Podcast: Interview With Pop Music Superstar & LGBT Ally Richard Marx

In this episode of The Randy Report podcast, I chat with Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer - and LGBT ally - Richard Marx, who has made a gorgeous debut as a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip with his limited engagement residency, “Satisfied: Only The Hits,” at Flamingo Las Vegas now through Sept. 2, 2017.

Among his many achievements, Marx is distinguished for having written a #1 song in four different decades across various charts.

Having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and notching an amazing 14 #1 singles (his latest - Keith Urban’s #1 smash “Long Hot Summer”) both as a performer and songwriter/producer including “Hold on to the Nights,” “Satisfied” and “Now and Forever,” fans get to experience the pop/rock artist up close in an intimate Las Vegas showroom as Marx performs acoustic versions of his greatest hits backed by a gorgeous string quartet. The evening also includes the true, personal stories behind his hits.

We chat about one of his favorite music collaborations, his Las Vegas gig at the Flamingo, his terrific podcast “Song Talks with Richard Marx,” plus as a staunch LGBT ally, he shares how and why he speaks out for LGBTs.

After I quoted a few of his social media posts made in support of the LGBT community ("Anybody gay, bi or transgender out there I hope you have someone who loves you exactly as you are. Especially your parents. G'night."), Marx had this to say:

I'm lucky in that I was born to two parents who when it came to gay rights, when it came to civil rights, when it came to race relations, from the time I was old enough to comprehend it, I had two parents that taught me what was right. And that any kind of judgment or prejudice or hatred or anybody who's different than you is so fucked up.

And so I was raised in an atmosphere where the idea of that was just anathema. It moved me that you quoted that, because I've had friends, gay or bisexual friends, who I've witnessed them be hurt. Especially by their family. I've been friends with gay men whose fathers never talked to them again. And I've seen that pain. And it just kills me.

Along the way, I also share a couple of snippets of his live performance on stage at the Flamingo Las Vegas :)

Hit play and listen below.