Richard Marx Delivers Nostalgic Set with New Material at New Jerseys Count Basie Center

On August 4 2026, Grammy‑winning singer‑songwriter Richard Marx illuminated the historic Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey, with a full‑band performance that bridged his 1980s hits and fresh tracks. The 1,568‑seat theater, which first opened in 1926 as the Carlton Theater, hosted a 2½‑hour set that began with the 1987 single “Don’t Mean Nothing,” the song that launched Marx’s solo career.

The venue, located on Main Street, has hosted countless performances since its opening in 1926 and remains a centerpiece of the community. The audience, many of whom grew up on his catalog, sang along to classics such as “Right Here Waiting,” “Hazard,” and “Hold On to the Nights.” Marx also played recent songs from his latest releases, showing that he continues to write and record new material. Between songs, he shared anecdotes about touring, songwriting, and his long‑time collaborations, keeping the crowd engaged with stories that ranged from early studio sessions to life on the road.

A highlight of the evening was Marx’s relaxed stage presence and personal touch. In a moment that underscored his ties to the area, he raised a glass to New Jersey and toasted his wife, television personality and model Daisy Fuentes. Fuentes, born in Cuba and raised in Harrison, New Jersey, received cheers from the local audience, adding a warm, hometown feel to the set.

Marx’s career spans more than four decades. His self‑titled debut album, released in 1987, went triple‑platinum and produced the hit “Don’t Mean Nothing.” To date, he has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and earned 14 number‑one singles, both as a performer and as a songwriter. His songwriting has spanned multiple genres, from pop ballads to country hits, reflecting his adaptability in a changing musical landscape. His songwriting credits include “What About Me?” for Kenny Rogers, “Crazy” for Rogers, and “Dance with My Father” for Luther Vandross, the latter earning him the 1998 Grammy Award for Song of the Year.

In addition to his own recordings, Marx has written and produced for artists such as Kenny Rogers, Luther Vandross, *NSYNC, and Keith Urban, and his work has earned him five Grammy nominations. The five Grammy nominations include categories such as Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance, and Best Song Written for Visual Media.

The Count Basie Center was originally the Carlton Theater and was renamed in 1984 after jazz legend William “Count” Basie, a native of Red Bank. The venue’s 2018 rebranding to the Count Basie Center for the Arts expanded its facilities and secured a partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, positioning it as a regional cultural hub.

Marx’s manager, Scott Dorsey, hinted that “some exciting news will be coming soon,” though no details have been released. The Red Bank show was the first stop of Marx’s 2026 tour in New Jersey, with upcoming dates in Detroit, Des Moines, and Cincinnati.

At the concert’s conclusion, Marx thanked the audience and promised future releases, reinforcing the link between his past successes and ongoing creative output. The performance is available for streaming on the Count Basie Center’s official channels and will be posted on Marx’s official website after the event’s conclusion. Listeners can also access the concert on the Count Basie Center’s YouTube channel, where the venue regularly streams live events.

The show underscores the lasting appeal of well‑crafted pop ballads and the importance of live venues in sustaining artists’ careers across multiple decades.