MTV History In 1954, the release of “Rock around the clock”, known as the original white Rock n’ Roll song and becoming number one on the pop charts, marked a turning point in the history of popular music and it’s success in the future. In the late 70s, early 80s, Reagan was president, then Senator Al Gore’s wife led the crusade against inappropriate rock lyrics and founded the Parents’ Music Resource Center(PMRC). The hippies became yuppies and began to devote their time to raising well mannered, preppie children. Rock music, a vital social phenomena among American youth, had grown dull due to it’s lack of style change from earlier music. Something new and modern was in need. August 1, 1981, was a day that would change the history of music forever. On this day, MTV first aired with its very first music video by The Buggles “Video killed the radio star”. This video was also the millionth to air on Feb. 27, 2000, and third most aired in video history (Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” being the first). This new way of presenting rock music, through a 24 hour cable music video channel, would change Rock n’ Roll forever. The first video was a new medium without boundar

ies, which meant that no one knew how MTV would impact artists’ careers or just how big MTV would inevitably become. Along with MTV came the modo” Sit back, relax and turn off your mind”. Music specials were already airing on certain television channels. In 1979, NBC-TV aired a show at the UN General Assembly, to help UNICEF raise money to combat hunger and to provide food for the world’s children. The show featured stars such as the BeeGees, Rod Stewart. Donna Summers and a few others. Another special was aired on ABC-TV. A landmark documentary about Rock’s biggest names “The heroes of Rock n’ Roll” starring Jeff Bridges. The Grammy Awards were televised from Radio City Music Hall in NY, on Feb. 25, 1981. A channel solely dedicated to music was in need, since the music industry was constantly expanding. MTV was a learning experience that gradually and completely changed the future of Rock n’ Roll. In the early 80s, Pat Benetar was one of the first artists to benefit from the new rock channel. “The heat of the night” became an immediate hit and spawned three US chart singles. She won a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal. MTV made her a recognizable personality along with other bands such as John Mellencamp, who took the appearance of a young James Dean, and was one of America’s most successful mainstream rock singers of the past two decades. Image began to be of great importance in the music industry since performers would, especially now, constantly be in the public eye. David Bowie, with his flamboyant style, was one of the great enigmas of popular music. In 1983, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was the first music video to air on MTV by a black artist, marking a turning point for African Americans and their fight for equality and respect. His “Thriller” album generated an astonishing seven top ten singles, on its way to becoming the biggest selling album of all time with thirty seven million units sold worldwide. Madonna also made her debut in 1983, setting the road for her sexy new style. MTV helped shape them into major icons of the 20th century. On Tuesday Sep.14, 1984, MTV launched its first Video Awards show at New York’s famous Radio City Music Hall. It was hosted by Dan Akroyd and Better Midler. Herbie Hancock dominated the awards with his “ Rock it” video, winning in five different categories. Performing live were stars such as Madonna, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and ZZ Top. In the years of 1984-1985, MTV started to find its place in the music and entertainment industry, and began to capitalize on its unique position. MTV brought artists and bands into the mainstream, often bringing them to immediate stardom due to constant publicity. MTV was expanding and gaining many fans along the way. MTV had no competition until Tuesday Jan.1, 1985, when VH1 premiered as a twenty four hour music video channel with Marvin Gaye’s “ Star spangled banner” video. Still MTV had nothing to fear since VH1 catered to an adult audience, while MTV focused mainly on teens and young adults ( early twenties). Van Halen was quite popular during these years. He was named new guitarist of the year in 1978. They were one of the most successful heavy metal bands. Their lead off single” Why can’t this be love” reached number three in Billboard chart, while their album became their first US number one. U2 was one of the most popular rock acts of the 80s. They gained fame with their creative music videos and with their use of music, not just as mere entertainment but to raise awareness on certain issues of the world. This changing attitude towards rock culminated on Saturday July, 13, 1985 with Live Aid. This was the first rock benefit concert that brought stars such as Queen, The Police, Tina Turner and many others, together for a cause- raising money to aid African famine relief. MTV broadcast the entire concert live. 16.3 million viewers in 156 countries and capacity crowds in Philadelphia and Lond

Some topics in this essay:
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