It happened in 1981

[Grand Torino]

On Aug. 1, 1981, the simply-named MTV, short for Music Television, made its debut as a cable channel with one straightforward purpose: airing music videos. In the three and a half decades since its launch, MTV has evolved—or possibly devolved—into a theatrical, star-studded media empire, attempting to corner not only the music and television markets, but to bottle the culture of an entire generation.

MTV’s first broadcast, kicking off with the now-legendary words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll” uttered over footage of the first launch countdown of the space shuttle Columbia, is still a sight to behold.

Even more fascinating was the channel’s choice for the first music video it ever aired: “Video Killed the Radio Star,” by British rock band The Buggles.

 

First 25 Videos Played on MTV

1. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles
2. “You Better Run" by Pat Benatar
3. “She Won't Dance With Me" by Rod Stewart
4. “You Better You Bet" by The Who
5. "Little Suzi's on the Up" by Ph. D.
6. "We Don't Talk Anymore" by Cliff Richard
7. “Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders
8. “Time Heals" by Todd Rundgren
9. “Take It on the Run” by REO Speedwagon
10. “Rockin’ the Paradise” by Styx
11. "When Things Go Wrong" by Robin Lane and the Chartbusters
12. "History Never Repeats" by Split Enz
13. “Hold On Loosely” by 38 Special
14. “Just Between You and Me” by April Wine
15. “Sailing” by Rod Stewart
16. “Iron Maiden” by Iron Maiden
17. “Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon
18. “Bluer Than Blue” by Michael Johnson
19. “Message of Love” by The Pretenders
20. “Mr. Briefcase” by Lee Ritenour
21. “Double Life” by The Cars
22. “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
23. “Looking for Clues” by Robert Palmer
24. “Too Late” by Shoes
25. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

[Chucktshoes]

I remember when they played music on MTV. It was pretty awesome. 

[Jamie Jackson]

3 hours ago, Chucktshoes said:

I remember when they played music on MTV. It was pretty awesome. 

Kinda like this?

 

Edited December 17, 2018 by Jamie Jackson

[Lumber_Jack]

1 hour ago, Jamie Jackson said:

Kinda like this?

 

MTV Unplugged was such a great series.  

[Garufa]

Martha Quinn was such a cutie.

[Grand Torino]

28 minutes ago, Garufa said:

Martha Quinn was such a cutie.

Yes she was....

[Ronald_55]

1 hour ago, Garufa said:

Martha Quinn was such a cutie.

 

40 minutes ago, Grand Torino said:

Yes she was....

She looks like it.... but she is about my Mom's age... 

[Jamie Jackson]

2 minutes ago, Ronald_55 said:

 

She looks like it.... but she is about my Mom's age... 

LOL. But she was only in her very early 20's back then. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but was one of the original 5-6 VJ's when MTV kicked off.

There were occasional music videos back in the late 70's (I remember Kate Bush on BBC-1), but they were rare.

MTV was definitely innovative... alas that has sadly changed.

[Chucktshoes]

18 minutes ago, Jamie Jackson said:

LOL. But she was only in her very early 20's back then. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but was one of the original 5-6 VJ's when MTV kicked off.

There were occasional music videos back in the late 70's (I remember Kate Bush on BBC-1), but they were rare.

MTV was definitely innovative... alas that has sadly changed.

You are correct on all points. 

Shes aged quite well actually. 

Edited December 17, 2018 by Chucktshoes

[robin48]

Yes she has

 

[Quavodus]

I didn't have cable early on but, watched it at friends houses and liked it. By the time I got cable/satellite, it had started going stupid...…...