Richard Marx began his career as a songwriter and background vocalist, penning Kenny Rogers’ mid-’80s crossover hit “What About Me” and adding harmonies to songs by Chicago and Lionel Richie. His debut solo single, the crackling music-industry chronicle “Don’t Mean Nothing”, established him as a pop force, its pointed lyrics and slide guitar adding a rock edge to its slick beats. Since then, Marx has hit big with grand power ballads like “Hold On to the Nights” and pulsing pop-rockers like the regretful “Should’ve Known Better”, while curveballs like the murder ballad “Hazard” show his deep musical comprehension.