Girl Made FAMOUS By This 80s Hit Has NEVER Been FOUND | Professor of Rock

If you’re a Child of the 80s this song was like a rite of passage. A quintessential 80s classic Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield went to #1 the day MTV launched with a music video perfect for the channel. General Hospital Heartthrob Rick Springfield tells us the inspiration behind the song and album working class dog and how he had to shatter 24 mirrors to get it right.
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​ #80s #Vinyl #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s rock songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's including today's Rick Springfield story of Jessie's Girl. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to become an Honorary Producer.
I’m excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations- where featured artists reveal rare stories about their biggest songs, along with fascinating insight about their careers.
On this installment of Revelations, 80s rocker Rick Springfield will tell us the real story of his 1981 #1 smash Jessie’s Girl. The song took 19 weeks to hit the top spot. One of the slowest to #1 at that time. it ended up being the 5th biggest song in a year where the musical landscape was changing by the second.
The week Jessi’s girl hit the top spot MTV launched and all of the sudden radio was overshadowed by the music video: just to get us in the timeframe and nostalgia of 1981 let’s paint the picture. So Mtv Launched, on the other side of the pond in the UK the Specials and just spent 3 weeks at #1 with Ghostown a song that resonated with the british people perfectly capturing the sparse existence of many who were inundated with unemployment, urban decay and violence in the cities.
America was also experiencing a recession, anti apartheid demonstrations were taking place, one at the end of july in Hamilton, New Zealand, forced the cancellation of a rugby test between New Zealand's All Blacks and South Africa’s Springboks by invading the pitch during the game. Half of the 1981 baseball season was lost due to a strike after players and owner couldn’t agree.
both the United Staes and Russia performed Nuclear tests as the Cold War was heating up. in early July Sandra Day O connor was nominated as the first female judge on the supreme court… So many parallels between 1981 and what’s been happening lately in 2022.. It’s crazy… Well except for music. the Top 40 from this same time in 1981 was much better than the top 40 of today but we’ll save that for a Redux episode alway, Rick Springfield who was Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital from 81 to 83 blew up after Jessie’ Girl.

[@ProfessorofRock]

POLL: Favorite 80s Classic about a girl?

[@chrisdepoy3370]

"Jane Says". Love the steel drums...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

“Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners. So infectious.

[@TGnPBullet]

I still love Jessie's Girl. I remember as a kid seeing Rick Springfield on my mom's soap opera's and thinking he was "cheesy" but when Jesse's Girl came out, I was into it. It's a catchy song. I've got a lot of 80's songs that I love about a girl. My favorite is probably Bowie's China Girl, with honorable mentions to Billy Joel's Uptown Girl and the Pet Shop Boys West End Girls.

[@killrmillr]

Marillion - Kayleigh

[@reversefulfillment9189]

"Hey 19" Steely Dan

[@cyrenemyst]

My best friend is a huge Rick Springfield fan and a few years back she had VIP tickets to go see his show and was so excited she was literally buzzing for the weekend before show. The day of the show, I spent the entirety of it sending her emails with the 😋 emotional and calling her and blowing her raspberries and then hanging up on her. She spent the whole day laughing and not being nervous about getting her autograph from him. Later, on the way there, she told her sister what I had done and they had a good laugh. When it was time to meet Rick, her sister went first and looked like she had fun. When my friend stepped up, she said "hello Rick" and he looked dead square at her and blew her a raspberry!! She started laughing so hard, she almost cried. He said, "I have no idea why, but your sister asked me to do that", to which she explained and he started to laugh as well. He was such a good sport about the whole thing and gave my friend a memory she'll treasure forever!!

[@owie4070]

I like that story.

[@msparis555]

This just made me laugh out loud. Love it!!

[@timefoolery]

Omg that’s so awesome!!

[@magicianjeffkempton]

Awesome!!

[@michelleg.4587]

Now that is an awesome memory of this song😃

[@altheamcnabb2829]

Being a teen in the 80"s was perfect. I could not have asked for a more. The clothes, styles and music still cant be beat.

[@briansauer6695]

Couldn't agree more! I was 13/14 in '81 when this came out. My parents were young and only in their 20'/early 30's in the 70's. They, especially my Mom, like all the rock coming out then so I was raised with the current rock on the radio then. I developed my own musical taste in the late 70's early 80's on hard rock and metal. SOOOO glad I grew up then! And, after years in the 90's saying the music of the 90's sucked, I realized by the end of then, that there WAS a lot of music I really liked. I've embraced every decade now and realize there has been some great stuff come out every decade!

[@laceybanter5937]

Oh they were beat. By the 70s! 😆

[@pistoffpussycat5778]

And the hair

[@elisabethseaton6521]

@@laceybanter5937 LoL I loved being a teen in the 1960s! I think we all love our teen years as the Best. Except currently with proms cancelled and social distancing, masked graduations. My granddaughter's prom was cancelled.

[@slappyhour9am977]

Wish we could go back to the 80s

[@jenniferbush41]

My sister, who passed in Oct at 53 yrs old, saw Rick in concert when she was about 13. I'm guessing they were pretty close to the stage because he touched her hand! She proclaimed that she was never going to wash her hand again! She graduated from nursing school in 1994, so I'm guessing she did eventually give in & wash her hand. It's just a good memory that makes me smile, especially so close to losing her.

[@jenl-g]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this sweet story.

[@dawnchulsky5092]

Sorry for your loss

[@TheBcoolGuy]

Maybe she just had very long arms?

[@tylervaughn6328]

My wife’s company hired Rick to do a private show in their parking lot in 2009 for a bunch of female executives. He absolutely killed it you would have thought it was 83 these 40 something gals were going nuts. He stayed till he signed every autograph ! Class act Rick was

[@festivelady826]

I would have KILLED to be there - lol. I'll be there were a lot of women there whose hearts (and other body parts further south) went pitter-patter.

[@blebhan8213]

Was it just him with a guitar like he's busking at the subway? Or was there a full band?

[@tylervaughn6328]

@@blebhan8213 no he came with an amazing stage full band

[@janetmosier9182]

I'm 74, my daughter 54 we both know most of Rick's songs and love listening to him. The Best of Rick Springfield Is our favorite road trip music.

[@scottlalexander510]

I was 16 when this album came out in 1981. If you were a "dude" at that time you didn't admit to being a RS fan because he was a female heart-throb. At that point I started calling myself a "closet Rick Springfield fan." And I never stopped. I have every RS record. When I met my wife in 2001 she too was a RS fan (just another thing to love about her). We started attending RS concerts. If he was performing anywhere within 300 miles we bought tickets. We probably saw him live more than 50 times. Sadly, I lost my wife to cancer in 2011, but I still see Rick live whenever I can and like to think my wife is still right there beside me. I hope one day I can meet Rick and tell him this story and how much his music meant to my wife and me and that I still rock out to him today! Thanks, Rick!!

[@CSDonohue11]

😢 She’s always rocking with You, Brother. Much Love ✌️

[@cynthiacrawford6147]

I see her wanting you to take special people with you to his concerts

[@scottlalexander510]

@@CSDonohue11: Thanks for the kind words. Going to see RS yet again at the Indianapolis 500 Carb Day festivities on 5/27/22!!

[@scottlalexander510]

@@cynthiacrawford6147: Thank you, Cynthia. That’s very kind. Maybe I can find someone to take when I see RS yet again on 5/27/22 during the Indianapolis 500 Carb Day festivities!!

[@CSDonohue11]

@@scottlalexander510 Nice ! 👍 What A Great connection between You 3. I know you’re going to have A Great time. Hopefully You get to interact with RS directly sometimes that weekend That’ll be awesome. ✌️

[@paulrichter2863]

Rick Springfield, as he appears in this interview, is 71 freaking years old. Holy crap, he is amazing.

[@velvetbees]

He looks like he is in his fifties. The guy has always looked youthful.

[@8a41jt]

That's called the "baby-face curse". I've got it at 65, maybe look 50? It plagued me even for years after I was 21, and I was an on-fire drunk during those days.... Until I actually turned 21, it was a major curse. I tell people my true age and no one believes it.

[@stovis]

@@8a41jt best curse ever

[@rickthomas2628]

71 years old and almost a flawless neck. There's no plastic surgery for the neck so thats remarkable.

[@TheOlesarge]

Yeah, did you catch where he said, "...the band I went to Vietnam with..." ?

[@johnpoprik1502]

About 10 years ago I took my kids to see Rick in Orlando, FL. It was the first concert they ever went to. They were so excited, they all knew the song Jessie's Girl. While my daughter was getting ready, she was talking a mile a minute. She was putting paper and a pen in her purse while saying that she was going to get his autograph and ask him something about the song. I stopped her and said, "Oh, Honey. We won't get to do that. We are just going to see him on stage and listen to him. We won't get anywhere near him." Well she had the last laugh. Rick came out into the audience during one of his songs and my daughter actually touched him. I'm so glad she got to prove me wrong.

[@trestuck6865]

Awesome !!

[@chichiboypumpi]

Gen X are the best parents, bravo

[@CSDonohue11]

That’s freakin Dope ! 🥲 That story just made Me So happy for You Guys. That’s So Cool. Much Love ✌️

[@youniqueboutique2134]

She actually got to touch him. Did it cure all ailments?

[@chichiboypumpi]

@@youniqueboutique2134 perhaps you mean ailments

[@drop12341]

The irony is, when Rick’s “Jessie’s Girl” began to climb the charts, I was in my first clinical rotation in a hospital in Virginia, and my fellow clinicians and myself often found solace in Rick’s work on “Working Class Dog” and Dr. Noah on “General Hospital.” “Aaah, those were the days!”

[@sellingpeck]

Such an under-rated artist. I say that because often times when a heart throb makes it big the guys, not the girls turn their noses up. But, I bought this cassette when it came out and pretty much everything else he’s done since. Living in Oz is a masterpiece of power pop! He is the real deal, an all around great musical artist, and actor, and a great writer. He wrote his own autobiography, I believe without a ghost writer. I also have an autographed copy of a novel he wrote, which was really good. He’s probably funny enough to be a stand up comedian if he wanted. I’ve never formally met him, but I had an experience involving him that made him, in my eyes, the kindest man in RocknRoll. I went to see him with a great life long friend of mine with Down syndrome. We were in the front row and Rick came down and sang with him. The photographer from the local newspaper was there and captured the moment. It’s my favorite photograph ever. What a gentleman he is.

[@kirrilywelsh]

That's awesome

[@Stoneylfm]

Great story and insightful info about Rick. I didn’t realize he was so talented

[@mjcole12]

Living in oz is an amazing album!

[@jvburnes]

How's this for weird? After watching this I searched for MTV vids, watched one with Martha Quinn. The first thing on the video was Little River Band, then she talked about Rick Springfield and it ended with Rush's Limelight. YOU should definitely interview Martha Quinn. She knew everyone at the time and she's incredibly sweet.

[@fivestring65ify]

Martha was always one of my favorites.

[@faithfulgrl]

How's this for weird? I was thinking of MTV yesterday. It has been like 30 years! The premiere day. The 1st video played " Video Killed The Radio Star" I forgot the name of the 2nd song. jvburnes, you blew my mind!🤯 I never cared for Rick Springfield's music. Nice guy though. Martha Quinn, Nina Blackburn. Oh crap! I can't remember the guys. What a great gig. I miss just watching videos with friends smokin' a little p...oh well those were the days! Thanx if you listened.

[@tonyespelage9712]

The Mary Ann of MTV.

[@Maevelikeschampagne]

@@faithfulgrl Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman…adored Alan hunter. I was 8 when MTV premiered and I was hooked.

[@mikereseigh]

@@tonyespelage9712 oh yes for sure

[@k.b.tidwell]

It constantly brings a smile to my 52 year old face when I find out the backstories of these songs that make up the backstory of my life. How bland life would have been without these epic songs to back us up as we took our first steps out into the big, big world.

[@cobrabtc]

I'm an 80's teen.... Best decade and music ever. This was a classic and love to sing it every time I hear it. Great interview.

[@dansweda712]

Same here, no other decade had the variety of music that the 80's did, from the beginnings of rap, to the big hair bands, classic rock bands still were making music, and all the groups from around the world that broke into the American music scene

[@stevetruth2696]

It has to do with when a person grew up. That tends to be 'their' best decade. I'm a 70's person. Teen years. However, I got married/kids in the 80's and have so many good memories of those times. Music has been such a gift to all of us. Hear a song and we are transported back. To when? Our highest highs and our lowest lows. Music will never forget. Peace!

[@briansauer6695]

@@stevetruth2696 Awesome comment! I believe the same thing. Was 12/13 in 1980 and that pretty much was the greatest time for me. Still young and innocent, especially pre internet days. Having parents in their 20's and 30's in the 70's and only 18 years older than me, it was like having an older brother and sister playing all the great stuff coming out then. There are many songs from the 70's and 80's which, transfer me, not only as a memory, but I feel like my spirit actually DOES travel back to a specific point in which I heard that song. Music is such a cool thing that way!

[@wendyschneider4490]

I remember Rick Springfield in the band Zoot. I had their poster on my bedroom wall. They were wearing their Zoot suits.

[@tariblevins955]

@@stevetruth2696 Yes, the 70s, freedom, jeans, free love, amazing music and future. Floyd, Zeppelin, ACDC, BeeGees, many, many...

[@SThompsonRAMM_1203]

Bought this album, when I was 19. I was going through a pretty rough time in my life, out on my own for the first time, and this album got me through those times. This is one thing back in those days when you bought an album and listened to the entire catalog. Reading the liner notes, who wrote the songs, and finding those hidden gems, it will never be played on the radio. I wish every kid could experience what that was like.

[@arlenehohneker9053]

Rick, I just want you to know how much the song you wrote for your dad meant so much to me and it gave me comfort when my father passed.

[@mariflame1821]

Thank you for bringing Rick back to your channel. Rick Springfield 'Living in Oz' tour was my very first concert and crush and I've seen him several other times live and he always puts on great energetic shows. Last time I saw him was a few years ago on my town of Lakeland Florida. Just missed him at Epcot when I got sick from Covid. He has so many other great songs (Affair of the Heart, You Better Love Somebody, State of the Heart, Celebrate Youth...) that I wish had music reactions on KZbin. He made a bunch of super funny videos during the pandemic... 😅 oh, a funny Rick story. My Mom used to babysit a friend's baby twins. They ended up moving to California and one year when they came back for vacation the boys were going over my LPs and suddenly go "That's coach Rick!". Rick Springfield was their little league baseball coach and the kids didnt even know who he was. I still have a picture of Rick with the kids!

[@kevinb3812]

I love that Coach Rick story!!!

[@GNXXRAY]

You’ll love this story… My older cousin Eddie was huge into the music scene in the 70’s and 80’s. When I got my drivers license in 1986…I lived in a small town in western Pa. The kids all cruised town on the weekends and played their radios and favorite songs as they drove around. My cousin lived in Sacramento California and loved the Radio stations out there. He would put in a brand new cassette at a precise time and record it front and back on 93 ROCK. Then while I was cruising around I would put the tape in and play it…so when the DJ would announce the time…it was in sync with our time on the east coast. All the kids thought I had some crazy way of listening to a station 1000’s of miles away. Pretty cool back then. 93 ROCK was awesome.

[@dcraexon]

🤣👍klos probably central California Orange County North had so many stations back then playing every type of music Arizona was mostly country music back then so i used to record the tapes to

[@GT-mq1dx]

Almost as Kool as KZAP 😎 during the late 70’s and early 80’s I grew up there btw 😁 Good music in SoCal was KROQ in L.A. and 91X in San Diego. Good times.

[@sarahr3747]

This sounds a lot like my western Pa. town…! I remember the days of cruising around town blasting our music. Those were the days 🔥

[@GNXXRAY]

@@sarahr3747 Was your Pa town Meadville by chance?

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

@@GT-mq1dx YES!!! KZAP! ZAPPERMENTO! I loved that station! In early 1984 I joined the army and was sent to Ft Benning, Georgia for training. About a month in I was assigned to guard the entrance to a range or something lol. Anyway I’m out there guarding this gate when it starts to rain so I was told to stand in this wooden shack and carved into the wall was KZAP Zappermento! I was so stoked I just couldn’t believe it lol

[@haljalykakik2384]

Great interview! "Working Class Dog" was one of the first albums I bought with my lawn-mowing money my 11-year-old self earned during the summer of 1981. I wore the grooves out on that thing. I went back to listen to it a while back and it still holds up today. Great record, even today!

[@georgebarry8640]

It really is a very good album start to finish. Yes..VERY pop...but thats ok...its GOOD to be happy.

[@joel2582]

Lawn mowing money, money from your paper route and babysitting money is sadly no longer on the mouths of teenagers today.

[@ianmarkley7993]

I love interviews with RS. He tells great stories about his career. And he writes great songs. This was a blast to watch.

[@kathykennedy6746]

In the 80s I was in an all girl band who played local clubs in the Dallas area. All of our favorite songs were sung by men about girls. But we weren’t deterred from singing them including Brown Eyed Girl and Jessie’s Girl. Over time we noticed that a lot of our fan base included women with short spiked hair and flannel shirts. But men liked us too.

[@joshhuskins5363]

I lived in Irving Texas good God it was awesome being a teen there during this time.

[@brt-jn7kg]

Kathy is that you?

[@kathykennedy6746]

@@brt-jn7kg Hi, do we know each other?

[@eeltenaj19]

I'd have been there too if I wasn't a flannel wearing, short haired Canadian. 😂

[@jakeaurod]

The darkness in that song wasn't lost on us pre-teens in 1981. We all knew jealousy and wanting or causing a breakup was bad news. We carried that lesson with us into our teenage drama years.

[@sodone4078]

it's really not that dark. I'm pretty sure Rick Springfield could've stole any guys gf. ;)

[@helbent4]

@@sodone4078 Probably true.

[@kevinb3812]

You were likely speaking truth! That would have been one solid high school romance to weather that storm! I know one couple that might’ve made it… still married today!

[@lewiscrow]

Another song that brings back memories of the spring/summer of '81. Great time for music.

[@peteyoung6213]

Rick Springfield taught many of us who were in grade school or middle school at the time what a moot point is. Education through popular music!

[@wonsworld61]

not everyone :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH3aiqOJeNeffrc

[@jen_alanfromchicago53]

@@wonsworld61 👏👏👍. Nice link

[@khman44]

One of my favorite lyrics. I mean who thinks of rhyming the word moot!

[@ilovesuisse1]

Rick Springfield is an Australian singer.

[@jdaniels1313]

Do you cringe every time you see somebody write, "it's a *mute* point"? I do, cuz no, it's a MOOT point! But that MUTE button on the remote is sure handy for silencing commercials!

[@johnpauljones9310]

Rick is great live. He hits the stage and plays 3 songs before saying a damn word. Too many performers talk the audience to death. Not Rick, he lets the music talk and its a great show.

[@timothygodwin1189]

Eddie Money is the suckiest concert to ever go to. You will be listenng to a song he was singing and after just about every verse he would just start emitting some verbal diarreah everybody could care less about . Look him up on youtube. Dispite the fact that he had some great music he needed someone to strap him into an electric chair and shoot some concert eddicate through his drug infested body .

[@johnpauljones9310]

@@timothygodwin1189 I saw Eddie at a small club in the 90s (long after his 80's heyday) and he wouldn't shut the fuck up and just perform. He kept talking and talking. Finally, the crowd started booing every time he talked. Pissed him off. A week later in a radio interview, he insulted the club, the crowd, and the entire city for the way he was treated. It was hilarious.

[@alexaproffitt4640]

Saw Rick in a small venue back in about 2015…he walked out into the crowd and the women went nuts like it was still 1981…he’s timeless! :D

[@Rhaspun]

A friend of mine was able to get some pictures of Rick Springfield at the local county fair. He said Rick Springfield was a very friendly and humble person to deal with. My friend is an advance amateur photographer. He has asked many different singers/actors if they could pose for some photos and more often that not people will let him take some photos. He carries a lot of equipment with him when he's out trying to get photos. Onetime he heard that Billy Bob Thornton was at a nightclub in Marin county with his band. My friend got permission from Billy Bob Thornton to take photos of him and his group during their break.

[@brianchampion3337]

During the time when Rick was on General Hospital he decided to do a tour. It was called the sweat for success tour. The band did a concert in Medford Oregon. I got a chance to work as a member of the stage crew. They gave us a stage crew black t-shirt to wear. After helping to set up the stage we worked as security. We sat on these barriers that kept people from climbing on to the stage. Also when girls would pass out from screaming histerically at the band we would climb down and carry them over to the medical personnel. During the concert, which was great by the way, the lead guitar player broke a string and his guitar guy didn't have another ready for him to grab so he went off stage. The drummer covered with a solo. Rick threw a bucket of water on the drummer and everytime he hit the drums the colored lights on the stage made the water flying off the drums come off in rainbow colors. Awesome. After the concert backstage I saw the lead guitar player and Rick talking so I went up to meet them and say how much I loved the show and opportunity to work it. Rick said thanks and then offered me his guitar pick. I think it was his way of saying...go away. Lol

[@drea4195]

Rick Springfield is still genuinely cool after all these years!😎 Rock on, Rick.

[@shannonyoung3465]

Little known facts, Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar’s husband & her lead guitarist. Played all the solo’s on this Rick Springfield album. RS definitely left his mark on the 80’s in more ways than one. Really excelled in the 80’s pop-rock genre.

[@fivestring65ify]

Let's take it up a notch. Geraldo played ALL the guitars and all the bass tracks in this album.

[@shannonyoung3465]

@@fivestring65ify 🙌

[@georgebarry8640]

@@fivestring65ify Um...not sure of that. But Maybe. I don' know Rick is certainly capable of playing all the parts, but in the industry (I am in it, too) it isn't uncommon for the artist to run out of time and someone plays the parts that the artist would have played. Artist's time is at a premium....they are often schedule to play in a few hours, so interviews, etc etc In Rick's book...he tells a funny story of how producer Keith Olsen (who worked with Rick Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, Ozzy Osbourne, the Grateful Dead, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Heart, Santana, Saga, Foreigner, Scorpions, Journey, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Joe Walsh, 38 Special, and Eric Burdon & the Animals, among others) saw Rick playing lead guitar in the studio and said "Why didn't you tell me you could play guitar like that??" Rick said when we worked together.."You never asked me". It is many years later now. I don't think it matters much. Neil is awesome..and so is Rick. Each in their own way.

[@doctordetroit4339]

One of the best and most memorably shows I ever saw (out of hundreds).....was Neil and Pat but this time....Neil spoke before each song, and how he created the sounds for the songs. The accidental findings, noodling, etc. with keys and guitars. I never knew Spider was such a force. A real artist. It was around the time they changed their band name to Both Pat and Neil, then I understood why. He never got the credit he deserved, still doesn't in my view.

[@noclu4u384]

Call me spider .

[@alecprentice1573]

He's aged better than any human I've ever seen!! You go Rick!!!! )))

[@georgebarry8640]

Very plant based diet..and he works out...and he doesn't deny he has had work done.

[@elouise5593]

I thought he looked like he had work done. I think that is mostly why he looks pretty good in his 70s. I look young for my age and eat meat and dairy and have had zero work done on my face or body. Mine is just that I inherited good genes.

[@jchinckley]

@@elouise5593 Then why do you assume he's had work done? If you can do it (or have good genes), why can't he? I assume he has more money to spend on the right foods and medical care than you do (perhaps I'm wrong). To me, he doesn't look like he's had work done. He looks like he's taken care of himself, unlike so many other rock stars.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

I was looking for this very comment. He’s 72!!! Whaaa? 🤯

[@iainsmith6643]

Wait till you see the picture in the attic

[@lanelederer175]

There's so much more to this multitalented man than I ever knew! As an old retired symphony musician, I was thrilled to hear him cite Carousel as his favorite Show. There's definitely a bittersweet, dark, and beautiful undercurrent to that one, and it's also my favorite to perform, or watch. I'm still in the St Pete Opera, and I'm going to ask the conductor if we can stage it. Rick should call and reinforce my request!

[@SteveCipperley-mw8vv]

Great interview. I graduated high school in 1981... a great time in music history.

[@wallabumba]

For my two cents, Rick Springfield is THE definition of 80's rock n roll. He is a fantastic song writer, a gorgeous man, and all around decent person. He is a way better musician than I think he gets credit for. His documentary, "An Affair of the Heart" is an interesting look into his life.

[@j_freed]

This guy and Billy Squier are equally brilliant. Of course Billy can stand on the stage with a guitar and play his songs like a blues set.

[@alanvallazza9781]

He was in Ricki and The Flash. Couldn't believe it. I got to see him in 2014 with Pat Benetar. Amazingly the late David Bowie was in town playing another venue and relatives were there.

[@greghooper4235]

Having grown up in the 60s with warehouse parties in the 70s and massive music all around, Rick Springfield was a complete stomach churn. First concert was Lynard Skynyrd, Pink Floyd Animals your, Ted Nugent in stadiums. Sex Pistols and The Exploited. Rush stand's on it's own. The best thing that ever happened to music was when top 40 radio disappeared into tape that you could take with you and not have to carry around a giant box. Rick Springfield was the quintessential milquetoast blech that you couldn't escape. Overproduced and pushed into everything. He's a talented sell out with the hair and production that shows everything wrong with what happened to music. Thank you Grunge for rescuing music from the producers.

[@wallabumba]

@@greghooper4235 I love grunge! I love metal! I love hard rock, Southern Fried rock, and progressive rock. I absolutely love Uncle Ted. And I love Rick Springfield. You may have your opinion, I will have mine.

[@doctordetroit4339]

@@greghooper4235 Grunge sucked, it was angry and moody and no wonder the groups all dead of smack ODs.....thank God it's almost gone.

[@deetlesbug3008]

I remember being 15 or 16 and buying this album. Just this past week my daughter got a turntable and wanted to borrow some albums. She was going through them and popped up with my Rick Springfield! Thanks for the great interview and love to Rick!

[@dugwug7703]

I absolutely remember Jesse's Girl in 81. It was a HUGE hit. I also remember the General Hospital phenomenon. Imagine teens and college age kids watching a daytime soap opera. Weird. Let me just point out that Rick is 72 years old. Looking at him, he looks at least 20 years younger. Thanks for the great music Rick!

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

Ricky Martin followed the same pattern, getting a gig on General Hospital which helped launch his music career.

[@drunvert]

I watched GH in High School senior year. We ALL watched GH and One Life to Live in college. Sometimes not walking up till you heard the theme song.

[@jodyknapp5374]

One of my favorites from the 80’s, love Rick, his albums,everything. Still stop and sing along whenever I hear it.

[@terryjohnson666]

I’m 75 and Jessie’s Girl is still on my All-Time Favorites Playlist. Love the video and love Rick Springfield. And now my 6 yo grandson is picking up the legacy. Great story, Prof!

[@chrystallee5528]

Jesse's Girl is one of my favorite songs. Graduated high school in 1981. Watched Dr. Noah on General Hospital and like all teen girls at the time, had a mad crush on the young doctor. I loved that song when it first came out and I still love it today.💜

[@martezberry3164]

I loved Dr Noah and Bobbi together 💞

[@johnfairchild3421]

Was just married baby on the way and a fabulous job in the oilfield the next year it all fell down no work in Louisiana you could not get a job unless you were civil service

[@sighteternal497]

Saw Rick live a couple years ago, still as great as ever and looks fantastic and he told us he was turning 72! Great interview for one my favorite musician and song writers! Thanks for all the great music Rick, my young teenage years were that much better enjoying your songs and music!

[@lisas525]

72!?

[@sighteternal497]

@@lisas525 I know and he rocked the stage performing.

[@snidelywhiplash]

Rick still has a little of his Aussie accent and continues to be made of talent. Love this!

[@Jadedgrl2012]

Man thanks for the memories from long long ago. So enjoyed this! I was in high school when this 1st came out and all us girls skipped school regularly for general hospital which we were already doing prior. The old ladies in the south always had their daughters involved with watching their “stories”which is how the old ladies referred to soaps. I’ve so enjoyed Jesse’s girl being revived over and over through the years. Takes me to my happy place every-time. The darkness was never lost on us girls though. How many girls walked around saying “what does “Jesse’s girl”have that I don’t?! 😂 Forgive my typos I’m old and can’t find my glasses!

[@robbchastain3036]

I enjoyed your story and it reminds me of a visit with my paternal grandparents after graduating from high school in '77. They lived in the Detroit area, life-long tho' my grandmother was originally from Canada, and Grandma was a very active lady and I liked riding in her Vega as she dashed here and there--and years earlier she drove the wheels off her Corvair. However, she did like to zip back to her house in time to watch one particular soap every afternoon and I'd watch it with her. And I was getting sort of hooked on it and I thought, hmm, this can't be happening, lol. And after my almost two-month visit, I got a job at a radio station in Ohio and, whew, that was that for me and that soap opera, tho' it had been fun to watch it with her, she knew that deal like football fans know their favorite team. 😀

[@johnny5g.154]

Quintessential 80s classic! I agree, it’s a dark song. The agony of seeing a beautifully captivating woman with another guy who you know has no clue what or who he’s with. The emotional pain that’s subtly captured in incredibly written and performed song is nothing short of timeless. Nicely done, Rick!

[@babsbybend]

"Why Not Me?" (1980) by Fred Knobloch. "Taxi" (1972) by Harry Chapin. There's two more for the playlist!

[@kenperkins7921]

70s greats allover the place in the sixties, SUPER, 70s,8os,and 90s!

[@mesterak]

Rick Springfield was one of my favorite music artists as a kid. I know all of his songs by heart. I think there are several great songs that got little or no air time back then, which is shame because his music had such an impression on me growing up. I’m sure there are others who feel the same. Thank you Rick Springfield for being a huge part of my childhood memories. Your music soothed my soul throughout my rough childhood.

[@moochercat]

I remember hearing an interview with him years ago talking about his fame and how in those early days fans of GH would write him fan letters talking about how he must have a nice Beverly Hills mansion, because he had also just come out with a hit song and figured he was worth millions. Meanwhile, Rick is reading his fan mail sitting in his $300/month one bedroom apartment in LA.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

That must have been a really crappy neighbourhood because a couple years later I was living in LA in a junior one bedroom and paying $1,000 per month lol and my neighbourhood wasn’t the best lol

[@noclu4u384]

He was a soap opera actor too.

[@24HRdreamerMusicFan]

Yep...he was on the verge of breaking out to the world right at that time. Life really changed for him.

[@nostradamus7648]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 But you were living the Dream, lol, hanging out on the Sunset Strip, shooting heroin with River Phoenix, posing in your costume at Grauman's.

[@edwardmclaughlin719]

@@nostradamus7648 Nostradumbass

[@Warrenm70]

The power version of Elanoe Rigby he came up with with his early band The Zoot is a must listen for any hard rock enthusiast. Its a Classic here in Oz.

[@DeidreL9]

Absolutely! It’s awesome❤️

[@comikdebris]

Zoot is a great band

[@mosesgtz.h.7014]

I never get tired of listening to it. I was having an awesome childhood when this song came in.

[@BigAL68xyz]

As a kid I never thought of this song as dark. The benefit of maturity has allowed me to see just how dark it is. Pretty deep stuff.

[@jmchez]

It's like dancing to Money Changes Everything or SheBop by Cindy Lauper back in the 80s and then stopping to really listen to the lyrics. Woah!!!

[@91bravic12]

I was like this with Bad is Bad by Huey Lewis and the News. Not saying it a dark song, but finally understood what they were talking about.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome episode and awesome interview Professor! Rick Springfield is awesome! Always loved his music! Such a great guy! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening!!!

[@stevebrien1041]

@@ProfessorofRock thankyou for finally featuring Rick

[@eleni1968]

Thanks for this segment with Rick Springfield. I remember my sister, our friend Maria, and I racing home to see him as Dr. Noah Drake on GH. When we learned he was the one who was on the radio for " Jessie's Girl" we all swooned. OMG we nearly lost it. We were teens in the '80's and we felt like we didn't have it nearly as good as teens of the 50's and '60's. WE learned after the fact we had it a bit better.

[@dttttt]

As a General Hospital fan in the 80s and among the first people who got cable & MTV at our house, this was a wonderful accident of serendipity for Rick Springfield! Different medium, same audience. A marketing lesson still relevant today.

[@Abolitionista]

I've seen at least 100+ bands play. The greatest of great, but seeing Rick Springfield was probably one of the most enjoyable ones, bc he loves what he's doing and he pours that love into the crowd and is interactive with his fans! His spirit is contagious!

[@lynnstephenalvord]

Way to go Adam, interview with Rick Springfield. YOu took a chance (telling him a "funny story"). He listened, approved of you tell the girl you wrote Jessie's Girl, gave you a fist bump, was the high point of an interview that was the greatest. Keep taking those chances. Lynn from the old neighborhood

[@J.L.Nelson]

I've been a fan of Rick's for 41 years. The first time I heard JG I was living in the boonies with one TV channel coming in and a girl came up to her family's cabin next to our house and she played it for me and I've been a fan ever since. I loved this interview and you have a new subscriber!

[@valerievanetten3183]

I've been a fan of Rick's since 1972 and I believe that he is one of the most underrated songwriters and guitarists there is. The only artists/groups I hold in higher esteem than Rick is The Beatles. He and his music have been the soundtrack and panacea of my life. And yes Adam he has a wicked sense of humor.

[@craighenry2351]

But Rick didn’t play guitar on the studio version of Jessie’s girl. Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar’s guitarist, producer and husband did. Now he may have played it later and in concert, but Neil came up with the solo originally. Rick actually played the guitar on the whole album.

[@mikeronniward1261]

I have loved Rick Springfield since the mid 70’s, and I remember exactly where I was the very first time that I ever heard this song 🎵 I have had the pleasure of meeting Rick many times over the years and he is such a sweetheart. I worked on a yearly fundraiser in celebration of his birthday for charity and had some of my photos in his autobiography. What a great musical legend and he should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! -Ronni

[@georgebarry8640]

I agree if he isn't in the RnR Hall of fame shame on them...He is a true soldier, and anyone that has seen him play over the years and experienced his music knows this. He has been at it now..what...60 years??????? For pete's sake...he has had no. 1 singles, a best selling book...done TV..movies..broadway...what does a guy have to do to be considered REAL???

[@123waterskitom]

Met Rick about 9 years ago at a film fest and he was the humblest guy and kind to fans. Rock on.

[@opiegonebad58]

I graduated in '81 so songs like this really bring me back to a great time. Thanks for this one!

[@LisaGemini]

Awesome interview, Adam! I love me some Rick! I was in college a little afterJessie's Girl came out. My girlfriend and I saw his show in Lakeland, Florida, in 1983. We were so in love with Rick! I did schedule my college classes around General Hospital. I love how he does not take himself seriously. I recommend his autobiography because he talks about his depression...but you will laugh, too. Very entertaining, just like he is! He has aged well and remains a top-notch musician. Thanks so much for doing this, Adam. You rock!

[@rickbrenner6079]

That’s awesome that u scheduled your college classes around Gen Hospital:) It was really a major tv hit at the time with Luke and Laura. There even was a hit song in honor of the show written at the time of the show’s peak: “GeneRale HospitTale” a minor hit.

[@erickincaid9779]

Great, interview, man. I was an 11 or 12 year old kid visiting my older teenage cousin, and she had Working Class Dog and AC/DC's Dirty Deeds on vinyl. I listened to Jessie's Girl and Big Balls over and over and over. I couldn't get enough of those songs as a kid. And I was today years old (51) when I found out they were both Australian! Keep up the great work, man. Great channel.

[@miyolinux]

I was in a band when this came out, and my girlfriend (at the time) was all kinds of crazy over Rick Springfield. She tried her best to get me...to get the band...to play it. I kept putting it off, because I didn't want to feed her Springfield fever. 😂 I finally gave in, and people loved it whenever we played it... ...especially my girlfriend. Hahaha! 🤪 It's still on my Playlist today. 🤘

[@sarahpritchard3799]

Ha ha ha. Great share. Thanks for the smiles 😃

[@kimberlyyaeger6491]

I have followed rick springfield since the 80s of General Hospital Dr Noah Drake. I was a very huge heartthrob on general hospital aka Dr Noah Drake. I was about 8 years old when I watched him on general hospital with my mother. At age 14 I went to his very first concert of rick springfield. My mother and I had so much fun in the 80s of rick springfield. Now that my mom has passed away from DEMENTIA in the nursing home. I had to stop going to rick springfield concerts. Now I am a very HUGE ROCK STAR FAN OF RICK SPRINGFIELD. HE IS MY HERO BECAUSE OF HIS MUSIC. HE IS VERY TALENTED SINGER AND PERFORMER. I MISS RICK SPRINGFIELD. YES 💝 I DO LOVE RICK SPRINGFIELD FOR HIS MUSIC AND HIS PERFORMANCES. HE IS THE BEST ROCK STAR SINGER EVER. MY OPINION. 💝💯👍🙏🎚🎤🎸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@udiorockmeamadeus]

My favorite song was “we all need the human touch”.. I also got into Mondo Rock a few months back and found rick did a cover of their “state of the heart” but I liked Mondo Rocks version. I like when songs are simple sounding and laid back.. Knowing Rick is Australian makes sense why he'd do a cover of a mondo rock song cause they are Australian too.

[@kirrilywelsh]

I am gathering that you're not Australian but if you are and already know this just ignore. Ross Wilson was in a band pre-Mondo Rock called Daddy Cool. When Elton John heard Cool's song Eagle Rock while on tour down under, it inspired him and Taupin to write Crocodile Rock. Check it out if you haven't heard it. It's a national treasure. :)

[@ronaldoago-go5907]

@@kirrilywelsh kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4mlhoCBg5l9e9E

[@angryredninja]

Thank you Professor!!! I was hoping you would finally address this legendary performer. Please do more interviews with Rick. I've been a fan since I was 7 years old in 1973, when I woke up one Saturday morning, and watched the cartoon premiere of Rick Springfield 's Mission Magic on ABC. Saw him in episodes of Wonder Woman and on The Incredible Hulk I.Love, Love, Love his music!! Two of my all time favorite songs are "What Kind of Fool am I?" and "Living in Oz". Please do more!!

[@rjs2005]

Yep, that was a great song from a great era. I've been listening to Rick's show on SiriusXM 80's on 8, called (obviously) "Working Class DJ". He's every bit as funny during the show as he was in this interview.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He's just great.

[@cozmicpfunk]

You need to check out "Ricki and the Flash" with Merrill Streep and Rick Springfield, such a great film! Loved the song and that interview- great job Professor!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@cozmicpfunk Wow, haven’t seen that! Need to check it out!

[@DanieVargas]

Had no idea he had a show on XM!! When is his show on? Specific days? Particular time?

[@fivestring65ify]

That's a great show.

[@hawkiconoclast]

I was a kid in a punk band when this song came out, my girlfriend watched General Hospital and First fell in love with Dr. Noah then this song, I was basically forced to watch both the show and hear the song… All these years later I still take gigs in rock bands and when I DJ there are sets when I read the crowd and jessie’s girl is a go to. Great work Professor Rick Springfield still looks great & I guess my high school girlfriend still has a crush on him. I’m at that age where I need eyeglasses, going to check your advertiser Zenni out.

[@gardengatesopen]

As a teen during that time, I remember all the girls were ALREADY watching General Hospital - everyday. That's because they had this other great storyline going on before Rick was hired. It was the great love story of Luke & Laura. It was epic! They were household names. We were already skipping class to watch it! Luke & Laura were a HUGE nationwide draw to that show for young girls, and their storyline lasted A LONG TIME, more than a year if I'm remembering correctly. When Luke & Laura's saga started to dwindle down, that's when General Hospital started integrating other "young" storylines complete with heartthrob guys, to keep us girls watching. And that's right when Rick Springfield entered the scene! He fit the bill perfectly! SOOO CUTE!!! And then when we found out he was a rock singer, & guitar player - he was locked in for us!! Even though MTV was new, back in those days, we just didn't have everyday access to actual rock stars. So we would tune in to GH just to lay eyes on him! Ha! Teenagers!! Good Times tho!!! Thanks for the memories Rick!!! You're looking as GREAT AS EVER!!!

[@donaldwatson554]

Rick Springfield is a very humble man, he has been open about depression and struggles. I admire the man for this.

[@danieloswald844]

You make it impossible to say no to your videos! It doesn’t matter the genre or time period the in-depth and fun nature of the videos is so entertaining. Thanks for all you do Professor.

[@rts3613]

My buddy joined the Columbia House Tape Club. He never ordered a tape, so they would send him the tape of the month. One month he got The Specials. We had no idea who they were, but it ended up being our jam all summer. Unfortunately, I lost my friend when he faked his death to escape the Columbia House Tape Club. He's now living under an alias somewhere in the southeast USA. Every once in awhile I get a call with A Message to Rudy playing in the background, just to let me know he's still alive.

[@jvburnes]

I actually LOL'd at this. Faked his death to escape the approval tape club.

[@toddoverby5538]

In college in the 80s I had a buddy that would sign people up in the dorms for Columbia House. He worked the mail room for the hall and would keep all the cassettes for himself and throw away the bills. Must have been quite a collection. They are probably still hunting down all those students from Thomas Hall at Eastern Illinois University.

[@brentblake8306]

Brilliant!

[@eddye8203]

always loved Rick, really dug "Jessie's Girl" when it came out. He was so original in his sound.

[@reuireuiop0]

Reminds a bit of early 80s powerpop, Cars, Beat, Knack, Nerves, Romantics, even if "Jessie" was more relaxed than what most of those were known for.

[@GT-mq1dx]

Nice thing about the early 80’s was there was so much new music that was coming out that was different from the classic rock FM format that was still pretty hot during that time. Tons and tons of great new music.

[@aprilholton1150]

Oh yes! The 80's were awesome!! I was a teenager then, graduated in 82! That feels like 10 lifetimes ago. I was thinking of Rick Springfield and Jessie's girl when you asked what song we loved from that era. I went to so many of his concerts, I can't even count how many! Some great times back then. Loved the clothes, music and that hair! It took years for us girls to get over the high hair in the front--ha.ha. Thank you for bringing back these memories, I appreciate it! God bless you

[@brave_ulysses5958]

That was awesome! Thanks for the interview Rick. I remember seeing you in concert in D.C. back in the day.

[@paulajolly9962]

Great interview! I remember watching GH when Dr. Noah Drake joined the cast - I was still in high school & it was before we had a VCR. I could only see the show during summer break & holidays. I’ve always loved his music! My husband is simply the best: he took me to see Rick in concert at Graceland back in early 2020 before the lockdown. Fantastic show!!! You can tell he really enjoys what he does & his backing band is also very talented. One of my favorite date nights ever: which is saying a lot since we’ve been married almost 22 yrs!

[@wendyladybug355laurie4]

God Bless,In May We Are Blessed To Be Married For, Wait A Minute,Holy-We Have Been Married For 27(😱🥂💃💃💝)yrs.I Simply Cannot Believe It's Been That Long, That's Why The Scream Face!!!!It Feels Like We Have ONLY Been Married For Two Years.Many PRAYER'SNLUV 👼👼✝️✝️💝💝💃💃🥂

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

Rick was in a Australian Band in the early 70's called "The Zoot". They did the best ever cover or even the best ever version of "Elanor Rigby" period. Out of interest, check it out. Fantastic and even better played loud.

[@lynnmcclure1103]

Indeed! I love Zoot's version!

[@poitor5915]

there one album is very solid available on spotify☝🏻

[@ErikStone1]

In the '80s this was played every weekend at the local roller rink. No better time to be a kid than the '80s!

[@GT-mq1dx]

Especially the early 80’s. 😎

[@heidi2166]

God I miss roller-skating. A different boy every weekend but it was such good exercise for you

[@amusecalledkayla1140]

My first concert was Rick (I went to see Corey Hart who called in sick that night 😢). It was a great show. Then in 2006 I went to the daytime Emmys and Rick opened the show with one of the best performances I have seen in my life (and I’ve seen a lot of great bands!). It made me proud to be able to say that Rick had been my first concert. And those dimples still get me ❤️❤️❤️

[@melaniemills3733]

I've loved this song for a LONG time, I named my dog "Jessie" because of it & now my 11yo daughter sings it from KZbin clips she's seen!!!! It's dark but it's awesome!

[@reversefulfillment9189]

Hard to believe that Rick is 72. Dude still looks pretty fresh. Great interview!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right? He and Jennifer Aniston know something we don't

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know, right! He doesn’t even look like he’s in his 70s!

[@48Boxer]

I was wondering the whole time how old he was watching this thinking he looked great for his age. Then he said he was in Vietnam in '68!

[@MrUnderdog-vn3zf]

Gives me hope 😆!

[@mikemcgown6362]

@@48Boxer I know! In '68 I was 2! I'm told I don't look 55, but I don't know what I'll look like at 72. Hopefully I can be as lucky as Rick!

[@NaturalMystic69]

What an awesome interview Adam! This song brings back nothing but great memories of my childhood, in fact I just sent this link to one of my neighbors who owned the copy of Working Class Dog that we used to jam constantly. Also glad to see Rick's looking healthy and happy. I hope when I'm in my 70s that time is as kind to me.

[@libbylandscape3560]

I remember this was a huge hit. Thanks for doing this interview, he seems like a genuinely nice guy.

[@EllaTaroskop]

I remember "Celebrate Youth" as my Springfield -Song. I love it since I heard it. 😊

[@Adam-bp7kw]

Great song. Great album.

[@saramallaceiamthestorm]

This song loved it, I watched Rick on GH, the best was meeting him in a little movie theater where he played. About 6 or 7 yrs ago someone sang this song & mentioned GH. The one who sang it to me I fell in love with him all over again. Anyway thank you for sharing this & bringing up memories & the tiny place I saw Rick. Have a lovely day and night Ciao

[@russnoneya6843]

I really dig when you get to sit down and interview the artists. I appreciate your interview style; you let them talk without too much interjection. Keep on keepin’ on.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Very interesting. I know the guy mentioned in Bruce Springsteen's 'Glory Days' was both a real person Bruce knew AND the guy never, ever knew the song was about him until decades later.

[@brianpollock7700]

I said one of the stupidest things ever when I saw my “Jessie’s Girl” at the Rick Springfield concert in Springfield, IL in 1982. She was there with a different guy who I didn’t know. Months before when she was daring one of my friends, I had told her that I thought of her when I heard the song. When she saw my buddy and me, she came over to say “hi” and instead of keeping my big mouth shut, I said “I knew I would be thinking about you tonight when Rick sings “Jessie’s Girl”. It took her date about 90 seconds to figure out the implications of what I said and she grabbed his arm and pulled him away, but as she did, she looked back over her shoulder and smiled at me. My buddy told me I was lucky I didn’t get the kicked out of me.

[@seangates1451]

Hey, but she smiled! 😁

[@craftsbeautyandlife5163]

I saw Rick twice in concert in the 80s and he was amazing. I was sooooooo in love with him.

[@kevinogill6726]

You can tell how talented Rick is just from that whole conversation, thanks.

[@FrankLafone]

My third record of all time was Rick Springfield's "Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet" (behind my first, Queen's "The Game", and my second, Hall and Oates "Maneater"). I started playing guitar a couple of years ago and I subconsciously bought a white strat that's EXACTLY like Rick's from the "Jesse's Girl" video. Talk about weird ways a video influences you!

[@scottburton9701]

"Jessie's Girl" is a quintessential 80's classic.

[@PREPFORIT]

I was an Extra in " Nick Knight " starring Rick Springfield. It later became "Forever Knight" and I had many days work on that show too. Rick was a great guy and really professional without any arrogance ! He did not look down on us Extras (Background players) 👍

[@mattz.7761]

I’ve always thought of that guitar solo as one of the most underrated guitar solos in popular music. And the intro is an ear bug. Written on guitar for/by a guitar player/singer/ songwriter. Great video. Thank you.

[@deeceepnw]

Played this song loud and proud from my Pioneer stereo in my ‘68 Camaro in So. Cal. singing all the words. Big time associations with salt water breezes, sunshine, and youth. Best era for songs.

[@monicaw5036]

Honestly one of the most iconic 80s songs besides A-ha's song "Take on me".. you can't hear those songs without a smile and a memory. 😊

[@bnigh5495]

This was the first song I learned to play on guitar, no joke! Loved it! I was in seventh grade (i'm 52 now) and taking guitar lessons in school. One of the guys had an electric guitar and played it and we copied what he did on our steel string guitars. So much fun, and a great memory! I had my parents buy me the album. Actually, an exceptionally good album, check it out!

[@aaronlatham8358]

Excellent episode. I've always enjoyed Rick Springfield and his music. I still listen to his albums, in particular Working Class Dog and Tao along with his 2016 LP Rocket Science, which was excellent and highly underrated. I remember that the week Jessie's Girl hit #1 I was on my way to band camp and it seemed to be on the radio constantly during the 3 hour bus ride and most everyone sang along. As a stained glass artist, it was fun to hear that Springfield had a brief flirtation with the art that ended up inspiring Jessie's Girl!

[@Tolohtony]

How does Rocket Science compare to Tao?

[@aaronlatham8358]

@@Tolohtony Tao is guitar/synth driven rock with a lot of production that leans a little dark. Rocket Science is more band oriented and joyous with well-crafted power pop songs. For me, Rocket Science was his best album since Tao. Hope you give it a listen.

[@Tolohtony]

@@aaronlatham8358 I will. Thanks.

[@johndhom3472]

Rocket Science is a great album

[@georgebarry8640]

@@Tolohtony Aaarons description of Tao versus Rocket science is spot on. But even though Tao has some darker moments...it also has some deeper moments than Ricket science,I feel. Both are completely different and both very rewarding. I REALLY loved the guitars on Tao...I think Rick and Tim Pierce crafted such unique and beautiful parts for the songs (yes, I play guitar professionally).

[@soulsaw]

Every time I hear this song I love Rick Springfield as much as I did when I was 11 in 1981 hearing it for the first time.

[@michealriseley6261]

Jessie's girl was the ringtone on my recently deceased father's mobile (cell phone)....every time I hear the song, it reminds me of my Dad and his love of this song. So thank you for this video, I know my dad would have loved it too

[@scottburton9701]

Fantastic interview,Adam-However,you forgot to mention that Rick reached the top forty for the first time in 1972 with "Speak To The Sky".

[@laustcawz2089]

He also had a musical cartoon TV show called "Mission: Magic".

[@patrickdaly5068]

@@laustcawz2089 I remember that! I stumbled across a video on KZbin of the Friday night special where they introduced the new Saturday morning shows for that year (they did it every year on at least some of the networks). I had seen it back then, and couldn’t believe it was on here! I didn’t remember who the guy was until seeing it and on YT, and I said “No way! I didn’t know it was Springfield!”

[@laustcawz2089]

@@patrickdaly5068 From what I understand, he was poised to be a huge star. but there was some kind of problem--can't remember whether it was a rumor or some dishonorable agent or crook involved or whatever, but, whatever jt was, it stalled/delayed Springfield's career for almost a decade. He sure didn't hesitate to make up for lost time, though.

[@robertcardon5402]

@@laustcawz2089 He was also in the pilot episode of Battlestar Galactica.

[@georgebarry8640]

@@laustcawz2089 His book goes into it. It's actually a very good Biography. Very rewarding read..if you are interested in him and his music.

[@seanswinton6242]

Rick Spinngfield and MTV took me and my friends through High School. We can also Thank General Hospital for the character Dr. Noah Drake. He was all over the media. Rick Springfield was also great live! I saw him on this tour and the 2 that followed. I last saw him live in 1988, the Rock Of Life tour. I keep forgetting he was given to the world courtesy of Australia. Thank You land down under! For fans of 80's music and beyond, Springfield and many others recorded at Sunset Sound Studios check out that documentary.

[@ProfessorofRock]

He was an icon of the time for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Right. He was famous for being on General Hospital at the time, and I think it’s fascinating that MTV launched at the same time this was the #1 song in America.

[@seanswinton6242]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 My friends and I entered HS that very August when MTV launched. Because of the cable being in my parents bedroom only, I spend a lot of time there until it was placed in my bedroom later. With Mother and Grandma being General Hospital fans, I watched it. My Mother was then hip to Rick Springfield, Talking Heads, Duran Duran and many MTV regulars.

[@seanswinton6242]

@@ProfessorofRock Always. I never miss it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@seanswinton6242 My mother and her sisters, two in middle school and one a high school junior when MTV launched, would always sneak watch it in their bedrooms so my grandparents wouldn’t catch them!

[@jykazu]

Really like the way you frame the mood and events of the times as you introduce the music, because it is so important to understand how and why some songs hit when they did. Your format is perfect. Never been this engaged since listening to Casey Kasem all those yours ago.

[@georgebarry8640]

Professor dsys he was influenced by Casey Kasem.

[@cjoesgirl]

I was in love with Rick when I heard Jessie's girl! It was a great song, still is. Rick was the very first concert i ever went to see live and i still cant say enough good things about it! He is still such a gorgeous man!