MTV changed not just TV and Music, but popular culture. It is one of the most important names in all of entertainment. Learn more about MTV below.
1981
On August 1, 1981, MTV (Music Television) went on the air for the very first time. It changed everything. “Video Killed the Radio Star,” by The Buggles, was the first music video to air on the cable television channel. It is hard to picture it today, since MTV no longer embraces music videos, but the early days of the cable station were focused only on music videos. The videos were introduced by VJS (Video Jockeys). The early days of MTV were headlined by names like Madonna and Duran Duran. They were pushing the limits when it came to creativity and the medium of videos.
Michael Jackson
The person most responsible for pushing MTV and music videos into the stratosphere of popular culture is Michael Jackson. In 1983, a few years after MTV’s introduction, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” debuted on MTV. Michael Jackson became the first black artist that was featured on MTV in heavy rotation. He quickly became its number one star. When Thriller debuted on MTV in late 1983, it took Michael Jackson and MTV to another level of fame. “Thriller” is considered the greatest music video of all time.
Transition
MTV started to add to its repertoire by the 1990s. It started adding programming that was not just music videos. Reality shows like The Real World, The Osbournes and Laguna Beach were incredibly successful shows. There were also animated programs like Beavis and Butthead and Celebrity Deathmatch that were popular. Slowly music videos became less and less important to the cable station.
Today
In a shocking turn of events, MTV would basically give up on music videos. They became a more traditional cable station, focusing on reality shows, scripted programming, and live events. The music industry today is far different than it was in MTV’s heyday. Social media and technology have changed how artists and labels can release their music to the masses.
- Adam C. Better
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