How to have the best Sunday in L.A., according to Richard Marx

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Richard Marx keeps circling back to one word during our interview: elegance.

The term ‘swinging’ perfectly describes Richard Marx’s new album, “After Hours.” It features both original songs and classic standards, and showcases Marx, at 62, embracing the style of Frank Sinatra. He also uses the word to describe his personal life with his partner, Daisy Fuentes, with whom he co-wrote their breezy, Latin-flavored new song, “Magic Hour.”

Marx says, ‘Lately, ‘elegantly’ has been a word I really love – maybe even my favorite. I simply want to live a more graceful life.’

What does that look like in practice? The singer, famous for his classic song “Right Here Waiting,” always makes time for small pleasures, like a nightly martini. Born in Chicago, Marx has embraced the Southern California way of life. He finds inspiration while hiking, and he and his wife, Daisy Fuentes, enjoy their most meaningful talks around the fire pit.

Marx currently divides his time between homes in the San Fernando Valley and Malibu, and seems to be embracing the aging process. This desire for graceful aging partly inspired him to create an album that celebrates classic singers like Sinatra and Dean Martin.

He explained that when he made the album, he made an effort to dress formally, even wearing a suit like Frank Sinatra. He and his wife, Daisy, who appreciates classic style, have consciously tried to live as elegantly as possible for the past twelve years.

Marx shares with us his ideas for a most elegant Sunday in L.A.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for length and clarity.

8:30 a.m.: Sun and meditation

When I’m in California, I begin each day by enjoying an iced coffee outside in the sunshine for about 20 minutes. I skip the sunscreen and just soak up some vitamin D. It’s my personal way to meditate – I don’t check my phone, I just relax with a coffee and the sun on my skin, and it’s really important to my routine.

9:30 a.m.: Brunch at home or in Malibu

Daisy is an amazing cook, especially when it comes to breakfast and brunch. We usually stay home on Sundays and she makes a fantastic brunch for us. But if we do go out, I love driving over to Malibu. We often go to the Malibu Country Mart, or stop at the Marmalade Cafe or Carbon Beach Club at the Malibu Beach Inn. We also love Ollo’s, a great breakfast spot in a strip mall with Ralph’s.

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11 a.m.: More sun on the trails

Both Daisy and I love hiking. There are some wonderful trails here in Las Virgenes Valley, but I especially enjoy hiking in Malibu. Solstice Canyon and the Westward Beach trail are two of my favorites. While Westward Beach isn’t very strenuous, it’s definitely the most beautiful hike I’ve found. Living in California is all about enjoying the outdoors, and I make sure to get out for a sunny hike every Sunday – I need to be active and soak up the sunshine!

I often find myself composing things in my head, even when I’d rather not. It just happens. When I’m with my daughter, Daisy, I enjoy leaving my phone behind to feel free and present. Then, I’ll ask her to record a melody using her voice notes, and that’s how many songs get started when we’re outside. I recently heard Sting say that lyrics are hidden in nature – behind trees, under rocks – and that he also goes outside to find them. That made me realize how much I admire him.

2:30 p.m.: Time to chill with a book

Lately, I’ve been enjoying some downtime with a good book in the afternoons. I usually have two books going at once. I’ve mostly been reading non-fiction recently, and I just started Scott Galloway’s “Notes on Being a Man.” He’s a businessman who’s become popular on social media, and I’m really hooked on his book. I’m also finishing up Charlie Sheen’s memoir – I thought the documentary about him was fantastic, and his story is incredibly compelling, especially with how they used old footage. So those are the two books I’m currently reading.

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4:30 p.m.: Pre-dinner martinis

Daisy’s an amazing cook, but honestly, my partner and I love getting out to restaurants. Our ideal night is hopping around – starting with martinis and a small appetizer at one place, then moving on to dinner – and, of course, more martinis! Seriously, you can’t overstate how much we enjoy those martinis.

If I had to choose just one place for a martini, it would be Lucky’s in Malibu. They don’t just make a great martini, they make an experience – it’s shaken right at your table and they’re very generous with the pour, often including a small extra drink on the side. While it can be a bit tricky to find vegetarian options, it’s still a fantastic spot. Another good option is V’s, a long-standing local place. It has a small bar area with a few high-top tables, making it a nice place to quickly grab a drink and a flatbread.

7 p.m.: Dinner and a scene

I probably sound a bit boastful, but I truly love Craig’s. I really enjoy going – it feels like a home away from home, and the staff always treats us well. When I have a dinner reservation there, I look forward to it all day. Plus, I always bump into friends and acquaintances; it’s a really lively place. Ultimately, it’s just a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

Craig’s is a popular spot in the entertainment industry, and I’ve had some really memorable nights there. One night, about two and a half years ago, I ended up getting quite drunk with Rod Stewart – it was just the two of us, and we had a driver. We’ve become good friends since then. I often go to Craig’s with my family and friends, and it’s especially enjoyable when I bump into old acquaintances or meet people I admire. It’s a fun place for me because it’s where I work.

9:30 p.m.: Relax on the balcony

Daisy and I are always talking – we have conversations that seem to go on forever. After twelve years together, I still cherish hearing her thoughts and sharing my own. One of my favorite things is coming home to relax with her, either by a firepit here or on the balcony overlooking the beach in Malibu. We’ll sit and talk for hours, just enjoying each other’s company until we’re ready for bed. We don’t often go out to movies or events; we prefer to unwind together after dinner.

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2026-01-16 14:39