MTV goes national
January 21, 2023
On Teenage Kicks, we celebrate 40th anniversary of the nationwide launch of MTV. The station originally launched in August 1981 in limited markets, but on Jan. 22, 1983, it became available from coast to coast. I’ll feature some of the first artists played on the MTV airwaves, along with others who became big hits thanks to MTV exposure.
Additionally I'll be celebrating the birthdays of Caron Wheeler of Soul II Soul (born Jan. 19), DJ Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC (born Jan. 21), Michael Hutchence of INXS (born Jan. 22), Robin Zander of Cheap Trick (born Jan. 23), Eddie Falconer (born Jan. 23) and Mickey Virtue (born Jan. 19) of UB40 — and commemorating the passing of Mark E. Smith of The Fall (died Jan. 23, 2018).
Also, I'll spin "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes — it hit No. 1 on Jan. 21, 1984 — the only Top 10 hit for the prog-rockers; "Brass in Pocket" by The Pretenders, which became their first No. 1 single in the U.K. on Jan. 19, 1980; and Adam and the Ants' "Antmusic," who started a 10-week run at the No. 1 spot in the U.K. with their debut album "Kings of the Wild Frontier" on Jan. 24, 1981.
