Paging Dr. Noah Drake...

Sleeve from "Jessie's Girl" 45, with a Dr. Noah Drake name drop

When Rick Springfield came from seemingly nowhere to top the US charts in 1981 with "Jessie's Girl", many thought he was a new face on the music scene.  In fact, Springfield had been around for over a decade -- in 1972, he climbed all the way #14 with "Speak To The Sky", and the 22-year old Australian pop star seemed destined for greater success.

By 1981, however, Springfield's music career was fizzling.  His latest album, 'Working Class Dog', was being held from release by his record company; Springfield was unsure how successful it would be even if it was released.  In the meantime, Springfield landed the role of Dr. Noah Drake on the popular soap opera 'General Hospital'.  Springfield's popularity on the soap led to increased radio airplay for "Jessie's Girl" (the first single from the album), and by summer's end it was the #1 song in the United States.

My, what handsome doctors they have in Port Charles!

Ultimately, Springfield's renewed music career would produce 16 Top 40 hits throughout the 1980s (including five that cracked the Top 10), 4 Grammy nominations, and one Grammy Award in 1982. Not bad for a washed up former teen pop star.