When you think of Rick Springfield, the iconic singer behind “Jessie’s Girl,” you might not immediately think about his life off-stage. But behind the scenes, there's a love story that’s been decades in the making. Rick has been deeply in love with his wife, Barbara Porter, since the late 1970s. Their relationship has weathered countless ups and downs, but through it all, Barbara has stood by his side. As a source exclusively told Closer in September 2024, “There’s no bigger winner for him than Barbara.”
Now, as they celebrate an incredible 40 years of marriage, it’s time to dive into the story of how Rick and Barbara met, the challenges they’ve faced together, and the joys they’ve shared along the way. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to the power of commitment and resilience.
The Origins of Their Love Story: How Rick Met Barbara
Back in the late ’70s, Rick Springfield was just another musician trying to make it big in Los Angeles. It was during this time that he first crossed paths with Barbara Porter at Sound City recording studios. At the time, Barbara worked as a receptionist at the studio, and Rick recalls being introduced to her by an English manager. He admits, “She was only 15 at the time and looked like a mini Brigitte Bardot. I said, ‘Too young.’ I just thought she was cute, and that was it.”
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Fast forward a few years, and Rick returned to Sound City to work on his 1981 album, Working Class Dog. By then, Barbara had grown up, and Rick had parted ways with his girlfriend. He recalls, “I eventually split up with my girlfriend, and by the time I did, she was 18. I’d always thought about her because she worked at Sound City’s office. So, in one brave moment, I called her up and asked her out.” And the rest, as they say, is history.
Was “Jessie’s Girl” Really About Barbara?
One of Rick Springfield’s biggest hits, “Jessie’s Girl,” became a No. 1 smash in 1981. Given that Rick and Barbara were dating at the time, many fans assumed the song was inspired by her. But Rick set the record straight in an interview with People, explaining, “She got asked about it a lot, certainly at the studio because there was a great buzz around the studio when I recorded the song. But she’d say, ‘No, it’s not me. I didn’t know him back then.’”
So, who was the real “Jessie’s Girl”? According to Rick, the song was written about the girlfriend of one of his classmates. Still, the success of the track helped cement Rick and Barbara’s relationship, as they navigated their early years together.
The Family They Built Together
Rick and Barbara officially tied the knot in October 1984 at Rick’s family church in Australia. Just a year later, they welcomed their first child, Liam. In 1989, they expanded their family again with the birth of their second son, Joshua. These two boys have been the center of Rick and Barbara’s world, and they’ve watched them grow into adults with pride.
Barbara’s Hidden Talent: A Chef in the Kitchen
While Rick Springfield may be known for his musical talents, his wife Barbara has a different skill set that keeps their household running smoothly. In an interview with People in August 2023, Rick revealed that he’s incredibly grateful for Barbara’s culinary prowess. “She’s absolutely incredible,” he said. “And I’m certainly not a cook. When I was a bachelor, I’d make a big pot of brown rice, chop up an onion and put that in the rice with a can of tuna. I’d have that, a baked potato and salad and live off that for a month. Barbara comes up with these incredible things. She loves cooking.”
Through Thick and Thin: Navigating Life’s Challenges
Rick Springfield’s life hasn’t always been easy. The legendary musician has openly discussed his battles with depression and addiction, including a suicide attempt at the age of 17. In a candid interview with ABC News in January 2018, Rick opened up about his struggles and how Barbara has been his rock through it all. “You get together with someone to change bad behavior and improve your spirit, and she has really been that person for me,” he told People in 2018. “I’m thankful she’s hung in there ’cause I’ve certainly given her reason not to.”
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Of course, no marriage is without its challenges. Rick has admitted that he and Barbara have even considered divorce at times. “We’ve gone to therapists a couple of times saying we want a divorce,” he revealed. “But we always end up realizing we really love each other. That’s really the only way not to get divorced is to not get divorced. We still argue and have issues, but when we’re at our best, we’re at our very best.”
