I Want my MTV
The birth of a media revolution. August 1, 1981, video footage of the first Space Shuttle Launch of Columbia and it’s countdown with the added quote, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock and Roll”by John Lack, creator of MTV. Next the iconic Moon Man and the unforgettable music, “Man on the Moon (MTV Theme) by Jonathan Elias and John Petersen as we zoom into the MTV flag and watch the MTV logo change outfits in fun flashes of 1980s graphic art. Mark Goodman introduces us to the concept, “The best of tv combined with the best of radio” and promises that, “starting right now, you’ll never look at music the same way again” a quick break and introduction to the other original VJs, including Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn, J.J. Jackson and Nina Blackwood. What followed was the airing of the very first music video on MTV, very aptly titled, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. What was your favorite video?
I often think about how lucky I was to grow up in the 80s and not have the kind of access kids have these days. Part of the fun was the anticipation of waiting to see your favorite video again. There was no YouTube to pull up the video on the spot and while we have grown so accustomed to the comforts of modern technology and unlimited hi-speed access to movies, shows, music videos and any media really there was something special about waiting and hoping. I’ve written and shared before about running from the bus stop to catch a favorite video once the video countdown days started. There was finally a show that pretty much promised you’d catch your favorite video within that certain hour as long as it was on the top 20 chart. Like the story I mention, it was usually a George Michael video at the top of my list but there were so many others. Among my favorites were “Take on Me” by a-ha, my dad really loved that video and song also. Pretty much any Madonna video was a favorite for me, especially Borderline, Material Girl, Vogue, La Isla Bonita, Cherish, shoot, seriously let’s just say all of them. The funky ones like Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer”, comedic ones like Cindy Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, Prince’s Raspberry Beret was so fun and colorful, I always loved that cloud suit. Of all the videos whether 80s and 90s or current none made such an impression as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. It was more than a music video it was an experience, a Hollywood movie premier. We were so invested as a family that my dad used to wake my younger brother and I up if it came on after hours. He would come get us and let us know, “hey, get up, its on!” We sprang out of bed like it was Christmas morning and run down the hall so fast to not miss too much. We watched in awe and excitement and a bit of fear. Once the video was over it was time to go back to sleep but what cruel joke is that? It was a terrifying walk back down the hall to our bedrooms. That childhood house as small as it may have been, on these nights that short hallway seemed to go forever. With each trembling step I could still hear Vincent Price and his evil laugh ringing in my ears.
About a decade after our introduction to MTV, we were introduced to what most consider the birth of reality TV, The Real World: New York. Much more programming options to find on MTV throughout the years to follow including game shows and talk shows. Many more personalities were presented after the first five mentioned above including Kurt Loder, Downtown Julie Brown, Carson Daly, La La Anthony, Kennedy and one of my favorites because I loved seeing a Cuban American girl on my favorite channel Daisy Fuentes to name a few. Sadly, MTV shut down it’s news department earlier this year. I guess it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, MTV was the pioneer but these days I find myself watching new music videos released by VEVO on YouTube. Times, media, channels change but the interest and love for videos like Jackson, Madonna George Michael is still there for me when watching the new Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo etc video, but I still think streaming instantly isn’t as emotionally exciting as the anticipation I had as a kid in the MTV glory days. Like Dire Straits said, “I want my MTV”.
