Songfacts®:

• 'N Sync became wildly popular after their first album was released, and when their label was looking for songs for their follow-up, they asked Richard Marx if he had any songs that would be good for the group. Marx lied and said he did, then wrote "This I Promise You," made a demo, and sent it to the label, who not only wanted the song, but wanted Marx to produce it as well, which he did. About two weeks later he went to Florida where 'N Sync were recording at a secret location since they were getting so much attention. The song was a big hit, and helped Marx made a transition into writing and producing songs for others in addition to his solo work. A few years later, he won the Song Of The Year Grammy for "Dance With My Father," which he wrote with Luther Vandross.
• Working with 'N Sync, Marx had an inkling that Justin Timberlake would break out as a star. He says that during downtime, Timberlake would be playing music or working on songs, while the other guys would play ping pong or talk on their cell phones.