Rick Springfield: Who is Jessie’s Girl?

Rick Springfield’s Jessie’s Girl

Rick Springfield’s hit song “Jessie’s Girl” was released in 1981 and since that time the question remains: Who is Jessie’s Girl?

Is Jessie’s Girl Based on a Real Person?

While there isn’t a “Jessie” there is a girl. Rick Springfield was mesmerized by a woman in his art class, but she had a boyfriend, Gary. While writing the song, Springfield didn’t think “Gary” had a nice ring to it, so he changed it to Jessie. Or maybe he didn’t want to give Gary any rights to music royalties. Who knows if that’s even an issue, but good thing he covered his basis. “Jessie’s Girl” became a huge hit and is thought by many to be one of the best pop hits of the ‘80s.

Who is the Real Life Jessie’s Girl?

The crazy thing is no one knows who the real Jessie’s Girl is. I find it puzzling that neither Gary nor his girlfriend have come forward. If you or your boyfriend’s name was Gary wouldn’t you remember if you took an art class with Rick Springfield? I have a suspicion that Gary isn’t the real name of this art school buddy. Maybe to avoid any drama Springfield made up the name Gary when retelling the story. Who can blame him? Don’t need Gary coming after you for song rights.

Does the Jessie’s Girl Music Video Have a Clue?

“Patty is Jessie’s Girl” is on the wall behind Springfield during part of the “Jessie’s Girl” video. Clue? Is that the real name of the woman in Springfield’s art class? Or, like “Gary,” (quotes because I’m doubtful that’s even his name) is the real woman’s name changed to Patty?

Patty, Gary are you out there? Are these real names of real people who are completely clueless that a Grammy-winning #1 hit song is about them? Or just random names that are part of music lore?

Follow Up to Jessie’s Girl

The Patty connection doesn’t stop with graffiti on a brick wall. In Springfield’s follow up album to Working Class Dog, he sings about Patty and Jessie in “Tonight.”

Patty's working, but she's watching the clock…
Jessie's lifting crates and breaking rock

So. Many. Questions.

Conclusion

Since it’s been 40 years since Jessie’s Girl came out, and even Oprah Winfrey’s team couldn’t track down the real Jessie’s Girl, it seems likely we’ll never know who this iconic song really is about. But does it matter? Great song, still as catchy as it was in 1981.