Martina McBride on General Hospital (1994): Story & Video

Martina McBride "Going To Work" — **The country singer played herself and performed "Goin' to Work" during a fantasy sequence on the ABC soap opera.**
Written by Amanda Tempel
Published: November 9, 2026

On November 9, 1994, Martina McBride made a special appearance on ABC's General Hospital, bringing country music to one of daytime television's longest-running soap operas.

McBride appeared as herself in a fantasy sequence involving Lois Cerullo, portrayed by Rena Sofer, and performed "Goin' to Work" from her 1993 album The Way That I Am.

Martina McBride's General Hospital Storyline

McBride's appearance was connected to the storyline involving Lois Cerullo and Ned Ashton, played by Wally Kurth.

Lois, who worked in the music business, was dealing with a complicated relationship with Ned after discovering that the musician she knew as Eddie Maine was actually a member of the wealthy Quartermaine family.

During the November 9 episode, Lois imagined McBride visiting her recording studio. The two shared a conversation about love and relationships before McBride performed "Goin' to Work."

The Story Behind "Goin' to Work"

"Goin' to Work" appeared on McBride's second studio album, The Way That I Am, released September 14, 1993.

Written by Pam Tillis and Bill Lloyd, the song tells the story of a woman determined to carry on with her work despite the heartbreak of a failed relationship.

Although McBride never released the song as a single, it had previously been recorded by Judy Rodman, whose 1988 version reached No. 43 on Billboard's country singles chart.

In a 1994 interview with New Country magazine, McBride discussed the importance of recording songs from a woman's perspective and praised Pam Tillis' songwriting, particularly "Goin' to Work."

"Something from a woman's point of view is going to be more like what I want to say. Pam Tillis is such a great writer, too. She has a real knack for saying something in a different way. Every line in 'Goin' to Work' is great; there's not a throwaway line in there. And I just loved it 'cause I'd never heard a song that talked about that before, about women going to work."

McBride became familiar with the song through Trisha Yearwood, who performed it while opening concerts for Garth Brooks in 1991.

At the time, McBride was also traveling with Brooks' tour, although she wasn't performing onstage. Her husband, John McBride, worked on Brooks' production crew, and Martina sold T-shirts at the concerts so the couple could spend more time together.

After signing with RCA Records in 1991, McBride returned to Brooks' tour in 1992, this time as his opening act.

Martina McBride's Career in 1994

McBride's appearance on General Hospital came during her breakthrough in country music.

Her second album, The Way That I Am, had produced her breakthrough hit "My Baby Loves Me," which reached No. 2 on Billboard's country chart, along with "Life #9" and "Independence Day."

McBride was also busy touring in 1994, opening concerts for Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn.

Just five weeks before her television appearance, McBride received the CMA Music Video of the Year award for "Independence Day" at the October 5, 1994, ceremony.

The recognition helped establish McBride as one of country music's rising female stars. Her album would go on to earn platinum certification in 1995.

Watch Martina McBride on General Hospital

Martina’s November 9, 1994, appearance offers a look back at the early years of her country music career, featuring her performance of "Goin' to Work" alongside the cast of General Hospital.