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“I Want My Mtv!” January 3, 2010

On August 1, 1980, Mtv launched with the rallying cry “ladies and gentleman, rock and roll!” and made television history with the Buggles Video Killed The Radio Star, followed by You Better Run by Pat Benatar.

Mtv was, at the least, a revolutionary idea. It introduced us to great artists such as The Police, Duran Duran, Madonna, and Billy Idol. The network also broke color and success barriers with the airing of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. Jackson would later go on to have massive success with the music video genre right up until his death in June 2009.

According to the BBC, what Mtv did was allow the record companies “to market and package bands to a much greater degree than before.” “MTV was born partly out a backlash by the music industry in an attempt to boost sales” says pop music lecturer Simon Warner.

This push also enabled record companies to push their bands through videos without relying on live performance, which musicians of the past heavily relied on. It also gave the 80’s a fresh start in music by ushering in acts such as the Eurythmics, U2, and Tears For Fears.

With that said, here is some of the best videos that were ever aired on Mtv.

Hungry Like the Wolf – Duran Duran

Who’s That Girl – Madonna 

White Wedding – Billy Idol 

Don’t Stand So Close To Me – The Police 

You Better Run – Pat Benatar

Sources:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1465495.stm