Aug. 1, 1981 - MTV changed music forever!

40 years ago today, music and television changed forever! A brand new network airing music videos was launched. August 1, 1981, MTV was born.

The original on air personalities, known as VJs, were Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, JJ Jackson, Martha Quinn, and Nina Blackwood. MTV would define a generation through music, style, and culture.

The first video aired was The Buggles “Video Killed The Radio Star”. Here’s the list of the first 25 videos ever aired 40 years ago today on MTV!

• “You Better Run” by Pat Benatar

• “She Won’t Dance With Me” by Rod Stewart

• “You Better You Bet” by The Who

• "Little Suzi's on the Up" by Ph. D.

• "We Don't Talk Anymore" by Cliff Richard
• “Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders
• “Time Heals” by Todd Rundgren
• “Take It on the Run” by REO Speedwagon
• “Rockin’ the Paradise” by Styx
• "When Things Go Wrong" by Robin Lane and the Chartbusters
• "History Never Repeats" by Split Enz
• “Hold On Loosely” by 38 Special
• “Just Between You and Me” by April Wine
• “Sailing” by Rod Stewart
• “Iron Maiden” by Iron Maiden
• “Keep On Loving You” by REO Speedwagon
• “Bluer Than Blue” by Michael Johnson
• “Message of Love” by The Pretenders
• “Mr. Briefcase” by Lee Ritenour
• “Double Life” by The Cars
• “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
• “Looking for Clues” by Robert Palmer
• “Too Late” by Shoes
• “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

--Doug O’Brien

Cox Media Group