Richard Marx, Michael Bolton, Luther Vandross, Kenny G Perform at the Vic Nov. 7, 1998

The late Dick Marx, an alumnus of DePaul University, achieved enormous success during his lifelong career as a Chicago musician. As a commercial music pioneer, Marx was known as the "King of the Jingles," composing and producing memorable advertising tunes such as "Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun" for Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum, "Two Scoops of Raisins in Kellogg’s Raisin Brand," and "Aren’t You Glad You Used Dial?" At the height of his commercial career, his Chicago music house produced nearly two-thirds of the commercials heard on network television. As a jazz pianist, he played virtually every club in town, but is especially remembered as the house pianist at Mr. Kelly's. He wrote music for films and television shows, including the theme to Siskel and Ebert’s original "At the Movies."

But perhaps Dick Marx’s most lasting contribution to Chicago’s music scene was his role in nurturing and inspiring young musicians, including his own son, pop star Richard Marx.

This legacy will live on at "Music for Life," an all-star benefit concert dedicated to the memory of Dick Marx on Nov. 7 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Richard Marx and t.v. journalist Bill Kurtis will host the event, which will feature performances by Marx, Michael Bolton, Luther Vandross, Kenny G., Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and Fee Waybill of the Tubes. Proceeds from the concert will fund scholarships at DePaul’s School of Music.

"When I talk with people who knew my father, there are two things most commonly mentioned," Richard Marx said. "First, his laugh. It was unique and powerful. And second, they mention how many musicians working today got their start with him.

"My father was in a position for most of his life to help young musicians starting out, and help them he did," Marx said. "He loved finding new talent and he seemed to bring out the best in their abilities. My mother and I feel strongly that my father should still help young musicians, even though he’s no longer here personally to cheer them on." Dick Marx, 73, died on Aug. 12, 1997 from injuries sustained in an auto accident.

"Dick Marx is one of the DePaul’s most distinguished alumni and was inducted into The School of Music’s Hall of Fame in 1992," said Dean Donald Casey. "He is, arguably, the most influential commercial musician in history. He transformed the commercial music industry and brought it to Chicago. We are grateful to the Marx family for the scholarship contributions they will make in his name, and grateful for the opportunity to remember Dick Marx in this meaningful way."

Casey said students at the music school are thrilled that Richard Marx and other headliners are doing a concert for their benefit. Especially excited are the string players from the DePaul Symphony Orchestra who will play during the concert under the direction of conductor Cliff Colnot. Marx said he also plans to announce the scholarship winners at the concert, and that these young musicians will have an opportunity to perform.

Like his father, Marx, a resident of Chicago’s North Shore, has had a remarkable career. His credits include three Grammy award nominations, 18 top ten singles, and five studio albums that have sold over 25 million records worldwide. His hits include "Right Here Waiting," "Should’ve Known Better," "Endless Summer Nights," "Hold On to The Nights" and "Hazard." Marx’ 1997 duet with Donna Lewis, "At the Beginning," featured in the animated film "Anastasia," was a number one adult contemporary hit.

"I was so lucky to have Dick Marx as my father," Marx said. "He was a warm, funny and extremely talented man, and I want others to benefit from his time on earth as I did.

Tickets are $75, $100 or $150 each. Call Ticketmaster at 312/559-1212.