After launching in 1981, the popular television channel MTV revolutionised the idea of music and pop culture in the United States. It did this by promoting the music scene of the new generation and giving the youth a platform that they had never experienced before.
One of the main successes of MTV was the creation of music videos alongside songs, something that is expected in the music industry today. These videos were introduced by video jockeys such as J.J. Jackson and Nina Blackwood, famous television personalities.
The first ever music video that aired on MTV was 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles. After this many other artists followed in their footsteps and created careers for themselves including Michael Jackson and Madonna.
In 1984 the first ever MTV Video Music Awards took place, this was iconic as it presented the culture of the younger generation in America and how its influence was expanding. At this first show Madonna performed her new hit 'Like a Virgin', creating a tradition of live performances in the ceremony. This awards show has been running every year since and is still a huge success in TV.
Alongside playing music videos, MTV would also show coverage from live events such as Spring Break which was an outdoor festival held in Florida. These events would show a variety of live performances and would make the viewer feel involved in the concerts even though they are watching from behind a television screen.
In the present day, MTV focuses mainly on reality television and entertainment instead of music like it did in the 1980's, but still many people look back upon this time with admiration for the focus and promotion of new music and the craze it had on America and the rest of the World.
No comments:
Post a Comment