Richard Noel Marx was born in 1963 in Chicago, Illinois, and began his music career at a remarkably young age, singing commercial jingles for his father's company. By the age of 17, he had moved to Los Angeles, where a tape of his songs caught the attention of Lionel Richie, who encouraged him to pursue his dreams in the music industry. Shortly thereafter, Marx became a sought-after vocalist, providing backup for various artists, including contributions to Gordon Lightfoot's "Anything for Love."

Marx's self-titled debut album was released in June 1987, and it became a defining moment in his career. The album featured four hit singles, including "Don't Mean Nothing," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of the album, which achieved triple platinum status, set the stage for his follow-up, Repeat Offender, released in 1989. This second album soared to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and included iconic tracks like "Right Here Waiting" and "Satisfied," both of which topped the charts and showcased Marx's enduring appeal.

By the early 1990s, Marx continued to build on his momentum with the release of Rush Street in 1991, which featured backing vocals from prominent artists such as Luther Vandross. The album produced hits like "Keep Coming Back" and "Hazard," solidifying his status as a major pop artist. In 1994, the release of Paid Vacation brought the hit "Now and Forever," which peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100—Marx's final top ten hit on the Billboard chart.

Despite the release of subsequent albums like Flesh & Bone (1997) and Days in Avalon (2000), Marx experienced a notable resurgence in 2004 with the heartfelt single "Dance With My Father," co-written with Luther Vandross. This poignant ballad earned him a Grammy Award for Song of the Year, further cementing his reputation as a talented songwriter and emotive performer. Marx's 2004 album, My Own Best Enemy, included hits such as “Ready to Fly” and “When You’re Gone,” showcasing his enduring songwriting prowess.

Throughout the 2010s, Marx continued to evolve as an artist, releasing albums such as Stories to Tell (2010) and Beautiful Goodbye (2014). In 2016, he also showcased his range by performing live on various platforms, including PBS’s Songwriters in the Round. In 2018, he collaborated with Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon for the album Duo, which featured acoustic tracks available through his website.

Entering the 2020s, Marx released Limitless in February 2020, which produced the lead-off single “Another One Down.” He further enhanced his connection with fans by sharing personal stories in his autobiography, Stories to Tell, released in July 2021. Marx remains relevant in popular culture, making appearances on television and continuing to perform his classic hits. Most recently, he released his album Songwriter in September 2022, further illustrating his lasting impact on the music scene. With a career spanning over three decades, Richard Marx continues to engage audiences with his blend of heartfelt ballads and enduring anthems.