Richard Marx, a name many know from his own chart-topping hits like "Right Here Waiting" and "Hazard," is also a prolific songwriter behind the scenes. It's almost incredible how many popular tunes he's helped create for other talented artists. His ability to craft catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics extends far beyond his own vocal performances, making him a true force in the music world.

For those who grew up listening to the radio in the 80s and 90s, Richard Marx's voice was a constant companion. Yet, his influence reaches much further than his solo career. Many people wonder, and quite often ask, just who has Richard Marx written songs for, as his collaborative efforts are quite extensive. It's a fascinating aspect of his career that often gets less attention than his own iconic songs, but it's very much worth exploring.

Understanding his contributions to other artists' catalogs gives us a fuller picture of his musical genius. It shows a versatility and a keen ear for what makes a song resonate with listeners, no matter who is singing it. So, let's take a closer look at the impressive list of musicians who have benefited from his songwriting touch, as of early 2024, because his work keeps on giving.

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Table of Contents

• Richard Marx: A Brief Look at His Journey
• Pop and Adult Contemporary Collaborations
• Venturing into Country Music
• Other Notable Songwriting Contributions
• The Versatility of a Songsmith
• Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Marx's Songwriting

Richard Marx: A Brief Look at His Journey

Richard Marx came onto the music scene with a distinct sound, blending pop, rock, and adult contemporary elements. Born into a musical family, his path seemed set from the beginning. His father, Dick Marx, was a well-known jingle writer and composer, and his mother, Ruth Marx, was a singer. This background, you know, surely played a big part in shaping his own musical abilities.

He started his career writing for others even before finding fame as a performer. This early experience gave him a solid foundation in the craft of songwriting, something that would serve him well throughout his long career. It's actually quite common for artists to start this way, building their skills behind the scenes.

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Pop and Adult Contemporary Collaborations

Richard Marx has lent his songwriting skills to many artists within the pop and adult contemporary genres. These collaborations often resulted in major hits, showing his knack for crafting songs that resonate widely. He has a way of finding the core emotion in a piece, which is very much a part of what makes a song truly connect with people.

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Josh Groban

One of Richard Marx's most significant songwriting achievements for another artist is "To Where You Are," recorded by Josh Groban. This beautiful ballad became a signature song for Groban, showcasing his powerful voice and emotional delivery. Marx co-wrote it with Linda Thompson, and it appeared on Groban's self-titled debut album in 2001. It's a song that, in a way, feels timeless, which is a mark of good songwriting.

The song's success helped establish Groban as a major new voice in the adult contemporary world. Its sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics are classic Marx, tailored perfectly for Groban's vocal range. It's a really good example of how a songwriter can help shape an artist's identity.

Luther Vandross

Perhaps one of the most celebrated songs Richard Marx co-wrote is "Dance with My Father" for Luther Vandross. This incredibly moving song, released in 2003, won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. It's a deeply personal and emotional tribute from Vandross to his late father, and Marx helped bring that feeling to life through the music and lyrics. The song, you know, touches so many hearts because of its raw honesty.

The collaboration came about after Vandross heard a demo of the song and was deeply moved by it. He then worked with Marx to make it his own, resulting in a truly unforgettable piece of music. This song, in fact, stands as a testament to the power of a well-crafted story in music.

Barbra Streisand

Richard Marx also contributed to the legendary Barbra Streisand's catalog. He co-wrote "If You Ever Leave Me" for her 1999 album "A Love Like Ours," which featured Vince Gill. This collaboration brought together two iconic voices on a song that, quite simply, feels grand and romantic. It shows Marx's ability to write for different vocal styles and emotional depths, which is a very impressive skill.

Working with an artist of Streisand's stature is a big deal for any songwriter, and it speaks volumes about Marx's reputation within the industry. The song itself is a classic adult contemporary ballad, fitting perfectly into Streisand's repertoire.

Michael Bolton

Another powerful vocalist, Michael Bolton, has also recorded a song co-written by Richard Marx. "When a Man Loves a Woman," a classic hit for Percy Sledge, was famously covered by Bolton. Marx co-wrote "When I'm Back on My Feet Again" for Bolton's 1991 album "Time, Love & Tenderness." This song, too, showcases Bolton's powerful voice and Marx's ability to create a soaring melody. It's a good example of his continued presence on the adult contemporary charts.

This track became a popular single for Bolton, further cementing his status as a balladeer. The song's structure and emotional arc are very much in line with the kind of powerful, heartfelt songs both artists are known for.

N'Sync

Stepping into the pop boy band world, Richard Marx co-wrote "This I Promise You" for N'Sync's 2000 album "No Strings Attached." This romantic ballad became a massive hit for the group, a favorite at weddings and proms everywhere. It's actually quite interesting to see him contribute to such a different style of music, yet still achieve success. This song, you know, truly helped define a moment for the group.

The song's widespread appeal demonstrates Marx's ability to craft a pop hit that transcends specific genres or artist styles. It's a testament to his understanding of universal themes in music, something that is, quite honestly, a talent many songwriters wish they had.

Sarah Brightman

The renowned soprano Sarah Brightman recorded "The Phantom of the Opera" with Steve Harley, but Richard Marx also contributed to her work. He co-wrote "The Last Words You Said" for her 2003 album "Harem." This song features Frank Peterson and showcases a more dramatic, almost theatrical side of Marx's writing. It's a very different sound from his usual pop-rock, which is pretty cool.

This collaboration highlights his willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes and adapt his writing style to suit the artist's unique voice and genre. It's a good example of his versatility, in some respects.

Olivia Newton-John

Richard Marx also worked with the beloved Olivia Newton-John. He co-wrote "Please Don't Keep Me Waiting" for her 1998 album "Back with a Heart." This song, like many of his collaborations, has a gentle, melodic quality that fits well with Newton-John's warm vocal style. It's a rather lovely track that perhaps not everyone knows he was involved with.

This particular song further shows his ability to craft intimate and personal pieces that feel authentic to the artist performing them. It's a good example of his consistent presence in the adult contemporary music scene.

Venturing into Country Music

While Richard Marx is widely known for his pop and rock hits, he has also made a significant mark in the country music world. His songwriting prowess seems to translate seamlessly across genres, allowing him to create compelling songs for country stars. It's a bit surprising to some, but his melodic sensibilities work really well in country music, too.

Keith Urban

One of his most successful forays into country music is his collaboration with Keith Urban. Marx co-wrote Urban's hit song "Long Hot Summer," which was released in 2011. This song became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, solidifying Marx's reputation as a versatile songwriter. It's a very energetic track that captures the feeling of a summer romance.

The song's success showed that Marx's pop sensibilities could blend perfectly with country rock, creating something fresh and appealing. It really proved his adaptability, which is, quite honestly, a huge asset for any songwriter.

Vince Gill

As mentioned earlier with Barbra Streisand, Richard Marx has also worked directly with country icon Vince Gill. Beyond "If You Ever Leave Me," Marx has a strong connection with Gill, often performing together. Their musical chemistry is evident, and Marx has expressed great admiration for Gill's talent. It's actually a very natural pairing, given their shared musical roots in melody and heartfelt lyrics.

This friendship and professional respect have likely led to other less publicized collaborations or shared musical moments. It shows how personal connections can also shape songwriting partnerships, you know.

Kenny Rogers

Richard Marx also contributed to the legendary Kenny Rogers' final album, "You Can't Make Old Friends," released in 2013. He co-wrote the title track, "You Can't Make Old Friends," which was a duet between Rogers and Dolly Parton. This song is a beautiful, reflective piece about lasting friendships, and it resonated deeply with fans. It's a very poignant song, especially given Rogers' later retirement.

To have a hand in such an iconic duet, featuring two country music giants, is a significant accomplishment. It highlights Marx's ability to craft songs that fit the narrative and vocal styles of seasoned artists, which is, honestly, a rare gift.

Other Notable Songwriting Contributions

Beyond the major hits and well-known artists, Richard Marx has a long list of other songwriting credits that showcase his wide reach. He's written for artists across different genres and generations, always with that signature melodic touch. It's pretty amazing how consistently he has been involved in creating popular music.

• Nelly: Yes, even the rapper Nelly has a connection to Marx's work. Marx's song "Right Here Waiting" was sampled in Nelly's 2010 track "Just a Dream," showing the lasting influence of his melodies across different musical styles. It's a rather unexpected crossover, but it totally works.
• Chicago: Marx has a long history with the band Chicago, even before his solo career took off. He co-wrote several songs for them, including "What Kind of Man Would I Be?" and "Look Away." These songs became huge hits for Chicago, demonstrating Marx's early knack for writing power ballads. This collaboration, you know, really helped establish his reputation as a hitmaker.
• Fee Waybill (The Tubes): Marx has collaborated extensively with Fee Waybill, co-writing songs for Waybill's solo projects and even for The Tubes. Their partnership has produced some memorable rock tunes, showing Marx's rock roots. It's a very strong creative bond, apparently.
• Ringo Starr: The legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has also recorded a Marx-penned tune. This collaboration further highlights Marx's respect and reach within the music industry. It's pretty cool to think of his songs being sung by such a rock icon.
• Daughtry: More recently, Marx has worked with rock band Daughtry, co-writing songs like "Long Live Rock & Roll." This shows his continued relevance and ability to connect with contemporary artists. It's a good example of his ongoing contributions to modern rock music.

The Versatility of a Songsmith

Richard Marx's extensive list of songwriting credits for other artists truly highlights his incredible versatility as a musician. He isn't just a singer who happens to write; he's a dedicated songsmith who understands the nuances of different genres and vocal styles. This ability to adapt, you know, is what makes him stand out.

From the soaring pop ballads that defined his own era to the heartfelt country anthems and even modern rock tracks, Marx has shown a remarkable range. His songs often possess a strong melodic core and lyrics that resonate with universal human experiences, whether it's love, loss, or hope. It's actually pretty rare to find someone who can cross so many musical boundaries with such success.

His collaborations also show how much he respects the artists he works with. He doesn't just write a song and hand it over; he often tailors it to their voice and their story, or works with them to shape it. This collaborative spirit is a big part of why his songs for others have done so well. It's a very human approach to making music, after all.

The impact of his songwriting extends far beyond the charts. Many of these songs have become beloved classics, sung by millions and remembered for their emotional depth. This lasting legacy is, in some respects, just as important as his own hit records. He really has made a significant mark on the soundscape of popular music for decades now, and that's something to celebrate.

To learn more about Richard Marx's career on our site, and to explore his discography, you can also check out this page .

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Marx's Songwriting

Did Richard Marx write songs for boy bands?

Yes, Richard Marx did write songs for boy bands. A notable example is "This I Promise You," which he co-wrote for the popular group N'Sync. This song became a big hit for them, showing his ability to craft romantic ballads that appealed to a younger pop audience. It's a rather interesting turn for him, considering his own rock roots.

Has Richard Marx won awards for his songwriting for other artists?

Absolutely. Richard Marx won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2004 for "Dance with My Father," which he co-wrote with Luther Vandross. This award specifically recognizes the songwriting itself, highlighting his significant contribution to that deeply moving song. It's a very prestigious award, and it shows the high regard for his writing.

Is Richard Marx still writing songs for other musicians today?

Yes, Richard Marx continues to write songs for other musicians. He remains active in the music industry, collaborating with both established artists and newer talents. His work with artists like Daughtry in recent years shows his ongoing involvement and relevance in contemporary music. He is, you know, very much still a creative force in the industry as of today.

For more detailed information on Richard Marx's songwriting credits and discography, you might want to visit reliable music databases and archives, such as AllMusic, which often has comprehensive lists of artist contributions.