Friday, December 7, 2007

Happy Herald Meets....Rick Springfield

By Jonathan Lederman & Liz Sterl
Happy Herald

It was everything but a typical Sunday afternoon when Rick Springfield was joined by Eddie Money and John Waite to promote, The Working Class Tour, during their recent concert at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Seeing and speaking to Springfield brought back nostalgic memories of racing home to watch General Hospital and cranking up the radio each time Jessie`s Girl aired.
Born Richard Springthorpe in Sydney Australia on August 23, 1949, Rick was a huge hit with his high-school band Rock House and joined the very popular band The Zoot in 1970. After one year with The Zoot, Rick decided to fly solo. He made quite an impression with the release of Speak to the Sky. Rick spent the next two years honing his writing skills and developing two more albums, Comic Book Heroes and Mission Magic. It was during this time that Springfield developed his acting skills. It all paid off for the rising star. He landed the role of Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital, a coveted role that brought him even more fame in America.
Springfield has produced 17 top 40 hits, sold over 19 million records including hit singles Jessie`s Girl, Don`t Talk to Strangers, Affair of the Heart, Love Somebody, I`ve Done Everything for You, and Love is In The Air Tonight. When asked about his recent trip to his native land of Australia, Rick stated, "It was great, lots of beer and lots of good looking sheila`s." Rick`s sense of humor and laid back attitude truly came to light during an interview with The Happy Herald. He continues to tour and bring forth new projects. His latest, Written in Rock, Rick Springfield Anthology, is available as a 2 CD set. Rick is rockin` and rollin` with the times... bringing good music and good times for all to hear.
Q: Rick you are an accomplished musician and actor, what do you enjoy doing when not performing or acting?
RS: I am usually busy in my studio or writing. To relax, I do things with my family.
Q: Your career has spanned decades, who or what would you credit for your success?
RS: Persistence. I think sticking with it is the key. I also continually work on improving my craft, so that when a break comes, I am ready. Also, I love what I do and don`t know how to do much else. So that helps me be successful.
Q: What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?
RS: A thousand and one challenges. All been handled differently. I am a pretty driven person and again staying in the game and having faith is usually my best course.
Q: What positive message would you like to deliver to The Happy Herald Readers?
RS: Be good to your mom.
Q: What advice would you give someone pursuing a career in music or acting?
RS: Don`t do it for the money. If you aren`t passionate about what you do and if it doesn`t pull you out of bed each morning - go do something else. It`s a tough and crowded road. You`ll enjoy the journey - only if you really want it.

A very special Thank you to Ryan Rogers of The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and Alana Mulford of Doyle-Kos Management for their support and assistance in facilitating this interview with Rick Springfield.
http://www.happyherald.com/view.php?I=110

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