Second Cup Cafe: Rick Springfield

"Jessie's Girl" Singer Commemorates Birth Of His Children With Lullaby Album

(CBS)  Rocker Rick Springfield has covered a lot of ground during his long career, but there was material he didn't get the chance to capture along the way.

Now, the Australian-American singer/songwriter has put down the electric guitar and picked up an acoustic one to sing lullabies, which he dedicated to his two sons, in his latest CD, "Precious Little One."

Springfield stopped by the The Early Show Saturday Edition's "Second Cup Cafe" to sing "Don't Keep the Sandman Waiting," off of "Precious Little One." He also did his best-known hit, "Jessie's Girl."

"I wrote these two original lullabies for my two sons during the heady days of brand new fatherhood," he says on his official Web site. "As a songwriter, I wanted to do something to commemorate the birth of our children. Since neither of them were good sleepers, it seemed like a good idea to write some lullabies."

Told by Early Show Saturday Edition co-anchor Erica Hill that the songs' stories would make a great children's book, Springfield said he may have one in the works. "I’ve written a story that ties all the songs together, after the fact," Sprignfield said.

"I wrote them originally back in 1985, for the birth of my first son. I never meant them to be - I wrote them for my kids. I never wrote them with a thought that other people would hear them. So, it’s a little embarrassing because it’s so bare, and so naked, and just from my heart. I bared everything."

Springfield says he rediscovered the lullabies last year, stuck in a back drawer in his music room, and took them to the studio to record.

In all, he's had 17 Top-40 hits.

Springfield, also known for starring in the soap "General Hospital," has revived his role as Dr. Noah Drake, which he played from 1981-1983. He returned in December 2005 as a cast member, but in 2007 he became a recurring guest star.

After whirlwind success in the '80s, Springfield took some time off to spend with his wife and sons while still accepting TV roles and doing musical theater. After the break from recording, he returned in 1999 with "Karma," the critically acclaimed 2004 follow-up, "Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance," and a 2005 album of cover tunes, "The Day After Yesterday."

[sam-kiley]

il est extraordinaire, sa chanson my precious little one est trés emouvante

[ladycascadia]

it was a real treat to watch Rick Springfield singing on the 2d Cup Cafe portion of the Early Show. He is my favorite singer of all time, and it's great to see him do a variety of music like this. I have the Lullaby CD and just love it. I've sent a copy to my grandson as well as so far he likes it, too. I'm really looking forward to seeing the children's book that will go with the CD.

[lejjamie]

I just saw Rick sing "Don't Keep the Sandman Waiting" song - I loved it! So sweet, soft, pretty, gentle, great rhythm. Just thought of 2 babies for whom I could play that cd - my friend's child and myself! Rick is clearly multi talented - from rock god to lullabies - very cool. Thanks for having him on the show today. Kidn of fun to hear something so very much from his heart, written for his son. What a wonderful way to start a Saturday morning!