MTV Launches 1981

On Aug 1, 1981 television history and culture was changed with the launch of MTV. What a day if you were music fan, a channel where you could watch music videos 24/7.

I myself, with all my other friends, were truly addicted to this phenomenon. As cable was somewhat still in its infancy, legions of hopeful music fans , started to harken the famous phrase ' I WANT MY MTV' to get more cable providers to provide it.

The network gave musical artists a huge outlet to be heard, and sell records. To be in 'heavy rotation' , meaning your video was played almost once and hour, or so it seemed was a band's or musician's dream.

The very first video ever played on MTV was 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by one hit wonder The Buggles.

Sadly, the music could not last forever. These days is seems like MTV is run by a bunch of 14 year old girls. Music has become almost non - existent, with programs such as '16 and Pregnant', 'Awkward', 'Girl Code' and the completely ridiculous 'Jersey Shore'.

I suppose MTV needed to change with the times, to grab a younger audience, and sadly old geezers like me are just left with a fond memory.

The original MTV vjs at the network's launch deserve their props.

Left to right - Nina Blackwood (I thought she was soo hot), Alan Hunter, Mark Goodman, the perky Martha Quinn, and JJ Jackson.