Entire genres and subgenres - from hip-hop to grunge to boy-band pop to nu metal - became part of the mainstream. The network revolutionized the music industry, inspired a multitude of copycat programming, made many careers, and broke more than a few. Virtually everyone knew what a music video was, and they wanted their MTV. At this point, viewers might have a few questions, like: Is this like a radio station on TV? What is a “VJ”? And what the hell is a “music video”?Ī year later, no one was asking that last question. This wasn’t a news channel it was “Music Television.” If they kept tuning in, they’d see clips and hear VJs talk about bringing you the latest in music videos. And then they’d hear a voiceover, with all the smooth patter of an FM disc jockey: “Ladies and gentlemen, rock & roll.” Cue power chords, and a flag with a network logo - something called MTV - that rapidly changed colors and patterns. The familiar sight of Neil Armstrong exiting his lunar module and walking on the moon would fill the TV screen.
In the wee hours of August 1st, 1981, someone flipping through their channels might have come across the image of a rocket blasting into space.
