Many People Think He's a ONE HIT WONDER...He's Had 17 Hits & Released 23 ALBUMS! | Professor of Rock

Was he a soap star turned rocker? Or a rockstar who just happened to play a doctor on TV? Back in the early 80s, this was a ridiculous debate that the music press couldn’t seem to figure out. But the answer was simple. It didn’t matter. Rick Springfield was a multi-talented performer who was at home both in the studio and behind the camera. And you’ve got to give him credit while living the life of a pop star on two fronts, somehow he managed to write some of the biggest hits of the day. From Jessie’s Girl to Love Is Alright Tonite from Affair of the Heart to today’s featured track Don’t Talk To Strangers, even though many think he's a one hit wonder because of Jessie's Girl, but the reality is he's had 17 hits. Don't Talk to Strangers Is a song he actually wrote in a state of frenzied paranoia. Worried that his girl was cheating on him while he was on the road… in reality he was the one who was being unfaithful. It’s a crazy story. And as an added bonus, we’re giving the story straight from Rick Springfield himself as I had the privilege of interviewing him. It’s all coming up… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you want the stories of the greatest song in rock history... the songs you grew up on and have become the soundtrack of your life straight from the legends Make sure to subscribe below right now. I know you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia l. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
So, it’s time for another edition of #1 in Our Hearts. This show honors songs that were so unbelievably great, they absolutely should've been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. But for whatever reason, be it radio play, lack of marketing, label support, or just sheer stupidity, the song came up short. On today’s episode, we cover an absolute gem from the early 80s and the song has a story that’s pretty hard to believe but it’s true. See if you can guess the song before we play it. From it’s year and story….
By 1982, Rick Rick Springfield was no stranger to the US charts after securing three Hot 100 Top 20 hits from his fifth studio album Working Class Dog. After years of struggle, everything was finally coming together for the Australia-born rocker. While recording his breakout album, Rick was cast as the young and eligible Dr. Noah Drake on the popular daytime soap opera ‘General Hospital.’ Rick started appearing on the long-running drama in 1981. And the show’s audience was immediately smitten by Springfield’s character from the start… and he soon became one of its most popular cast members from that era.
At the same time, Rick doubled down on his onscreen popularity thanks to everyone’s favorite music video network (at least in the 80s): MTV. The channel helped power Rick’s smash hit Jessie’s Girl with an iconic video that had the singer smashing 24 mirrors during the shoot. Jessie’s Girl was without a doubt Springfield’s 80s breakthrough hit, even winning him a Grammy for ‘Best Male Rock Vocal.’ But that wasn’t all. Another cut from the album,

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest year for music in the 80s and please cite the reason why?

[@christineml1476]

1983 - a year for big heavy hitters like Prince, Michael Jackson, Duran Duran, Joe Jackson, Styx. My favorite bands/singers/songs are from '83.

[@Whisper_292]

How do I make a list from this?? Tehee. I'm thinking 1984 ('83 is a close second). There was just blockbuster hit after hit. Every song that came on the radio--or MTV--you couldn't help but sing along to.

[@peterd.9978]

1984 - The long and eclectic list of great songs.

[@missynorman6304]

1984. I was a junior in high school.

[@catherine6653]

1985 - Live Aid, Farm Aid, and We Are The World. Excellent albums like A-Ha and Tears for Fears. Concert Tours: Prince, Purple Rain/ Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA/ Madonna, Like a Virgin Tour. My favorite movie, Back to the Future was the blockbuster film of the summer of 1985. The legacy of all of this endures

[@BrandyStaples-d8l]

Rick Springfield seems like a really down to earth guy. He's a soap star/rock star/heartthrob and still manages not to take himself too seriously. It's very endearing.

[@AnthonySforza]

His book was a pretty interesting read. Like when wildfires were coming and they had to leave, there was a box in the backseat and his wife asked if it was his vintage Star Wars toys, "Ummm..."

[@pipertarin68]

Rick, Is very nice Humble,Sincere, Down to Earth & Funny in Person❤ I've Met him twice.

[@flavellinator]

I've always thought "Jessie's Girl" got way too much attention" but "Love is Alright Tonight" and "I've Done Everything For You" didn't get close to enough... Good show Professor!

[@RBS_]

...loooove "Love Is Alrite Tonite"! ...wasn't it originally spelled that way!?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Flave!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!@@RBS_

[@benamisai-kham5892]

I love love love don't talk to strangers so much. My mom adores Rick Springfield (had posters and magazines of him everywhere!). Id say I also really enjoy the Sammy Hagar version of 'ive done everything for you' But listening to his music just makes me insanely nostalgic for car rides with my mom

[@scootover7]

Love Is Alright Tonite is my favorite Rick Springfield song

[@walterchappel180]

Just saw Rick with Richard Marx last month. FANTASTIC show!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome!

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Richard Marxist is more like it.

[@arlenehohneker9053]

Yeah I read they were in the Boston area. Shame I missed Rick he puts on a great show.

[@arlenehohneker9053]

Hard to Hold great movie. I love Rick's nekkid butt scene.

[@Linda.Christie]

Did Richard Marx have his amps set too loud? I saw him back in the early 90s with Henry Lee Summer. I think we were in row J? My left ear hearing was very bad for two to three days! Tough on a (at the time) waitress. 😂

[@metwurst9409]

Most people forget that he had a music career in Australia before he left for America. Check out his first album Beginnings. Before that he was in a band called Zoot. Keep up the good work Prof.

[@colinlatham7905]

Zoot has a great cover of Eleanor Rigby. A complete retake.

[@fmmaj9noname332]

His first US hit was Speak to the Sky in 1972.

[@janetsanford6923]

​@@fmmaj9noname332 and don't forget his other hit circa 1974 ish, "What would the children think"

[@erinriwen]

This is when I boarded the Springfield train. I saw him do “Speak to the Sky” on Bandstand and was hooked!

[@SamanthaMunitz]

'Jesse's Girl' was good but 'Don't Talk to Strangers' is my favorite :)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Jesse James' girl?

[@cjmiller6741]

"How come you never learn the golden rule?"

[@stevegreen968]

I had a mix single album from multiple artist including a song from working class dog and it also had hall and oats did it in a minute I got my first walkman for Christmas I was 12 years old in 6 the grade I think it might of had a genesis song to I got that mix artist album and a Rick James album lol I think I recalled asking for a Def Leppard album next year I got led zeppelin IV for x mass and Judas priest stained glass I later stole my Def Leppard album of my step sister because she and my step brother sold me out for breaking into a beer distributor I stole 107 cassettes of the step brother revenge is a bitch

[@zepfan74]

If you grew up listening to music on a record player, heard a skip in the song and then later had the song stuck in your head including the skip, you're going to dig this channel!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@nedhorner]

Ha ha, awesome!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

That happened to me with the the "Fast Times At Ridgemont High" soundtrack. The A Cappella song always skipped at the part where the singers go "I need you oh so much" but it went "I need you - ahhhh" which was the sustained note on "much".

[@cpearson7372]

😂😅😂

[@jamesmommy13]

This one is spot on (and is actually music related too). I had a few that skipped when I got them, I honestly think they were pressed wrong because both were returned and the replacements skipped too (I Just Want to Be Your Everything and Makin' It).

[@LeadSurge3000]

🤔 *Is it worth mentioning that Rick had a hit (number 14) in 1972 called "Speak To The Sky"?* 🤔

[@johnnyxmusic]

Yep, I have that single. Terrific song. ❤❤

[@shawnpaulak]

He’s definitely no fluke. The album Living in Oz is amazing from beginning to end.

[@bartbluemusic]

Love Rick Springfield! All of his stuff was good. "Affair of the Heart" is actually my personal favorite song by him, and I also loved his song "Bruce" (brings a smile to my face everytime). Fun vid!

[@fletchbg]

Did not have to scroll far to find someone else who liked "Bruce"

[@bartbluemusic]

@@fletchbg LOL awesome

[@EscapeTheMatrix3h5fi]

Men wanted to be him and women wanted to be with him. He was everything all at once! Musician, actor, pop star and heart throb. His poster was on every girl's bedroom wall I ever went into in the 80s!! I think he's very underappreciated now! DUDE WAS A GOD between 80 and 90 though!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was so popular back then.

[@carlwalker1623]

Yep

[@Egilhelmson]

> WAS A GOD between 80 and 90 though!! And Lucifer on Supernatural, for 3 episodes.

[@Realparisgirl]

Absolutely ​@@ProfessorofRock

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Knew a guy who lost his girl to a Jessie, his 'best friend'. He realized he had done him a huge favor when she cheated on the friend too. Great interview.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@thorgrootsweetrabbit2244]

That's not a favor it's karma

[@Rorschachqp]

Actually, in Jessie's Girl, its the singer coveting the girl, not Jessie.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

@@Rorschachqp This we know dude

[@Rorschachqp]

@@CowGirlKat8691 Ok…by the way, “we” usually implies you as well and that certainly isn’t true in this case. So…great point I guess (not)?

[@DeidreL9]

Rick has been around in the rock scene forever! We’re proud of him here in Australia ❤️

[@MikeE-hb8zb]

I was today years old when I found out that Rick Springfield was on General Hospital... I have always known of him for his music!!! Who says you cant teach an old dog something new!!! Good stuff as always Professor!

[@Statsy10]

Same for me. I was a kid in the 80's and soaps weren't a thing in my world. He was always a rockstar to me! 😊

[@SuperVstech]

He also was in the opening scene of the first battlestar galactica as apollo's little brother who dies in the attack of the cylons.

[@strlslvr987]

That's awesome! Rick has always said his acting gigs were to fund his music. Love him so much

[@SlickArmor]

I see after all these years you are now knocking on the door of 1 million. Congratulations Adam you've earned it. 🎉🎉🎉

[@waynevia6976]

Don't talk to strangers is one of my favorite songs from 1982. Rick is one of the 1980's best singers. I also liked me and johnny another great song of his.

[@ProfessorofRock]

A great song from back in the day! Thanks Wayne!

[@JDecker29]

Tiger by the Tail... that whole album was AWESOME

[@ejbear8403]

I'll always rmbr the line from Afternoon Delight's "rap" song "General Hospi-Tale" >> "Paging Dr. Noah Drake- to ICU to treat a case of Heartbreak..." It was so great wrkg in a Musicland store back in the day.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

I remember hearing Jessie's Girl and thinking ok that's a great song but what else you got. Then single after single came out and everyone of them was great. I was amazed because usually when a entertainment star releases a great single they have nothing else to back it up. Not Rick he was a true musician and a real talent. Great story behind one of my favorites of his catalog maybe my favorite. Fantastic episode professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

He had a lot of big ones!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He had the charisma and stage presence!

[@peterflynn2111]

Speak To The Sky from 1971 is my Fave Rick Springfield tune his second biggest hit after Jessies Girl peaking at 6 ; Don`t Talk To Strangers was his 3RD biggest hit peaking at 10 on 12 July 1982 here in Australia

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Peter!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great songs.

[@malekmo64]

Had Speak To The Sky as a 45 rpm in the 70s!!! His band Zoot was the first time we saw him on TV. Their version of Eleanor Rigby was proto-metal.

[@thatfelladownunder9396]

I came here to see if Zoot and Eleanor Rigby got a mention. Thanks. 👍

[@malekmo64]

@thatfelladownunder9396 when I was born my family lived in Westmead and Rick was born in Guildford not far away 😊

[@baanfan]

I have been a Springfield fan my whole life and love all his songs, but by far my favorite is his tribute to his father ... My father's chair. My father had heath issues and as a young boy I was afraid of losing him too soon and this song became my anthem and I swore I would sing it at his funeral. When he passed away in 2021, I couldn't sing it, but I did create a slideshow memorial for him with Rick singing

[@tedbecker4051]

The press had it backwards. Rick Springfield was underrated because of his looks and his work on the soap opera. I have my copy of Working Class Dog and still play it. Great album. Although I was a fan of both Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, I wasn't a fan of "Ebony and Ivory," and I would much preferred "Don't Talk to Strangers" in the number 1 slot.

[@carlwalker1623]

Ya that had no business beating out Springfield.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Though that song was good, DTTS should have "Beat It". I think that song was out to0.

[@JoeMama-el8rv]

I also do nto car for E an I Not ha[[y with Paulie anymore since he opened his mouth on politics. Shut up and sing.

[@gragrn]

I'm old enough to remember when Rick was a local pop star here in Australia, he even toured Vietnam entertaining Australian troops with his band MPD Ltd, before he joined Zoot, another well known band at the time. Then in 72' he left to try his luck in America, hoping to make it big and boy, did he ever! Well done Rick and thanks Adam!

[@MelodyZennbolt]

My favorite memory of Don’t Talk To Strangers was when Rick played at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasant one year. He had children from the audience come up and sing “Don’t talk to strangers!” It was so cute.

[@kariqualters5908]

Yep! Knew exactly who this was from your opening monologue!! I had the BIGGEST crush on him in my early teens!!!!! ❤ Thanks for the memories!!!! 😊

[@gustaaf1892]

Rick was in the band Zoot in Australia. Another band member was Beeb Birtles who later went on to form the Little River Band. Zoot did a great fairly hard rock version of Eleanor Rigby, which really is worth a listen. He also had a solo hit with Speak to the Sky before moving to the US.

[@Whisper_292]

Even when he was on GH, I always felt he was a musician first and an actor second. I remember listening to Take a Hand on onenif the K-Tel albums when I was little. He's still a fantastic musician and entertainer.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed.

[@M11969]

That whole album doesn't get enough love. It's fantastic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s almost a triple threat…if only he can dance good.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

Oh yes! The K-Tell albums! I was probably 10 years before you. Getting them in the early-to mid ‘70s. That was my first connection with a lot of the current artists at the time!

[@Whisper_292]

@@Geezer-yf8hv That's when I was getting them, too. I'm ancient.

[@nedhorner]

I thought he was a one-hit wonder with Jessie's Girl! I guess Springfield, Missouri radio doesn't like Rick Springfield! Great video, Professor!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No... He had a lot of hits!

[@nedhorner]

@@ProfessorofRock Apparently!

[@JosephHauger]

I first knew of Rick Springfield as an actor in the original "Battlestar Galactica." He played Commander Adama's younger son and Apollo's little brother, Zac. He was killed in the first episode, but there he was in 1978.

[@thewebstylist]

Unbelievable he’s 75! Wow and another example how music helps keep one young

[@pipertarin68]

Rick's 74. He, will be 75 on August 23rd❤

[@rzrbckmz23]

Probably the most under rated or under appreciated pop-rock star ever. Just because he was good looking and was on a soap opera he was pigeon holed as teen idol and many people, especially the critics, didn't take his musical prowess and songwriting ability seriously. He is a fantastic songwriter, good singer and really good guitar player. Pick up his album "Rocket Science" from 2016 and you will be amazed at the hooks and melodies. Dude is power pop master!

[@superdupercooper5826]

Saw him in concert. Amazing! Love his work with Zoot too.

[@darrinfalkner7801]

Their version of Elenor Rigby is sensational!!!!

[@bishdizzle67]

Rick Springfield is the epitome of power pop! Love the tunes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Bish!

[@Jagangela]

Yes his songs are powerful, and he is and was very popular...and he do rock! Rocking Power Popular!

[@ProfessorofRock]

INDEED!@@Jagangela

[@Boblobblaw88]

he's the epitome of lame music.

[@kennybaran1080]

Took my high school sweetheart now wife of 40+ years to see him in concert, she was and is a huge fan. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves for being a real rockstar. I listen to him now on satellite radio.

[@macsnafu]

I really liked the Living in Oz album, especially the song Souls, but I also rather like the odd track Like Father, Like Son. It's like it's Rick's own "Eleanor Rigby" song with the strings and everything. Rick Springfield also had a minor hit back in 1972 called Speak To The Sky. I came across it on a K-Tel record my cousin gave me.

[@Stormbrise]

I remember the concert on showtime, in 83. I couldn’t afford the album, so I sat there with my tape recorder, and taped it. I lost that tape, but at times when I hear a song from the concert come on the radio, I am reminded of all these repeats of this concert to get the recording I wanted. One without interruptions from someone in my family talking or doing something noisy.

[@tnrodgers]

I do remember Don’t Talk to Strangers as it came out. In face most of your sampling brings back memories. Jessie’s Girl was what the DJ’s reach for but he other solid hits. Thanks Adam!

[@jzimm1075]

Don’t Talk To Strangers. Which was my first favorite song of his.

[@Whisper_292]

Mine, too.

[@vincentini1]

Another one that hits close to home. My mother watched the soap opera he was one and actually bought his record and loved his music (which was way out of her musical wheelhouse). She never got to see him live, she passed away long before he ever played in Omaha. Got to see him with The Fixx (they are as good now as in 1986 when I first saw them) in 2016. Thanks again @professorofrock.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@KnittingmommyArts]

My first introduction to Rick Springfield was through Mission: Magic! on Saturday cartoons around 1973. I didn't know until recently that he wrote all the songs for the show. Some of those were big in the 70s. Speak to the Sky was a great song, too, that no one ever seems to talk about. I just about fell over when I saw Rick on General Hospital for the first time a few years later. I was an instant fan since that very first cartoon and have been a fan of Rick's ever since.

[@markallen2984]

I was never a big fan of Rick Springfield’s music, but I read his autobiography and it really helped me appreciate his life and struggles, and gave me a new perspective on the man. He now has my admiration. When I was young, it was easy to be dismissive of the very handsome soap opera star/popstar. But he had a lot of pressure and had to make some important choices…. Although it was easy to think he was living the life of Riley, he was on a tight rope much of the time. “Don’t Talk To Strangers” always seemed like it could have been a Hall and Oates song. Although I wasn’t aware of it at the time, I had a girlfriend who lived on the same street as Rick Springfield lived in Glendale, California

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Mark. I agree. Great book!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I should read the book.

[@joemanifesto8742]

I bought his autobiography a few years ago only because my ex-girlfriend was called up to sing with him when she was 9 months pregnant back in the day. I just read it a couple of months ago when I was at a low point in my life. I wasn't expecting much, but was instantly hooked from the first chapter. It is seriously such a great and encouraging read. He is honest and real and it felt like a friend telling me his story.

[@christineheminger7762]

As I was watching this, a piece of a song reminded me of “You Did It In A Minute”. I could easily believe that it was a song by RS. I looked it up-Hall &Oates. But I’m not sure who wrote either song. That could be the key

[@alleykitty2131]

I was lucky enough to meet him years ago. Very down-to-earth guy! So awesome he's still kickin it all the years later!!!😊

[@anonymustly7818]

I fell in love with Rick with the release of the bubblegum pop song Speak to the Sky. Loved his Saturday morning cartoon Mission: Magic. Then he pretty much fell off the American charts until 81s Working Class Dog. He has just as many acting credits as he does music credits. All around a pretty gifted guy.

[@rexpayne7836]

Rick's an Aussie and we love him. Great content and presentation. 🇦🇺 Just found this channel and it's amazing. 😊

[@thomasdonlin5456]

“You Better Love Somebody” is very underrated as well.

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

Don't Talk to Strangers is such an underrated song. You don't hear it much on the radio, which is very criminal. At least I don't hear it much where I live.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I don't hear it a lot either!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me neither. Haven’t heard it in like, what, 6 months?

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

It must have been. I thought I was the only one who liked it back then...........

[@kimberleesmith1178]

Rick Springfield was the 1st concert I ever went to. I was 9 yrs old and had the biggest crush on him! I had his posters, magazine pin-ups, anything with his face on it was in my wall. My mom bought tickets to go see him LIVE, and I was in Heaven. After the concert we went and staked out Holiday Inn to see if we could catch a glimpse of him but no luck....lol Everytime I hear one of his songs I still think about being Mrs. Rick Springfield 😊 Nice listening to a song and going back in time

[@bicyclist2]

I love anything and everything 80's. Especially the synth pop. I always liked Rick Springfield and Bruce Springsteen. I had no idea that he was on a Soap. Thank you.

[@starwarsgirl076]

Professor, I love Rick Springfield! I am so glad you did this. Although I was a child when he had some of his biggest hits off of Working Class Dog, I enjoyed the his music. Been a fan ever since. Had the honor of seeing him okay one year (in the mid-late 90s) at a casino in my hometown. Best concert ever! And yes, I enjoyed seeing him on General Hospital as Dr. Noah Drake as well. Cheers! Thanks for another great video!💙

[@areneesouder]

Isn't always true that when someone is cheating themselves, they accuse the partner of being the one who is cheating? Well, at least 99% of the time. You can tell what someone else is up to, by what they falsely accuse others of, especially when it's absolutely ridiculous. They tell on themselves by the accusations, if you know how to read it.

[@carlwalker1623]

And he admitted he did if I recall another interview a long time ago correctly.

[@njmattyp]

I knew that Rick Springfield wasn't a one hit wonder, but I had forgotten exactly how many hits he had over that 5 year span. The guy definitely doesn't get nearly the recognition he deserves.

[@christyhubbard8074]

Saw him last May at The Ryman. Soooo incredible!! After all these years you could tell he still loves playing…….and did all his hits and a few extra!!

[@catherine6653]

Jessie's Girl is my guess. Rick was a musician before his role on General Hospital. My mom didn't want me to watch soap operas. When I was went to Grandma's, she let me watch Rick Springfield on the soap 🧼. I even asked grandma, Why is that woman married 4 times? Looks like I guessed incorrectly 😊 It is good to cover an unappreciated single.

[@aaronleverton4221]

No. He's said a few times that she knows who she is, but he won't dump the world's media on her.

[@SlickArmor]

Ok im a dumb guy, what girl was married 4 times?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s Don’t Talk to Strangers, but Jessie’s Girl was the #1 song on the day MTV first launched.

[@catherine6653]

@@SlickArmor I don't remember. I was 12 years old. I do remember Luke and Laura. They used Christopher Cross song

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

That's strange. What mom has NOT watch soap operas?

[@jennifercoopman]

I loved Rick Springfield even as a small child. When I was 6 years old, I had a pair of teenaged babysitters who lived across the street. When they would come over to watch us, they'd bring their vinyl albums to play on my mom's turntable. Rick Springfield was one of their favorites, so he also became one of mine. Around that same time, my household finally got cable TV, so MTV was our new obsession. Every girl I knew, my age to teens, was obsessed with Rick! Thanks for the memories Prof!

[@cindyhill1320]

Don’t Talk To Strangers. Great song!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@jamesevans3492]

I Saw Rick Springfield At The Hughes Stadium In Sacramento California, Back In 1981, Where He, And His Band Rocked Out There, Right Before The Doobie Brothers Played Their Set . . . :-)

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Was never a General Hospital fan, I was into All My Children. This was my college years and AMC was on during lunch, so it was easy to catch. My favorite Springfield song was "Bruce", loved his sense of humor.

[@Whisper_292]

Hubby LOVES that song! I did watch GH at this time. Totally addicted to the Luke and Laura storyline.

[@catherine6653]

All My Children actress Susan Lucci won a lot of Emmy Awards for playing the character Erika Cane 😊

[@RBS_]

....they call me BRUCE! ...ha-HAAA!! ...remember that SPOOKY cartoon drawing of Rick, for the Picture sleeve of the 45!? ....freaked me OUT!

[@Whisper_292]

​@@catherine6653Did she finally win? For a _very_ long time, she was famous for getting nominated year after year and never winning.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

She was nominated. 20 straight years I believe, before she won. That was so crazy, she actually developed a sense of humor about it. It was nice when she finally did win.​@@catherine6653

[@gioknows]

I always loved the cover of "Working Class Dog"...I liked Rick's music but was only a moderate fan, probably because there was so much other great music out at the time and all the girls I knew were in love with him LOL but he was quite handsome and still looks very youthful for his age. I don't think I could name very many of his songs off the top of my head and I'm not on the same page that "DTTS" should have been a #1 hit. Still I'm glad he fought for this song to be included on his album. Good interview, Prof. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Gio!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Is there a song of his that you think is absolutely great? For me it’s Affair of the Heart. Cheers to you Gio. 🍻

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Dang it. Beat by 7 hours with "DTTS". Never can come up with something original. Grrrr.. jk.

[@gioknows]

@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 Ha ha. I was just being lazy.

[@gioknows]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Cheers my friend.

[@madsatyr]

Springfield is highly underrated. His stint on the show "Supernatural" as... well, I won't ruin it... it friggin' awesome!

[@ChrystalMagic]

My teenage crush, got to meet him after his show and talked to him a few years ago. He was incredibly sweet! I loved the Living in Oz album.

[@mikeronniward1261]

Rick is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I have thankfully met him quite a few times and have been a lifelong fan since the 70’s thanks for sharing another of his songs and promoting his wonderful new album! -Ronni

[@jaytrace1006]

Bruce was a GREAT song, as was the b-side, Guenevere. Great presentation, Professor!

[@camillewinnie27]

Rick Springfield‘s music hit at the perfect time for me. I was in junior high and high school and I was smitten! Both with his music, and with him as an actor on General Hospital. I had three posters on my walls as a young girl: Sean Cassidy (grade school), Rick Springfield and Neil Schon (everyone was in love with Steve Perry, but Neil was my guy)!! One of my three ain’t bad! ❤❤❤

[@TheSlowoldman]

I'm sure somebody will not like my use of the term underrated, but Rick Springfield is underrated and blown off by some as a singing actor. His musicianship and songwriting abilities so much more talent than he's given credit for. I enjoy his music to this day and anybody that uses the word moot in a pop song is a genius.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I have to agree. So many good songs!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Singing actors have plenty of things under their belt!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

These damn critics are criminally OVER RATED!

[@rayfann7860]

I've seen Rick three times (soon to be four). Whenever he sings Don't Talk to Strangers he goes into the crowd and has them sing with him

[@flavellinator]

What about the French part of the song DTTS?... That was always intriguing and brought attention to the song because no one knew what it meant... And Richard Page of Mr. Mister was a background singer? Who knew!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I should've talked about that! Good call.

[@flavellinator]

@@ProfessorofRock I remember we used to belt it out and we had no idea what it meant! Lol

[@RBS_]

.....I STILL don't know what it meant, even with G-oogle translate!! ...ha-HAAA!! ...but DAMNED if I didn't love it! ...had a 'nagging' vibe, to it....

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That French part was so odd.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

A wonder the "Satanic Panic" didn't have a field day with that one claiming secret messages in the song.@@ProfessorofRock

[@kimberlymazzola4271]

Thank you so much for focusing on my all time favorite singer. He is definitely underrated…still recording, acting, writing books and performing. A true icon.

[@tangoandcars9588]

Affair of the heart is a banger 🔥🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

That one, Two Souls, Don't Walk Away, Celebrate Youth, State of the Heart and Bop Til You Drop.

[@lauriesolonka2477]

Hello Professor love your channel and thanks for sharing all these stories with us. It's Awesome that you have had the opportunity to meet, talk with & interview these Incredible people. Who would you like to meet & interview next, And, from those who have passed away, who are your top 5 that you would have liked to have interviewed? ❤✌️

[@jennyjenny4501]

I was so in love with Rick when I was in middle school! I had a poster of him hanging above my bed!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Awesome! What's your favorite song by him?

[@jennyjenny4501]

@@ProfessorofRock I’m partial to Jessie’s Girl!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Is it still there?

[@carlwalker1623]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 😂

[@stanacondasv]

From , Working Class Dog, the "Light of Love" is my favorite. More importantly to this video it has a line, "baby are you lonely, don't talk to strangers"

[@duromusabc]

I remember a classmate friend of mine in 5th grade named Jennifer who was a die hard fan of Rick Springfield - lol 😅- Rick was also a pre teen heart throb to young girls in the early 80s

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He was so hot!

[@Primelegend1]

Rick was a member of Zoot in Australia before he made it big in the US.

[@robertvance1873]

I bet Pat Benatar and Joan Jett regret not accepting Hagar's Song but Springfield told Hagar Why he was able to make it a Hit because he was Prettier 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!

[@RBS_]

...well, it's TRUE! ....you SEEN those mops on Rick n' Sammy!? ...ha-HAAA!!

[@carlwalker1623]

Nooooo it’s not true, Rick just delivered it better. It’s gotta be just right to hit people.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Funny seeing Pat Benatar and Joan Jett mentioned in the same sentence. _Some_ music celebrity thought Pat Benatar sang "I Love Rock n Roll"!

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

I may have to hear that Hagar version. I just may end up liking it better.@@carlwalker1623

[@4Mr.Crowley2]

As an Xer who wasn’t even born when Springfield first clued into music (he like the BeeGees discovered the Beatles as part of a series of Aussie appearances) but knew very well how huge he was post ‘81 - he was everywhere on the charts in the early ‘80s. Professor you should do a video about Sammy - he even gave a song to Bette Midler for The Rose - Sammy is way more eclectic than many realized

[@LazyIRanch]

How on earth did he even have the time to cheat on his girl? When did he SLEEP??

[@Goup-oj4qr]

Nose candy

[@witchy6978]

Peruvian marching powder

[@LazyIRanch]

Of all people, I should have thought about the booger sugar! I was an addict myself, quit for good June 16th, 1988. My baby boy was born on the same day, 4 years later!

[@sakaridis]

Sleep??? Have you seen how he looks at 73 YEARS OLD? The guy is obviously a vampire... 😁

[@kriscollinstunes]

Booger sugar!

[@Eric_B]

I’ve met Rick several times on Milwaukee, and saw his shows many times in the 2000’s, along with once in his hey-day, around ‘82. He’s as genuine as he seems. Very cool, talented guy who made a huge musical impact on our culture. You were lucky to be able to hang with him for awhile, Adam! Great job!

[@robertvance1873]

I knew immediately which song 😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Awesome! Did you like it?

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good guess!

[@robertvance1873]

@@ProfessorofRock Ohh Yeah 👍

[@gracehopper1]

Rick was my first concert. I was madly in love with him the instant I saw a commercial promoting General Hospital & Jessie's Girl❤ My obsession with him is what people remember most about me from my teen years😅 My teenage self would never believe I'd get to meet him several times over the years 😊❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha! cool!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Where did you meet him?

[@carlwalker1623]

Soooooo were any of the several times intimate ? It’s obvious he was hooking up with fans.

[@gracehopper1]

​I've just managed to run into him before or after concerts by staying at the same hotels. I've met him five times, He's also so kind to his fans. ​@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980

[@gracehopper1]

​@@carlwalker1623Ha, no, he's old enough to be my dad & he's married 😅 not that that would stop some people.

[@josephcooter5763]

Let's see breaking a mirror is seven years bad luck. With 24 mirrors that means he is doomed to suffer 168 years of bad luck.

[@mournblade1066]

Ha!

[@RBS_]

....not with THAT Hair, he won't! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I thought the same things@@mournblade1066

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!@@RBS_

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s basically his lifetime.

[@allisonreimers9411]

I saw Rick on TV in 1977 and I was hooked. A few weeks later I was in the record store and I found Wait for Night. Bought it, and since then I've listened to everything he's done. Love Professor of Rock. Thanks for all the behind the scenes tidbits

[@Seligs]

First Rick Springfield song I remember hearing was "Celebrate Youth", which is still my favourite song of his.

[@Theseeker2024]

His Shock Anger Denial 0:50 Acceptance album from 2003ish was absolutely phenomenal! He was the first concert i went to. Huge Rick fan. Hole in My Heart and Sylvia were fantastic on Working Class Dog as well.

[@AshleyReynolds-vc6ly]

In Australia Rick Springfield was in a band called Zoot, they did an awesome cover of the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby.

[@ProfessorofRock]

We talked about that!d

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I knew that!

[@AngryPete]

@@ProfessorofRockwould of been good to air that. Awesome cover, the other guys in Zoot also went on to excellent music careers. You’ve even done a show on some of them (I’ll leave you to work out who)!

[@BaddogSports]

I can see I’m on my way down the rabbit hole on this channel. Amazing stuff!

[@ShortDarknLovely]

Definitely one of my favorite songs. I remember skating to this song and singing it at the top of my lungs ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@krs4976]

I'm from the UK and have only ever known Rick Springfield as a singer (until I saw Nick Knight in the 90s) . I'm not sure how big he was here as I was kid and only knew him as my dad had a couple of his albums. I still regularly listen to Hard to Hold great album Love somebody,Don't walk away and Bop till you drop are my favourites

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

I'm from UK and only know of Jessie's Girl. I don't know of any other songs or a soap called General Hospital.

[@williambenner701]

Talk about a work acholic! A amazing juggling act for sure! I can't even imagine what his life was like during that time period. 🤔

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. He did everything!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A working class dog for sure.

[@carlwalker1623]

And women throwing themselves at you fueled him.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

I remember hearing about a band that hit three continents in a 24 hour span doing three different shows.... something like that.

[@donovanlong648]

I was conflicted in the eighties, my mom loved General Hospital, my girlfriend begged me to take her to a Rick Springfield concert, which I did. I remember leaving the concert and thinking that guy can rock!!

[@huntingadventures1172]

This was a great part of my young life cruising with my friends

[@dwaynesmith4042]

Rick was huge when I was in college. I had a friend who was a musician and everyone respected his taste - he was praising U2 before most of us heard of them. He was an unabashed Springfield fan. He gave him a hard time, but he never wavered.

[@WeaponsEducation]

I witnessed Rick in the late 90's in Las Vegas, little did I know that I'd be watching him in 2024 and I just purchased his book on Audible! Cool guy.

[@theparkermom]

Starting following Rick in 1981. Amazing man and musician!!! Goes nonstop (except when he took that break in the mid 80's to raise his kids....great dad too). I don't know how he does it, but he does! Still writes songs, still sings, still acts, still tours, and still looks FANTASTIC at 75! Love you Rick! Ronnie in Alabama

[@horseygirl645]

I listened to Rick’s music on the radio so I was familiar with who he was, but I didn’t watch soap operas. He has released a bunch of great songs over the years. Back in 2008, I bought a horse named Jessie (named by the breeder). The Monday after I got him home I told my manager, who was a GH fan, that I had found a horse and that his name was Jessie. She looked at me and said, “So you’re Jessie’s Girl”. It took me a second to realize what she was referring to, and then we both had a good laugh. I’m happy to say that I still have the same horse and I’m still “Jessie’s Girl”. 🐴 🤠

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I should do the same thing with a fish.

[@erniemathews8130]

Scored an interview in his home, that’s pretty dang cool 😎

[@gwc656g]

When did you do this interview? According to Google Rick is 74 years old. Dang dude, looking good.

[@ProfessorofRock]

A few years back. He looks great!

[@nedhorner]

The Professor has hair in that interview! Ha Ha! Sorry Professor!

[@Purplereign3121]

Don't Talk To Strangers is an amazing song. Very groovy. Rick's Living In Oz album is one of the best albums ever

[@TheDrewzdaddy07]

I love your channel & it inspires me to start my own type of channel this summer perhaps as I am currently engaged in a battle with cancer, but I have an incredible knowledge of 80s music

[@NO1AEROFAN]

Love love love Rick Springfield. Id run home after school just to see him on General Hospital.

[@treygoodman1347]

Don’t Talk to Strangers? My favorite of his

[@tere9748]

Rick’s albums were played often when my girls were little. In 2011, he played a very small venue in Winnie, TX, and this concert was my 13 and 16 year olds’ first concert. They’ve been to many concerts in the years since, but even as adults, they rank this as a favorite. ❤ Rick.