Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield, born Richard Lewis Springthorpe on August 23, 1949, in Guildford, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, is an Australian-American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor.[1] He achieved international fame in the early 1980s with his breakout hit single "Jessie's Girl", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.[2] Springfield is also renowned for his acting role as the charismatic Dr. Noah Drake on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, a character he portrayed from 1981 to 1983 and reprised in later years.[3] The son of an Australian Army colonel, Springfield spent much of his childhood moving between Australia and England due to his father's military postings, eventually settling in Melbourne, where he developed an early passion for music.[1] He began playing guitar in high school, forming his first band, the Jordy Boys, and by his late teens, he was performing in local groups.[3] In 1969, at age 19, Springfield joined the Australian pop-rock band Zoot, with whom he gained initial popularity as a teen idol through hits like their cover of "Eleanor Rigby" and television appearances on shows such as The Groovy Show.[4] After Zoot disbanded in 1971, he launched his solo career with the single "Speak to the Sky," which peaked at No. 5 in Australia.[3] Springfield relocated to the United States in 1972, signing with Capitol Records and releasing his debut album Beginnings that year, though it achieved modest success.[1] Springfield's career exploded in 1981 with the release of his sixth studio album, Working Class Dog, which featured "Jessie's Girl"—a song inspired by personal frustration over an unattainable romantic interest—and the follow-up single "I've Done Everything for You".[4] The album's success, bolstered by his simultaneous rise to stardom on General Hospital, where his character became a fan favorite, propelled him to multi-platinum sales and a string of Top 10 hits, including "Don't Talk to Strangers" from Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet (1982) and "Love Somebody" from the Hard to Hold soundtrack (1984).[3] He received additional Grammy nominations for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1983 and 1984 for "I Get Excited" and "Affair of the Heart", respectively.[2] Throughout the decade, Springfield balanced music with acting, starring in the 1984 romantic comedy Hard to Hold and appearing in films like Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989).[5] In 2006, Springfield became a naturalized U.S. citizen while retaining his Australian citizenship, and he has continued a prolific career into the 2020s, releasing albums such as Karma (1999), Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance (2004), and Automatic (2023).[1] He starred in the television series High Tide (1994–1997) and returned to General Hospital multiple times, including in 2005 and 2012.[3] Springfield has also authored a New York Times bestselling memoir, Late, Late at Night (2010), detailing his struggles with depression and fame, and a novel, Magnificent Vibration (2014).[3] In 2025, Springfield revealed lasting brain damage from a 2000 onstage fall, announced the "I Want My '80s Tour" with John Waite and Wang Chung, began work on a new album, and joined the cast of Ryan Murphy's legal drama All's Fair. With over 25 million albums sold worldwide, he remains active on tour, often performing '80s nostalgia sets, and has been honored with awards like the 2012 Boston Film Festival Prize for Best Music for the documentary An Affair of the Heart.[3][6]Early life
Family background
Rick Springfield was born Richard Lewis Springthorpe on August 23, 1949, in Guildford, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.[1][7] Although born in Sydney, Springfield spent much of his early childhood in Melbourne after the family relocated there due to his father's posting, growing up on army bases and struggling academically, often finding solace in reading science fiction and writing stories.[7] He was the son of Norman James Springthorpe, a lieutenant colonel in the Australian Army, and Eileen Louise (née Evennett) Springthorpe, a homemaker.[7][1] His father's military career necessitated frequent relocations for the family, including a move to England in 1958 when Springfield was 9 years old; the family lived there until 1963.[8] He had an older brother, Michael Springthorpe, born in 1946.[9] During the family's time in England, he experienced bullying due to his Australian accent but was also exposed to the emerging British Invasion music scene, which profoundly influenced his interests.[7][10] This period introduced him to bands like The Beatles, sparking an early passion for rock music.[10]Musical influences and early moves
Springfield's passion for music ignited in his early teens, profoundly shaped by the British Invasion. At the age of 13, he took up the guitar during the family's time in England and joined various bands, inspired by the electrifying energy of rock 'n' roll, particularly after witnessing The Beatles' live performance in Melbourne in 1964 when he was 14.[11][12] This encounter cemented his determination to pursue music, with the band's innovative sound and stage presence serving as a pivotal influence on his budding guitar skills and songwriting aspirations.[13] The family's peripatetic life, driven by his father's career in the Australian Army, continued to shape Springfield's path. After the family returned to Australia following their time in England, Springfield himself relocated to the United States in mid-1972 to pursue his music career, signing with Capitol Records and settling in Los Angeles.[8] This trans-Pacific move marked a turning point, thrusting him at age 22 into a new cultural landscape far from his homeland. Upon arriving in California, Springfield immersed himself in songwriting and tentative performances, channeling his experiences into original compositions amid the vibrant L.A. music scene. To better align with the American rock idiom, he adopted the stage name Rick Springfield, a change suggested by an early bandmate who deemed his birth name, Richard Springthorpe, insufficiently dynamic for the industry.[14] However, the transition was fraught with challenges; Springfield grappled with intense homesickness and the disorientation of cultural adjustment in Los Angeles, navigating isolation and the unfamiliar rhythms of American life while honing his craft.[13]Career
Early music career
Springfield's professional music career began in Australia during the late 1960s, where he first gained experience with local bands. In 1967, at age 17, he joined Rockhouse, a rock & roll revival group formed as an offshoot of the pop band MPD Ltd., performing covers of 1950s hits and building his skills as a guitarist and vocalist.[15] The band evolved over the next couple of years, with Springfield participating in short-lived projects amid the vibrant Sydney music scene. In 1969, Springfield auditioned successfully and joined the established pop rock band Zoot as lead guitarist, replacing Roger Hicks.[16] Under his influence, Zoot shifted toward a harder rock sound, achieving commercial success with singles like their rearranged hard rock cover of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," which peaked at No. 4 on the Australian charts in 1970, and frequent television appearances on shows such as GTK and Sounds.[16] The band's bubblegum-influenced style and Springfield's contributions helped solidify their status as teen idols in Australia until their breakup in May 1971 due to internal tensions and changing musical tastes.[16] Following Zoot's dissolution, Springfield quickly signed a solo recording contract with the independent label Sparmac Records.[17] His debut single, "Speak to the Sky," released in October 1971, became his first major hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Go-Set singles chart and showcasing his songwriting and pop sensibilities. This was followed by his self-titled debut album Beginnings in 1972, which included the single and marked his transition to a solo artist amid the challenges of the industry, including exploitative contracts he later described as preying on young talent.[17] In early 1972, Springfield relocated to the United States to pursue broader opportunities, securing a deal with Capitol Records shortly after arrival.[18] The label reissued "Speak to the Sky" in the U.S. that August, where it climbed to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, providing his initial American chart breakthrough, and released Beginnings domestically.[18] He recorded the album at London's Trident Studios, the same facility used for The Beatles' "Hey Jude," but subsequent early U.S. singles from the project, such as "What Would the Children Think," failed to replicate the momentum, highlighting the struggles of establishing a foothold in the competitive market.[18] During this transitional phase, Springfield balanced music with nascent acting pursuits in Los Angeles.[19]Acting beginnings
Springfield's entry into acting occurred in the mid-1970s after relocating to Los Angeles in the early 1970s to advance his music career, initially taking on roles to supplement his income. He secured a contract with Universal Television, leading to minor appearances in primetime series such as The Six Million Dollar Man in 1977 and Wonder Woman in 1979.[1] His first notable television work included a recurring role on the soap opera The Young and the Restless in the late 1970s, where he portrayed various characters amid the show's early storylines.[5] Building on these opportunities, Springfield guest-starred in 1977 as Ned Nickerson, Nancy Drew's boyfriend, in the episode "Will the Real Santa Claus...?" of The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, marking one of his early lead supporting roles in a popular teen mystery series.[20] He continued with additional guest spots, including voicing the character Rick in the animated series Mission: Magic! from 1973 to 1974, where he also contributed songs as part of the show's musical elements. Springfield's acting career gained significant traction in 1981 with his casting as the charismatic Dr. Noah Drake on the ABC soap opera General Hospital, debuting on March 25 in a recurring role that spanned 1981 to 1983. The character's popularity, involving dramatic medical and romantic arcs, elevated Springfield's profile in Hollywood and synergized with his rising music fame, as the exposure from the show helped promote his hit single "Jessie's Girl" to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 that same year.[21]Musical breakthrough
Rick Springfield achieved his musical breakthrough with the release of his fifth studio album, Working Class Dog, on February 24, 1981, via RCA Records.[22] The album featured the breakout single "Jessie's Girl," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in August 1981, marking Springfield's first number-one hit in the United States.[23] Another track, "I've Done Everything for You," also became a success, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1981.[23] His concurrent role as Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera General Hospital provided a significant platform for promoting this music to a broad audience.[24] Springfield's momentum continued with his follow-up album, Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet, released on March 23, 1982, by RCA Records.[25] The record included the hit single "Don't Talk to Strangers," which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1982, and "What Kind of Fool Am I," peaking at number 21 later that year.[23] These tracks solidified his status as a leading pop-rock artist during the early 1980s. In 1984, Springfield starred in the film Hard to Hold and released its accompanying soundtrack album of the same name through RCA Records.[26] The lead single, "Love Somebody," achieved commercial success, climbing to number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1984.[23] That same year, Springfield received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male, for "Jessie's Girl" at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards, recognizing his pivotal contribution to rock music.[27]Later music and acting
Following the success of his 1980s breakthrough, Springfield released Tao in 1985, which featured the single "Celebrate Youth" and marked a shift toward more introspective themes while maintaining his pop-rock sound.[28] Three years later, he issued Rock of Life in 1988, an album that explored personal struggles and relationships, peaking at No. 55 on the Billboard 200 and including tracks like the title song, which addressed resilience amid life's challenges. During the 1990s, Springfield took a hiatus from recording new music, shifting his focus primarily to acting roles in television series such as Human Target (1992) and guest appearances on shows like Suddenly Susan, allowing him to balance family life and explore dramatic performances.[29] Springfield staged a musical comeback in 1999 with Karma, his first studio album in over a decade, which delved into spiritual and existential topics through songs like "His Last Words" and received positive reviews for its mature songwriting.[30] This resurgence was bolstered by a 1998 episode of VH1's Behind the Music, which profiled his career highs and lows, reigniting fan interest and leading to increased live performances and a 2000 compilation tied to the series.[31] Building on this momentum, he released shock/denial/anger/acceptance in 2004, a raw, emotionally charged record inspired by personal turmoil, featuring tracks such as "Perfect" and "Jesus Saves" that blended rock with introspective lyrics.[32] In the 2010s, Springfield continued releasing music with a blues-infused edge on The Snake King in 2018, his twentieth studio album, which critiqued religion and society through songs like "Land of the Blind" and was praised for its gritty guitar work.[33] He followed with the live album Stripped Down in 2015, capturing intimate acoustic renditions of classics and covers during his ongoing tour of the same name, emphasizing his enduring stage presence. His most recent studio effort, Automatic, arrived in 2023 as his twenty-second album overall, featuring 20 original tracks that echoed his 1980s style while incorporating modern production, including the lead single "Automatic."[34] On the acting front, Springfield returned to his iconic role as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital in recurring arcs from 2005 to 2008 and again in 2012, portraying the troubled physician in storylines involving family drama and redemption that drew on his character's history.[35] He also appeared in films like Ricky 6 (2000), where he played the supporting role of Bob, a family friend in this psychological drama based on a true crime story. As of 2025, Springfield remains active in live performances, including the "An Acoustic Evening" tour with Richard Marx in 2025, featuring stripped-back sets of hits across U.S. venues.[36] He has also been developing scriptwriting projects, blending his creative pursuits across music and storytelling.[37]Personal life
Marriage and children
Rick Springfield married Barbara Porter on October 27, 1984, in a private ceremony at his family's church in Australia.[38] The couple first met several years earlier, in 1980, when Porter was working as a receptionist at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles during the recording sessions for Springfield's breakthrough album Working Class Dog.[39] Springfield and Porter have two sons together: Liam Springthorpe, born in October 1985, and Joshua Springthorpe, born in March 1989.[40] Liam has pursued a career in the entertainment industry, primarily in acting, with credits including roles in independent films like Grace (2014) and a guest appearance on General Hospital in 2013 alongside his father.[41] Joshua, by contrast, has maintained a low public profile and has not entered the entertainment field.[42] The family has been based in Los Angeles, where Porter has provided steadfast support to Springfield throughout his fluctuating music and acting career, helping him navigate periods of intense fame in the 1980s and subsequent professional resurgences.[39] In a 2025 interview, Springfield emphasized the role of mutual understanding in their enduring partnership, noting that they have encouraged their sons to forge independent paths while prioritizing family stability amid career demands.[39]Health challenges
Rick Springfield has battled clinical depression since his teenage years, describing it as a persistent "darkness" that began around puberty and made him feel like an outsider uncomfortable in his own skin.[43] At age 16, he attempted suicide by hanging himself in his family home while his parents were at work, an incident he hid by wearing a turtleneck to conceal the rope burn for weeks; the attempt failed when the rope broke, and he returned to school the next day without his family knowing until decades later.[44] This struggle continued into the 1970s, with ongoing suicidal ideation amid his early music career frustrations, exacerbating his sense of isolation despite rising fame in Australia.[45] In the 1980s, as his international stardom peaked with hits like "Jessie's Girl," Springfield grappled with substance abuse, including recreational use of drugs such as quaaludes and alcohol, which he later acknowledged contributed to his emotional turmoil and risky behaviors during the height of his rock star lifestyle.[46] These issues intensified his depression, leading to infidelity and a 1990s career hiatus where he entered therapy to address both his mental health and related addictions, ultimately achieving sobriety and finding relief through professional support and reduced alcohol intake.[47] This period of recovery allowed him to prioritize family and personal healing over public performances. Springfield's health challenges also include physical issues, notably significant brain damage from an onstage fall in Las Vegas in 2000, where he hit his head while attempting a stunt; a 2025 full-body MRI scan revealed lingering effects that may have contributed to his ongoing depression symptoms and required him to adjust his high-energy tours.[48] Following the release of his 2010 memoir Late, Late at Night, which detailed his mental health struggles, Springfield has become a vocal advocate, encouraging others facing suicidal thoughts to seek help and sharing in 2025 interviews his experiments with treatments like micro-dosing LSD for ongoing depression management after trying ketamine therapy.[49] These disclosures have briefly paused aspects of his career for recovery but underscore his commitment to openness about mental health.[47]Residences and citizenship
Rick Springfield relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 1972 to advance his music career, establishing it as his primary residence thereafter.[50] He has owned multiple properties in the Malibu area, including a compound he and his wife Barbara sold to Mel Gibson in 1989 for approximately $3 million.[51] Springfield continues to reside in Malibu, where he has lived since at least 1985.[52] Born in Guildford, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, Springfield maintains strong ties to his native country through frequent returns for concert tours, including his first solo headline shows there in 2014 after decades away.[53] In 2006, he acquired United States citizenship while retaining his Australian nationality, a dual status he announced during a concert in Orlando, Florida.[54]Written works
Memoir
In 2010, Rick Springfield published his autobiography Late, Late at Night: A Memoir through Touchstone Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.[55] The book chronicles his journey from a postwar Australian childhood marked by frequent moves and early insecurities to his rise in the music industry.[55] Springfield details his formative years, including joining the Australian band Zoot in the late 1960s during the Vietnam War era, where he navigated the challenges of early performances and band dynamics as a young guitarist.[55] The memoir delves into the pressures of fame following his breakthrough in the 1980s, including the success of selling over 17 million albums and starring as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, a role that drew 12 million daily viewers and involved intense on-screen romances that blurred lines with his personal life.[55] Central to the narrative is Springfield's candid account of his lifelong struggle with depression, beginning in his youth and persisting through fame, including a suicide attempt at age 16 and ongoing battles that fame could not resolve.[44] He also reveals the inspiration behind his 1981 hit "Jessie's Girl," written in 1979 based on an unrequited crush on a woman from a stained-glass class who was dating a friend, capturing themes of envy and longing that propelled his career.[55] Upon release, Late, Late at Night became a New York Times bestseller, peaking at No. 13 on the hardcover nonfiction list in October 2010.[56] Critics and readers praised the book for its raw honesty, particularly Springfield's forthright discussion of mental health issues like depression and suicidal ideation, which provided deeper insight into the vulnerabilities behind his public persona.[57] Rolling Stone later ranked it among the 25 greatest rock memoirs of all time for its introspective revelations.[55]Fiction and other books
Rick Springfield ventured into fiction writing with his debut novel, Magnificent Vibration, published in 2014 by Simon & Schuster. The book humorously explores themes of self-help, spirituality, and existential purpose through the story of Horatio "Bobby" Cotton, a down-on-his-luck divorcé who steals a self-improvement book titled Magnificent Vibration: Discover Your True Purpose. Inside, he finds a 1-800 number labeled "CALL-GOD," leading to an unexpected direct line to the divine and a surreal quest alongside a woman named Alice for both spiritual enlightenment and personal redemption.[58] In 2021, Springfield released World on Fire, a self-published sequel to Magnificent Vibration limited to 1,000 first-edition copies available exclusively through his official website. The narrative continues the adventures of Bobby Cotton and Alice, who, at God's behest, confront a global pandemic by guiding survivors to Galilee in search of a miraculous "Convergence" that could determine Earth's fate, blending apocalyptic elements with the original's satirical take on faith and human connection.[58][59]Awards and honors
Music awards
Springfield's early recognition in the Australian music scene came through fan-voted polls in the 1970s. As lead guitarist for the band Zoot, he shared in their success at the 1971 King of Pop Awards, where the group was honored and Springfield personally received the Best Lead Guitarist award, presented by Elton John. Following Zoot's breakup, his solo career earned him recognition in the 1972 Go-Set Pop Poll, where he placed third in the Best Male category. He also secured the Most Popular Australian Musician award at the King of Pop Awards that year.[60] Springfield's transition to international stardom brought major accolades from the Recording Academy. His 1981 single "Jessie's Girl" from the album Working Class Dog won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards in 1982.[2] This marked his sole Grammy win to date, though he received two subsequent nominations in the same category: for "I Get Excited" in 1983 and "Affair of the Heart" in 1984.[2] He also received a nomination in 1983 for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for "Don't Talk to Strangers".[2] At the American Music Awards, Springfield's popularity in the pop/rock genre was affirmed with nominations in 1982 for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Single ("Jessie's Girl").[61] He claimed victory the following year, winning Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist in 1983 (tied with John Mellencamp).[61] In 2012, he was awarded the Boston Film Festival Prize for Best Music for the documentary An Affair of the Heart.[62]Acting recognitions
Rick Springfield's portrayal of Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital from 1981 to 1983 earned him widespread fan acclaim, contributing to the show's popularity during that era, though he received no formal nominations from major industry awards like the Daytime Emmy Awards.[63] Instead, his acting work has been honored through dedicated fan events and conventions, where he has been celebrated for his charismatic performance as the roguish doctor, including appearances at General Hospital fan celebrations such as the 2013 50th anniversary events and subsequent gatherings.[64] In 2014, Springfield was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his dual legacy in music and television acting, with particular note given to his soap opera role that boosted his visibility in the industry.[64] For later roles, such as his guest appearance as Richard Geldof in the second season of True Detective (2015), Springfield received positive reviews for adding depth to the ensemble, but no specific award nominations or indie festival honors were bestowed.[65] His contributions to acting continue to be acknowledged in fan-driven retrospectives and media tributes, underscoring the enduring impact of his soap opera breakthrough without major competitive accolades.[3]Discography
Studio albums
Rick Springfield's early studio albums were released primarily in Australia during the 1970s, marking his initial foray into rock music before gaining international attention. His debut album, Beginnings (1972, Capitol Records), featured a mix of original songs and covers, peaking at number 195 on the Billboard 200 chart. The follow-up, Comic Book Heroes (1973, Capitol Records), continued in a similar vein with pop-rock influences but did not achieve significant commercial success outside Australia. Subsequent releases included Mission: Magic! (1974, Kirshner Records), a soundtrack album tied to an animated series, and Wait for Night (1976, RCA Records), which explored more mature themes but remained limited in distribution. These early works established Springfield's songwriting style, often drawing from personal experiences and comic-inspired narratives.[66] Springfield's breakthrough came in the early 1980s with albums that capitalized on his rising acting profile and hit singles, propelling him to mainstream success in the United States. Working Class Dog (1981, RCA Records), produced by Springfield and Bill Dresbach at Sound City Studios, peaked at number 7 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA, with U.S. sales exceeding 3 million copies.[67][68] Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet (1982, RCA Records), also self-produced with Dresbach, reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 and earned Platinum certification from the RIAA.[67][69] Living in Oz (1983, RCA Records), featuring production by Bill Curbishley and Springfield, climbed to number 12 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.[67][70] Hard to Hold (1984, RCA Records), serving as the soundtrack to the film of the same name and produced by Springfield, peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.[67]) Tao (1985, RCA Records), co-produced by Springfield and David Thoener, marked a shift toward harder rock edges and reached number 21 on the Billboard 200, certified Gold by the RIAA.[67]) In the late 1980s and beyond, Springfield's output became more sporadic, reflecting his dual career in music and acting, with albums often self-released or on independent labels. Rock of Life (1988, Mercury Records), produced by Springfield and Thom Panunzio, peaked at number 56 on the Billboard 200. Later releases included Sahara Snow (1997, Pinnacle Records), an independent effort with experimental elements; Karma (1999, Artemis Records); Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance (2004, Sanctuary Records); and Venus in Overdrive (2008, Eagle Rock Entertainment), which returned to his 1980s sound and charted at number 28 on the Billboard 200.[67] Subsequent albums such as Songs for the End of the World (2012, Hip-O Records), Rocket Science (2016, Mercury Records), The Snake King (2018, Cleopatra Records), Orchestrating My Life (2019, BMG Rights Management), and Automatic (2023, SongVest Records), the latter described by Springfield as blending styles from Working Class Dog and Tao, continued his exploration of personal and philosophical themes without major chart success.[66][71]| Album | Release Year | Label | Billboard 200 Peak | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginnings | 1972 | Capitol | 195 | None |
| Comic Book Heroes | 1973 | Capitol | - | None |
| Mission: Magic! | 1974 | Kirshner | - | None |
| Wait for Night | 1976 | RCA | - | None |
| Working Class Dog | 1981 | RCA | 7 | Platinum (sales >3M) |
| Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet | 1982 | RCA | 2 | Platinum |
| Living in Oz | 1983 | RCA | 12 | Platinum |
| Hard to Hold | 1984 | RCA | 16 | Platinum |
| Tao | 1985 | RCA | 21 | Gold |
| Rock of Life | 1988 | Mercury | 56 | None |
| Sahara Snow | 1997 | Pinnacle | - | None |
| Karma | 1999 | Artemis | - | None |
| Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance | 2004 | Sanctuary | - | None |
| Venus in Overdrive | 2008 | Eagle Rock | 28 | None |
| Songs for the End of the World | 2012 | Hip-O | 44 | None |
| Rocket Science | 2016 | Mercury | - | None |
| The Snake King | 2018 | Cleopatra | - | None |
| Orchestrating My Life | 2019 | BMG | - | None |
| Automatic | 2023 | SongVest | - | None |
Singles and compilations
Rick Springfield's singles career began during his time with the Australian band Zoot in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he contributed to several chart entries on the national charts. The band's cover of "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles peaked at number 4 on the Australian Kent Music Report in 1971, marking one of their biggest successes and showcasing Springfield's emerging role as lead vocalist.[72] Other Zoot singles like "It Happened Today" reached number 16 in 1970, highlighting the group's pop-rock appeal in Australia before Springfield's solo transition.[73] Transitioning to a solo artist, Springfield released his debut single "Speak to the Sky" in 1971, which achieved modest success in Australia before crossing over to the U.S., peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. His early solo efforts, such as "What Do You Think of Me" in 1972, gained traction primarily in Australia but did not replicate the international breakthrough. By the late 1970s, singles like "Bruce" from the 1980 album Working Class Dog began building momentum, reaching number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. Springfield's commercial peak arrived in the early 1980s with a string of Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, driven by his RCA Records output and concurrent acting fame on General Hospital. "Jessie's Girl," released in 1981 from Working Class Dog, topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and earned a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Follow-up singles from the same album, "I've Done Everything for You" (number 8, 1981) solidified his pop-rock stardom. "Love Somebody" (number 5, 1984) from Hard to Hold continued his success. In 1982, "Don't Talk to Strangers" from Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet peaked at number 2, while "Affair of the Heart" from 1983's Living in Oz reached number 9, demonstrating sustained chart presence. "Human Touch" also charted at number 18 in 1983, extending his run of radio-friendly anthems. Later singles saw diminishing commercial impact but maintained Springfield's cult following. "Celebrate Youth" from the 1985 album Tao peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting a shift toward more mature themes. In the 2000s and beyond, releases like "One Christmas Night in Heaven" (2007) appeared on holiday compilations without major chart runs, while recent work from Automatic (2023), including tracks like "Exit Wound," focused on independent distribution and fan engagement rather than mainstream charts.[74]| Single | Year | Billboard Hot 100 Peak | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speak to the Sky | 1972 | 14 | Beginnings |
| Jessie's Girl | 1981 | 1 | Working Class Dog |
| I've Done Everything for You | 1981 | 8 | Working Class Dog |
| Love Somebody | 1984 | 5 | Hard to Hold |
| Don't Talk to Strangers | 1982 | 2 | Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet |
| Affair of the Heart | 1983 | 9 | Living in Oz |
| Human Touch | 1983 | 18 | Living in Oz |
| Celebrate Youth | 1985 | 26 | Tao |