Richard Marx says his new music must pass a simple but strict filter he calls the “Daisy test,” a standard set by his wife, former TV host Daisy Fuentes.
At a Glance
————
- Richard Marx insists his wife is the ultimate critic for his songs.
- The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 23, 2025.
- Marx’s fresh album, After Hours, blends classic Great American Songbook covers with new originals.
- Why it matters: Fans see a new side of the 62-year-old star, and the album offers a fresh take on beloved standards.
The Daisy Test
The singer-songwriter’s creative process starts with a question he asks himself: “Does this song pass the Daisy test?” He explained that his wife’s honesty is the benchmark.
> “She’s brutally honest, which is what you need,” Marx told News Of Los Angeles. “If something doesn’t really rock her world, she’ll go, ‘I mean, it’s good.’ And I’ll go, ‘Oh my God, that’s the worst. I’d rather you say it sucks.'”
Marx admits that when Daisy says a track falls short, he either abandons it or revises it until it meets her standards. He said the test is rare but valuable.
- Key aspects of the test
- Honesty: Daisy’s feedback is unfiltered.
- Pass/fail: If the song fails, Marx revises it.
- Collaboration: Daisy helps spark ideas when he stalls.
Album After Hours
After Hours is Marx’s latest release, described as a love letter to the Great American Songbook. The project features covers of classics like “Summer Wind” alongside original compositions.
Marx highlighted the album’s purpose: a soundtrack for everyday moments.
> “That was really one of the top three motivations, was to just make a record that people could put on when they’re cooking or when they’re having a drink or they’re just chilling out on a Sunday afternoon,” he said.
The album includes collaborations with stars such as Rod Stewart and Kenny G, and showcases Marx’s versatility across genres.
- Album highlights
- Covers: “Summer Wind,” other standards.
- Originals: New songs written for the project.
- Guest artists: Rod Stewart, Kenny G.
Celebrating a Decade
Marx and Fuentes celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Dec. 23, 2025 in Palm Beach, Fla., a location close to their Miami home. The couple kept the celebration low-key, avoiding a large public event.
> “We weren’t going to make that big a deal of it, but we love Palm Beach,” Marx said. “It’s just a magical place for us. But yeah, we didn’t really do that much. It’s two days before Christmas, so we have a short window to get our other celebrations in.”
The anniversary was marked on social media with a sweet video from Fuentes, captioned, “10 years ago today I married a Rock Star. Best decision I’ve ever made. Happy Anniversary @therichardmarx ❤️.” Marx responded with a heartfelt post praising their shared life.
- Social media moments
- Fuentes’ Instagram video: celebration shout-out.
- Marx’s caption: appreciation for daily companionship.
Behind the Scenes
Marx and Fuentes are not only a married couple but also creative collaborators. They co-wrote the track “Magic Hour” on After Hours, with Fuentes helping Marx overcome a lyrical block.
The couple’s relationship dynamic is described as a balance of professional and personal support. Marx noted that they often spend more than two weeks apart due to touring and work schedules, yet they cherish each reunion.
> “When she’s working, I want to go be with her, and she’s with me on tour all the time,” he said. “We just love being together. We really love hanging out together. Our joke with each other is, ‘I’m still not sick of you yet.'”
This partnership showcases how personal relationships can enrich artistic output, with Fuentes’ candid critique shaping Marx’s music.
Key Takeaways
- Marx’s “Daisy test” ensures his music meets a high standard of honesty.
- After Hours blends classic covers with fresh originals, featuring notable guest artists.
- The 10th anniversary was celebrated quietly in Palm Beach, with social media highlights.
- The couple’s creative collaboration extends beyond personal life into songwriting and production.
The story illustrates how a long-term partnership can influence artistic direction and how a seasoned artist like Marx continues to evolve while honoring classic influences.
