Richard Marx has launched his new album 'After Hours,' blending classic standards with original songs inspired by them. The record includes a special duet with Rod Stewart on 'Young at Heart,' a track chosen by Stewart himself. This collaboration stems from a personal encounter during Stewart's 80th birthday celebration.
Richard Marx's latest project, 'After Hours,' arrived on January 16, 2026, offering listeners a mix of timeless standards and fresh compositions drawn from that tradition. Half the album revisits classics like 'Summer Wind,' 'The Way You Look Tonight,' and 'Fly Me to the Moon,' while the other half features Marx's own creations.
The highlight is Marx's duet with Rod Stewart on 'Young at Heart.' The partnership originated last year when Marx and his wife, Daisy Fuentes, attended Stewart's surprise 80th birthday party in London. The following evening, Stewart and his wife, Penny, hosted them for dinner after drinks at a nearby pub. During the gathering, Marx shared details about his upcoming album, prompting Stewart to suggest a collaboration. As Marx recounted in a statement, Stewart quipped, 'We should do a duet, Dickie,' initially attributed to the evening's drinks. But Stewart followed up the next day via text: 'I was serious about singing together. How about we do “Young at Heart"?' Stewart selected the song, fulfilling a long-held aspiration for Marx.
A devoted admirer of Stewart, Marx told People magazine, 'I’m a lifelong, massive Rod fan. I’ve seen him in concert more than anybody else.' He expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity: 'The fact that I finally got to collaborate with my hero … I adore him. I’m going on tour with him this year. He means so much to me.' Marx also acknowledged Stewart's role in revitalizing standards for contemporary audiences through his Great American Songbook series.
The album boasts additional notable contributors, including Chris Botti and Kenny G, alongside John Stamos on bongos for several tracks. This release underscores Marx's ongoing tribute to the enduring appeal of classic American songs.
