Richard Marx (1) (1963–)

Overall, I'm not a massive Marx fan, but there's no denying the dude's written some great music over the decades, so I thought it'd be interesting to hear the inside story.

And he's got some stories to tell. Granted, he never really does that super satisfying deep dive into any of them, just mostly a quick, surface-only anecdote. But it's still interesting just from not only the sheer number of people he's gotten to know and/or work with, but across how many musical genres.

I know some have complained about his not mentioning his wife of 25 years that much in this volume, but when he talks about how, when they separated, it was a private affair that he doesn't want to discuss, I get it. If you're going to talk about all the good times over the 25 years, then everyone's also going to want to know where it all went wrong and he doesn't want to go there. I respect that.

And while I did enjoy the book, it was only toward the ending that a couple of things began to irritate slightly. The first is the repetition of the, "I just attract the people I need. If I want to meet them, then I'll meet them" mantra. He talked about it at the beginning, but he brought it up at least one time too many throughout the book.

The second was something I felt was kind of unnecessary. He highlights that he's had number one hits across four decades, which truly is an achievement and it's something he should highlight, and should be proud of. But then he digs in and almost seems a little too much, "I know you probably haven't heard me on the radio lately, but dammit, I'm still relevant!"

I think that was unnecessary, and maybe a touch whiny because, quite frankly, he laid out his case for relevancy far better throughout all the previous pages up to that point.

Regardless, these were minor quibbles. Overall, a fun and interesting book from a fun and interesting guy.… (more)

Before you pick up this book, set up your music app to play Richard Marx songs…it will take you awhile. Then enjoy an insiders view of the music business. Marx (eye candy for sure, but he proves he’s more than just a pretty face) is just one very talented songwriter/singer, but always a gentlemen! If you are looking for him to dish some dirt, you will be disappointed. He may drop a few tidbits, but its mostly about his career as a songwriter, his performances, his friendships that were developed and he holds dear and his relationship with his family. I never realized just songs we wrote. Just a class act, I just might be a bigger fan now then before!

Thanks to Mr. Marx, Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.… (more)