The Birth of MTV: Remembering the Network's Debut Video

August 1, 1982, marked a significant moment in music history when MTV (Music Television) launched its debut video on the airwaves. At the time, the channel was still an unknown entity, available to only a few thousand households in New Jersey and lacking a presence in major markets like New York City and Los Angeles.

The first video played on MTV was 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles, which set the tone for the network's future programming. Following this iconic debut, MTV went into heavy rotation mode, playing videos such as 'Burnin' For You' by Blue Öyster Cult, 'Harden My Heart' by Quarterflash, and 'You Better You Bet' by The Who.

The channel's original video jockeys (VJs) included Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, Nina Blackwood, and J.J. Jackson, who introduced viewers to the latest music releases. One of the first viewer contests was launched in February 1982, with Hawaiian Holiday With Devo, where a fan from Akron, Ohio won a trip to Hawaii with the band.

MTV's theme song, featuring a crunchy guitar riff and a mash-up clip of the launches of Apollo 11 and the Challenger space shuttle, signaled the network's arrival on the airwaves. The channel's initial 25 videos played on MTV included tracks by J. Geils Band, Police, Quarterflash, Blue Öyster Cult, and many more.

As we celebrate MTV's 40th anniversary, it's remarkable to think about how far the network has come from its humble beginnings in New Jersey. Today, MTV is a global brand with a presence in over 170 countries worldwide. Here's to another four decades of music, entertainment, and memorable moments on MTV!

Mtv debut video