MTV: The birth of music videos

MTV: The birth of music videos

Eli Piccone

If you turned your TV on August 1st, at 12:01 a.m., thirty-six years ago, you would have be greeted by the countdown of Apollo 11 about to skyrocket into space, followed by a deep male voice speaking the words, “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.: your TV would then erupt into what is now an iconic rock theme song, accompanied by the American flag and a lengthy display of various artistic MTV logos.

MTV, Music Television, was for many, the bread and butter of American television. In simplest terms, Alan Goodman and Fred Seibert had the idea of a TV channel that just played music videos 24 hours, even days a week. So on August 1st at 12:05 a.m., MTV ironically aired the song “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. The song ended, the screen went black for about five seconds as the employee working in MTV headquarters inserted the next tape into the VCR, and just like that, “You Better Run” by Pat Benatar was playing.  

Music videos are a relatively new form of music depiction and art work. Originally, artwork was displayed in the form of album covers on the record sleeves of vinyl, but then musical artwork evolved into music videos.

Although music videos might be limiting to the watcher’s perception of what the music means to them, it can develop and increase the value of the music even further if done in a format that is vague enough for the watcher to have open perception, but also be specific enough to be unique and entertaining.

MTV kicked off America’s passion and love for music videos and throughout the shows duration its is clear how the technology got better improving the quality.

Certain people are outraged by the “new and improved” MTV because it no longer shows music videos and instead displayed TV shows. Jo Manansala, a sophomore at the iSchool, says, “every channel has shows and all, that but there isn’t a diversity in that sense as much.”

Others say it isn’t a big deal because although MTV’s music video’s have died it doesn’t mean that music videos have died. Luke Copley, a sophomore at the iSchool says, “If people can look up specific music videos on YouTube, there’s no need to have a channel where you have to wait for one you like.”

Ms. Mangano watched MTV at the age of fourteen and shared some vibrant memories. She shared her favorite music, “Linkin Park’s sound very much coordinated with their athletic.” She said, “MTV was a medium to showcase their talent.”
MTV will always have a place in history and its original watchers’ hearts, but  it will only remain there. Time and technology has evolved to an era where music videos are now accessible for everybody. MTV  has made their mark on history and music and will always be remembered as the original Music Television.