Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
Artist: Rick Springfield Weeks at #1: 2 weeks Chart dates: August 1, 1981 – August 8, 1981
About
“Jessie’s Girl” is the lead single from Rick Springfield’s fifth album Working Class Dog. The inspiration for the song took place when Rick was taking a stained glass class with his friend Gary and Gary’s girlfriend. Originally, Rick wanted to use the actual name of the friend that he was singing about, but decided it didn’t sound good when sung, so he went with the name “Jessie” instead after seeing a girl wearing a softball jersey with the name “Jessie” on it. The song became an international hit, reaching #1 in the US and Australia, and #6 in Canada, in the summer of 1981 (and on the same day MTV launched). It was certified Gold in the United States and Canada. Rick even won a Grammy Award for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” for the song. “Jessie’s Girl” has been featured in a number of films, including Boogie Nights, Keeping the Faith, The Year of Getting to Know Us, Couples Retreat, Hot Tub Time Machine and 13 Going On 30.
