Maps of Music

Richard Marx (1987)

Where the lyrics of Richard Marx take you, and where it was really made.

Marx's debut album got a guitar part from Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh on 'Don't Mean Nothing', and two more Eagles members sang backing vocals on the same track.

Key places

Recorded at Capitol Studios (1987)

Recording site Capitol Studios — The album was recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, one of the studios credited for this release. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recorded at Lion Share (1987)

Recording site Lion Share — Lion Share is one of the studios credited for recording this album in Los Angeles. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recorded at Sunset Sound (1987)

Recording site Sunset Sound — Sunset Sound is one of the studios credited for recording this album in Los Angeles. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• Richard Marx: self-titled debut album by American singer-songwriter Richard Marx
• Released June 15, 1987
• Four singles reached the top three of the Billboard Hot 100
• Lead single 'Don't Mean Nothing' hit number 1 on Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks on July 4, 1987
• 'Hold On to the Nights' became Marx's first number one pop single in mid-1988

Background

• In the early 1980s, Marx started his music career in Los Angeles as a background singer and songwriter for other artists
• Marx was determined to become a solo artist and did not want to give his best songs away
• 'Should've Known Better' was a song he kept, even though it was the easiest one to place with another artist
• The deal with Manhattan Records came early in 1986, and Marx put everything else on hold
• He saw the album as a challenge to show what he could really do
• His relationship with the label was positive, with Manhattan Records backing his writing and his voice

Recording

• The album was co-produced by David Cole, whom Marx enjoyed working with
• Cole had previously produced Bob Seger's album Like a Rock
• Tracks 1, 3 and 10 were produced by Humberto Gatica; the other tracks were produced by Marx and Cole
• Marx's manager convinced Eagles' guitarist Joe Walsh to play on 'Don't Mean Nothing'
• Eagles members Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit also sang backing vocals on that track
• Marx co-wrote the music for three tracks with Bruce Gaitsch, Jim Lang, and Michael Omartian
• Fee Waybill of The Tubes wrote the lyrics for 'Lonely Heart' and 'Remember Manhattan'

Cover

• Art direction by Paula Scher
• Design by Anthony Sellari, photography by Nels Isrealson
• Creative director Ken Baumstein

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · www.discogs.com

Tracklist

Sources: musicbrainz.org

Artist

Early life

• Born September 16, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois; American singer-songwriter.
• Only child of former singer Ruth and jazz musician Dick Marx, founder of a jingle company.
• Began his career at age five singing commercial jingles written by his father's company.
• At 17, a tape of his songs reached Lionel Richie, who encouraged him to move to Los Angeles.

Career

• Scored number one hits as a songwriter with "What About Me?" (1984) and "Crazy" (1985).
• Debut album (1987) went triple platinum; "Don't Mean Nothing" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Repeat Offender (1989) rose to No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and sold over 5 million copies in the US.
• "Right Here Waiting" reached No. 1 in several European countries and gave him his first UK top ten.
• Won a Grammy for Song of the Year for "Dance with My Father" co-written with Luther Vandross (2004).
• Has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and holds 14 Billboard number one singles as performer and songwriter.

Recent activity

• Released Songwriter (2022) and After Hours (2026).
• Became a coach on The Voice Australia in 2025.

Reception

At release

• Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic praised the album as a finely crafted record of mainstream pop/rock
• Erlewine wrote that the album was filled with carefully constructed radio-ready tracks
• He said it was no surprise that the album became a huge hit

Records

• The album peaked at number eight on the Billboard charts and spent 86 weeks on the chart
• The album was certified triple platinum
• Four singles reached the top three of the Billboard Hot 100
• 'Hold On to the Nights' was Marx's first number one pop single, in mid-1988
• In the United Kingdom, the album entered the charts on April 9, 1988, stayed two weeks, and peaked at number 68
• 'Don't Mean Nothing' was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance - Solo in 1988
• 'Don't Mean Nothing' hit number 1 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart on July 4, 1987

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• Cynthia Rhodes, who later became Marx's wife, appeared in the video for 'Don't Mean Nothing' along with G. W. Bailey and Fee Waybill
• In the liner notes, Marx dedicated the album to his parents, Ruth and Dick Marx
• Ruth Marx also sang backing vocals on the album, on track 9
• The horns on 'Rhythm of Life' were played by Jerry Hey, Bill Reichenbach Jr., Gary Grant, and Larry Williams
• 'Rhythm of Life' was arranged by Michael Omartian, Richard Marx, and Jerry Hey

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Maps of Ages ↗ (mapsofages.com)

Privacy · Contact