Richard Marx explains why he declined songwriting with Taylor Swift

Singer and songwriter Richard Marx revealed that he declined an opportunity to collaborate with Taylor Swift approximately 20 years ago. During an appearance on the Bob Lefsetz podcast, Marx recounted a meeting with Scott Borchetta, the founder of Big Machine Records, shortly after the label's inception.

Borchetta had presented Marx with early demos of Swift, who was 15 years old at the time, and asked if he wanted to co-write with her. Marx declined the offer, stating that he did not feel he could provide the necessary creative value to a teenager. He explained his professional philosophy that a co-writer must be able to help an artist in a way they cannot help themselves. Despite Swift's subsequent global success, Marx stated he does not regret the decision.