This page is more of a personal tribute than a recent events billboard. As such, it focuses mostly on Rick's music - my primary area of interest where he is concerned. This means it may be boring to those of you looking for current news and information. Sorry! Just check out the other links I gave you to find stuff like that!
That "Jessie's Girl" was his one-and-only hit is also a misconception. True, he won a Grammy for it in 1981 and it is his "signature" song. However, Rick graced the Top 40 for 16 other songs over the course of his career. Even those who don't particularly like his music must admit that having four Platinum albums is no small accomplishment in the rock music industry.
Obviously, I consider myself a fan of Rick's. The most important thing to me, though, is not that I've been a fan for almost 20 years, it's why I'm still a fan.
Like many other girls, I was just a young teen when I fell for Rick and his music. The pure fun of it - videos, dancing, concerts - kept me listening for a long time. Once the flash of the 80's wore off I actually started listening to the lyrics and found that so many of Rick's songs have far deeper meaning that most bubblegum pop music.
Typically, I don't devote much time to specific musicians, but Rick has earned a special kind of respect from me. His diligence in pursuing his own dream of a career in music shows incredible strength of character and courage. Not many people have the kind of drive it takes to keep going in the face of overwhelming odds, adversity and set-backs. Less obvious, but equally admirable in my mind is the fact that Rick was able to build a home and family - and keep it even when it meant working through some very rough patches - not an easy thing for someone in his profession.
When I tell my friends that I admire Rick, they chalk it up to typical female devotion to a handsome male rock star. I would be lying if I didn't admit that there is an element of this in my admiration ;-) The honest truth is that there are lots of great looking celebrities out there to pick from if that was the only attraction.
Simply put, Rick makes me want to pursue my dreams and his example leads me to believe I can reach my goals without sacrificing who I am in the process. In this world, that kind of motivator is not something I have often found - making it, in my eyes, at least, worthy of respect and admiration.