Richard Marx is no stranger to fans who admire his music and talent, but his story of meeting his childhood icon shows that even lifelong dreams can come full circle in the most unexpected way.
The musician, who rose to fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s with songs like “Right Here Waiting,” “Endless Summer Nights,” and “Now and Forever,” recalled a moment when he was face-to-face with one of the most unforgettable faces of the late ’60s. Years later, that chance encounter would take on a whole new meaning when the two crossed paths again under surprising circumstances.
Richard Marx Was Overwhelmed at Meeting The Monkees’ Davy Jones
The Monkees were at the peak of their popularity when Richard Marx was five years old in 1968. The chart-topping band starred in their own television series, and their music was everywhere, making them one of the most recognizable pop acts of the era.
In an interview with Sarah Grynberg, Marx recalled meeting Jones. His father, a producer for television jingles and radio ads, facilitated the introduction.
“He knew people in the music business, and The Monkees came to Chicago when I was 5 years old, did a concert, and I was able to go into this radio station and meet them,” Marx explained. “What was really important to me was meeting Davy. This is, you know, the peak success.”
“I remember, he just took time with me. He sat with me for at least 10 or 15 minutes, talked to me. He was really lovely to me, you know,” the artist recalled.
“I remember that he was just like everything I wanted him to be. He was kind and listened to me and asked me questions, and then I sang, ‘I Want to Be Free’ and I noticed that Lynn Harwitch, who was the cutest girl in the class, all of a sudden noticed me when I sang. That was the pivotal moment for me.”
Richard Marx Recalled an Unplanned Full-Circle Moment With Davy Jones 30 Years Later
Years later, Richard Marx would pursue his own career in the entertainment industry. His self-titled debut LP “Richard Marx” would hit No. 8 on the Billboard Album Charts and spawn four Top 5 singles, including “Hold On To The Nights,” “Endless Summer Nights,” “Don’t Mean Nothing,” and “Should’ve Known Better.”
His second album, 1989’s “Repeat Offender,” had two No. 1 singles: “Satisfied” and “Right Here Waiting.” Along with his work as a recording artist, Marx is also a successful songwriter and producer reported the official Grammy website.
Therefore, when he was traveling some three decades later, he happened to meet Davy Jones in an airport in Harrisburg, PA. He told PEOPLE he couldn’t believe that he would run into his childhood idol twice in one lifetime.
“At least 30 years later, I’m touring,” he said. “I land in this town called Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and I’m at the baggage claim with my tour manager, and I look, and Davy Jones is standing there at the baggage.”
“He lived there, and I went over to him, and I said, ‘Mr. Jones,” and he turned, he goes, ‘Richard Marx, hey man. Oh, I’m a fan.’ And I was like, ‘Dude, you have no idea what I’m about to tell you.'”
He added, “And I told him the story of meeting him when I was 5 and how lovely he was to me, and we had this really nice conversation and wished each other well.”
