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Barbra Streisand’s Hilarious Reason for Rejecting Richard Marx’s Biggest Hit

BBG News

One interesting anecdote among Richard Marx’s numerous Hollywood tales revolves around the iconic figure Barbra Streisand – and the unique explanation she gave for rejecting a song that eventually turned out to be one of his most successful hits.

61-year-old musician-composer, set to appear on Season 14 of The Voice Australia as a mentor, humorously revealed the unusual origin tale of Right Here Waiting during an exclusive chat with DailyMail.com for his upcoming podcast and YouTube series titled Stories to Tell with Richard Marx.

In 1987, following the massive success of his debut album (which earned three times platinum status, in part due to the popularity of Don’t Mean Nothing), Marx was contacted by the now 82-year-old Streisand, who invited him to compose a song for her.

At the time, he had been working on Right Here Waiting but wasn’t convinced it fit his own album.

As an ardent admirer, one of the tales that resonates deeply with me is when I proposed my composition “Right Here Waiting” to Barbra Streisand, as I shared with DailyMail.com. The reason being, I didn’t wish to record it myself. It simply didn’t align with the album I was creating at the time. The song seemed a bit too leisurely and introspective for my project. In that moment, I thought, “This tune would be perfect for someone else.

Initially, he thought Streisand would be an ideal choice due to her contact; however, his assumptions were challenged when she provided frank criticism in return.

According to Marx, she contacted me, and I kept that message. She expressed that she appreciates the music, but suggested modifying the lyrics because she wouldn’t be around to wait for anyone.

But Marx took the hilarious rejection in stride and turned the ballad into his own masterpiece.

He continued, “We remain friends until now,” he said. “I often jest with her, and I say something like, ‘I owe you so much gratitude because your rejection of that song led to my biggest hit yet.’

‘It’s sort of my signature song.’

The misfortune that struck Streisand in 1989 turned out to be a significant advantage for Marx, as his song “Right Here Waiting” climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, ultimately becoming one of his most iconic tunes.

Despite not choosing the earlier song, Streisand eventually teamed up with Marx to create “If You Ever Leave Me,” a duet with Vince Gill that made an appearance on her 1999 album titled “A Love Like Ours.

Previously, it’s been disclosed that the song Right Here Waiting was penned by Marx as a love letter to the actress Cynthia Rhodes, who eventually became his wife.

At the time, Rhodes was filming a movie in South Africa, and the two had been apart for months.

In 1989, Jennifer Grey, most recognized for her performances in Flashdance, Staying Alive, Runaway, and Dirty Dancing, tied the knot with Marx.

They divorced in 2014 after 25 years together. A year later, Marx married Daisy Fuentes. 

In the course of their everyday conversation for DailyMail.com, Marx recounted another captivating story – this particular tale centered around Lionel, whose significant actions kick-started his professional journey.

As a youngster, Marx attempted to make a name for himself in the world of music, frantically sending demo tapes of his compositions to anyone willing to give them a listen.

Among the tapes, one found its way to Richie, who took an unusual step – he dialed Marx’s parent’s residence.

At the age of 18, I resided with my family, completed high school, and penned several tunes, as Marx reminisced.

Over the span of a year and a half, these tunes seemed to drift about, drawing little notice from others. Somehow, though, these melodies found their way to Lionel.

To his shock, Richie personally reached out.

‘He actually called my parents’ house to talk to me and encourage me,’ Marx said.

In good faith, Richie eventually escorted Marx to Los Angeles and employed him as a backup singer. Eventually, Marx lent his voice to several tracks, including the chart-topping song All Night Long.

But one moment in the recording studio left Marx stunned.

Marx shared that we were singing “All Night Long,” and apart from my part on every chorus shouting “All night!”, there’s an entire section sung in Swahili, he elaborated.

Richie paid great attention to the correct pronunciation, ensuring each syllable was spot on. However, following numerous hours of practice, Marx inquired about something.

I asked him, ‘What does that mean in Swahili?’ He replied, ‘It’s nonsense I made up.’

With a collection of amusing stories at his disposal, Marx – a five-time Grammy nominee – eventually clinched the highly esteemed Song of the Year accolade in 2003 for the heartwarming tune “Dance with My Father,” which was famously sung by Luther Vandross.

Marx carries on pondering over the significant events and influential figures that played a part in shaping his professional journey, and undoubtedly, there’s much excitement ahead for fans, as they delve into his latest series titled “Stories to Tell with Richard Marx.

At these gatherings, you’ll find a lively blend of discussions, spiced up with suggestions for drinks, featuring well-known personalities such as Katie Couric, Chelsea Peretti, Rick Springfield, and Kenny G.

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2025-03-08 19:20

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