanks for sharing!

[@kwirishman]

I’ve said it before the most underrated artist ever. I love Tequila talk. His episodes of beaching got me through this damn Covid.

[@scottburton9701]

Richard is an engaging conversationalist-Great interview,Prof!

[@luisaisenberg5832]

"Stories to tell" is awesome...It has become one of my favourite books, and have already gifted two to my dear ones... Relatable, endearing, mesmerising...A triumph !!! 🏆

[@sahangunawardana4859]

"Break these chains around my heart" is one of my favourites .

[@nathanielnicholson559]

Richard Marx took a long time to get any good attention from me. In the time of boy bands and teen girl fans this quiet fan of punk, goth and mostly left of the dial music fully scorned what I saw and heard from Marx, mostly by association. Now he's one of the top 5 people I'd love to hang with. Although I don't own any of his stuff he and his music get my full respect. And what a raw and hilarious dude!

[@markhunger6129]

Love watching your show! That is a great song. It’s amazing how song writers have a song come to them out of the blue, then they think it’s never going to amount to anything then it becomes there biggest hit and a timeless classic. Love the tee shirt too!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Mark!

[@gregm8522]

Richard Marx is an undeniable friggin musical genius.

[@FiatLuxSayRelax]

Richard Marx, what can I say! Amazing and funny guy, hehe. This guy has an exceptional touch when it comes to music. Many thanks to Lionel Ritchie for spotting his potential.

[@myrnaloy3731]

Crimson and Clover… Tommy James & the Shondelles (technically 1968) brings me right back to Jr High school dances every time I hear it.

[@jamiefarrell8646]

I'm from Glasgow, Scotland... Love your stuff Professor What a voice Richard Marx has.. Best love songs ???? You've lost that lovin feelin' Righteous Brothers First time ever I saw your face.. Roberta Flack Can't be with you tonight Judy Boucher Think Twice Celine Dion You better move on The Rolling Stones The Sun aint gonna shine anymore.. Walker Brothers... Lucky Stars.. Dean Friedman.. And my all time favourite.. The Power Of Love by Jennifer Rush... Only a few but all classics..

[@arceneaux777]

Worked a show with him - you are right, SUPER funny cat. And has he told GREAT stories, and songs, I forgot how many great songs he wrote.

[@TheSlowoldman]

Richard Marx was one of my favorite artists of the 80's, I had quite a few across many genres. Honestly that is what is SO great about 80's music, you could find fantastic songs in every genre even though you might not have admitted to your friends (who were genre snobs and we were still teenagers......) that you actually like them... I'll give you my example..... I liked Debbie Gibson and Black Flag, Agent Orange, X ...... although I'd never admit it to my punk/skate buddies.....

[@mikemcgown6362]

I can relate to that! My friends were all Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden fans, but I liked Foreigner and Journey. I knew every Billy Joel song. Admitting that would make me an outcast.

[@vickiquade1471]

My favorite of all songs is "Right Here Waiting" - I am not a child of the 80's but I love music and sing and this song is where I found out my voice was worth listening to. It is a mesmerizing tune that makes you close your eyes and see the story it is telling. This is why it is such a big hit. Too bad the music industry doesn't pay as much as the music gives our hearts.

[@bluedragon4]

I was 15 or 16 when this song came out. It was all over MTV and the radio. Such a great song, loved singing it in the car when it came on. I was living in Cleveland at the time and I won tickets off the radio to some concert he was doing in a room or something. I honestly don't remember much. I can't even remember where it was. He sang a few songs for a small crowd. Still a favorite of mine.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

I think this song was played at every school or church dance I ever went to. It still pulls at the old heart strings. Just a beautiful, timeless song.

[@DWINC]

Great song, great artist. His audio book is great as well.

[@ericbgordon1575]

I love Richard's ballads, including both this one and "Hold On to the Nights". A moment that I chuckle about to myself is when I used to hear the Delilah show on the radio and it once included a mash-up of "Right Here Waiting" with a song Richard collaborated on with Luther Vandross, "Dance with my Father". All the same, I think people paint Richard unfairly as an adult contemporary musician because of those ballads. My favorite album of his is the follow-up to *Repeat Offender, Rush Street* from '91. I always thought the first 2 songs on that particular album (along with several others) were such heavy scorchers that they would not only make the heavy rockers on his first 2 records blush but also compete easily with tracks from Aerosmith, Van Halen, Guns N Roses and their contemporaries.

[@aprilsongstress]

Repeat Offender was the first album I bought on the day it came out. I remember talking about it with my English teacher the next day at school. A former musician (bass player) himself, he had never bought an album on release day before. I've seen Richard Marx a bunch of times, even once with my daughter.

[@katherinewelling6026]

My absolute favourite singer/ songwriter from the 80s. Saw him in concert in 2018. Funny as! And man, he can still sing. Got his book. Fantastic storyteller. Thanks for sharing this. Let be me some Richard Marx. 👍🏻

[@melissadibacco8937]

This is one of those songs that when I'm flipping through Sirius and I hear it, I have to stop and sing along. It's one of my favorite songs. And lets be real for a second, can we just admit how amazing this man has aged? :) I love his sense of humor and that he doesn't take himself too seriously either.

[@bokesnmokes]

This was when I was in the Navy, I had pretty much forgotten about this guy. Thanks!

[@gokhanersan8561]

That’s the one song I can play on the piano. It is simple but powerful. And boy, is this Richard Marx dude, a class act or what !

[@mikewood8561]

Stairway to heaven. Every school dance ended the night with it.

[@AaronzDad]

I agree, hearing the story behind the song is always fascinating. Sometimes it almost ruins the song when the inspiration isn't at all what you think, but often it deepens the meaning and impact of the message in the lyrics. This is definitely one of the latter. Great stuff Prof. Keep Rockin'.

[@SunShine-qk4rb]

Been a Fan of Richards for a long time. This is the first song I remember hearing from him

[@LeeLee-sk2wf]

I have seen RM every time he has visited Australia. His voice is amazing live to this day. I just wish he would use Cynthia’s name. Love that he was covered by you Prof. He is an artist some people have no respect for despite his enormous catalogue of songs. Thanks 🙏

[@fluidikons]

I've got one for the school dance countdown. It's the first song I ever dance to with a girl. A Catholic middle school dance, awkward sexual tensions abound. The song: Never Surrender by Corey Hart. It took a good 1/3 of the way through the song before the first kid got up the nerve to ask a girl to dance. Then it picked up until there were only a few that weren't dancing and I was one of them. So I finally said oh what the hell and asked Kim to dance. Years later she was the principal! Later in the dance I was happier to show off my break dancing skills with my 3 buds. Haha

[@perkins1439]

Making a hits one thing but making a worldwide hit that's another

[@shinyoneincarnate5565]

Dick Marx was the guy who started the jingle business with a 4 track recorder. He would record a sync tone on track 1. Track 2 would be left blank, while track 3 would have the audio. This left track 4 for the music. Both his son Richard & Barry Manilow worked for Dick at the same time doing jingles for McDonalds, Gravy Train, Colgate, & others. ALL the other jingle houses in Chicago, at one time worked for Dick Marx. New York was known for Jazz, LA for Rock, Nashville Country, but Chicago was the Jingle KING!

[@eddiecarter9831]

I've been a fan of Richard Marx's music since watching the video for "Don't Mean Nothing." I went out and bought the album on that song alone. Jude Cole was another guy with a similar music style that I expected to hear more from. I worked as a disc jockey at a small local AM station, and we played Marx's music a lot. Repeat Offender was every bit as good as his debut. Great songwriter and storyteller.

[@JasonSavorn]

Come on Adam… Valentine’s Day can never be complete without the Queen 👑 of love ❤️ and passion, Sade.

[@AWalkOnDirt]

Right Here Waiting was on the radio as I lift for Desert Storm as a marine. One of the few times I emotionally broke leaving wife for a year. Richard is active in twitter and a good follow.

[@briankulesz9410]

Semper Fi. The last song I heard before shipping off to the same was U2's With or Without You. I flew out of 29 Palms. Irony....

[@AWalkOnDirt]

@@briankulesz9410 I was in 29 palms as well! You were a part of Task Force Ripper? I was with 7th marines

[@briankulesz9410]

@@AWalkOnDirt I was with the 10th Marines (artillery) at Lejeune, then mainland Japan (lucky me) at Atsugi then (I think, it's been a long time) 9th Communications Battalion at Pendleton. I flew out of 29 Palms for Desert Storm/Shield and did desert training there for 2 weeks while with the 10th Marines. Never stationed at 29 Stumps. :)

[@larrydafox]

Love Richard Marx. Great show.

[@scottstalcup6980]

Hasn't aged since I was 14. String of hits as an artist and a songwriter. World record holder. Married not ONE, but TWO goddesses. Witty AF. It may be spelled "Richard Marx," but it's pronounced "absolute legend."

[@BJ-Karaoke]

Love The Partridge Family album in the back. Great album.

[@chocolatecharlie1976]

Gawd I love this channel! Thank you again!

[@RowanWarren78]

As soon as he said that kids learned to play it on piano, I immediately knew what it was. Every dang kid in my music class would play that.

[@robertcronin6603]

Richard was able to tap deeply into the human condition - it was the perfect aligning of life circumstances channeled through the artistic expression of music that makes the tune so well recieved... I was a metalhead when this song came out so needless to say it wasn't one of my favorites but now that I'm a bit older I appreciate it in a different way 🔥

[@djm4457]

What a great interview! As always.

[@heyman1012]

Back in ‘89-90 i was in the US Navy and hanging out at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tokyo. Walked up to the barn to get a drink. Sitting at the bar Richard Marx. He was so cool and nice asked me about the Navy , very cool … he was chilling in some anonymity being in Japan. Very cool dude .

[@joefillicetti1165]

Where was your table you bring to every interview?? Richard is a unbelievable talent and funny guy!

[@kimberlyridenour8003]

Another talented artist from the 80s with music that stood the test of time. I doubt we will be remembering any of what is out right now in 30 years.

[@deejin25]

There is so much good new music you must be actively tuning it out. You've become the epitome of if it's too loud you're too old.

[@kimberlyridenour8003]

@@deejin25 Really no need reason to be rude to me. My comment is my opinion.

[@Faltor895]

​@@deejin25Name one good song.

[@Trucker1970]

my favorite video of yours (so far) great interview!

[@BillGraper]

I remember hearing this song on the radio in early 1989, thinking it was his next single. Then I found out it was just a teaser. I had to wait for "Satisfied" to go on its chart run. It hit #1. THEN "Right Here Waiting" came out & hit #1. It was the ultimate ballad in its time. It's still one of my favorites!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Two Number ones on opposite sides of the spectrum. A rocker and a ballad. The guy really had it down at his peak.

[@BillGraper]

@@ProfessorofRock Most definitely!

[@deanrobert9953]

May have seen bits of this interview before. Great to learn about Richard Marx as I didn't give him a fair shake back in the day. Now with that connection made, quickly added a few of his songs to my Liked Songs playlist... help add to his 32 cents...

[@OG_Wakanobi]

I wish you could get an interview with Peter Gabriel.

[@terryguire1321]

Would love to hear Richard talk about "Hazard". What a haunting song!

[@soonerwest]

Love that song

[@lastguyminn2324]

Yeah, I would love to hear what inspired that haunting song

[@saalibjonesfer9079]

wow...this brought back a ton of memories...thanks for doing this one!

[@Stewartr56]

Saw Him do a solo acoustic show pre covid.. one of my fav shows I have ever been to. Would definitely go see him again!..

[@susieuramoto7491]

Stellar interview, as always Professor. 🥰

[@coolcat6303]

Hard to believe that, at first, he didn't think "Right Here Waiting" & "Hazard" were good enough songs to record. It makes me wonder how many other great songs he either threw away or recorded a demo for & then kept in the vaults. Hoping that he releases a box set someday.

[@markw5805]

Just remembered I saw Richard Marx in concert but don’t remember when it was, but definitely during (right here waiting)

[@cwize]

I love that you mentioned the similarity of the Richard Marx album and Eagles - I used to mix “It don’t Mean Nothin” into “ The Long Run” so that as the 2nd chorus of Marx ended, the first verse of Eagles came in. They are pretty much the same song. Same tempo, same key. Man, I used to have a,lot of fun with stuff like that…

[@paulas2218]

I love his music! This is just one of many that I love.

[@godlyvegan6688]

My favorite singer ever RICHARD MARX

[@andybovee827]

I definitely love Richards work. Another love song that I like, and I'm not sure if anyone else does, is Masterpiece by Atlantic Starr.

[@fivestring65ify]

Hold on to the night, is my favorite.

[@muthergoose4084]

This song breaks back memories of heart ache and sorrow. Ah to be young and stupid. What a fool I was. Still love this song!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Great interview Playboy !👍 As usual!

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Some of my favorite love songs are: When a man loves a woman, As, Love of my life by Freddie, Let's Stay Together and Here There and Everywhere. But the very best one is by the Climax Blues Band called I LOVE YOU. "If ever a man had it all, it would have to be me....." So true.

[@delete.102]

I forgot how big he was and how great his songs were

[@stephenbrown4211]

Saw Richard support Stevie Nicks at Wembley in 89. Thought he was going to be all soppy ballads. Boy was I wrong. He rocked! Would give some Metal bands a run for their money

[@darrenweight5972]

It kind of seems like Richard is a little bitter and jaded... so sad. I’m sure there’s a good (or many) stories behind that but... I saw him the first time in Salt Lake City at the 4th of July mega show at the U of U where he was the headliner. I think I was 17-ish. - 1988 or 1989? My GF loved it and somehow we ended up in the catwalks above and behind the stage. Come to think of it, I’m not sure how we pulled that off. Huh.... Anyway it was a magical night and he was the soundtrack to it all. Thank you Adam for doing what you do and keeping the music alive!

[@sreshtha22]

My all time fav artist. Completely enjoyed the interview! Not sure I every heard all those details though I knew the general story. Thank you for this!

[@MountainMan.]

I could've listened to you and Richard for another hour. I didn't want this to end. Very engaging.

[@SeanMcmillan-jc6te]

A childhood fav

[@TeXXicJA]

Richard Marx, *sigh* 🥰😍 Such an amazing songwriter. I didn't know he cowrote Crazy. I knew about This I Promise You, Surrender to Me and a few others. Such a talented artist. I am forever a fan

[@rward1904]

Great reviews, all songs are clear and the words are learn able.