Today in Music History: MTV Starts Up
August 01, 2014
History Highlight:
Today in 1981, just after midnight, MTV launched. There was a pre-launch in May, but the channel offically went live today. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by television personalities known as "video jockeys," or VJs. The first video they played to kick off the station was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.
Also, Today In:
1963 - The first issue of "Beatles Monthly," a magazine devoted to the group, was published. It continued for 77 editions until 1969, and at its peak was selling over 350,000 copies a month.
1971 - The Concert for Bangladesh, organized by George Harrison to aid victims of famine and war in Bangladesh, took place at New York's Madison Square Garden. The event featured performances by Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, and more.
1971 - The Sonny And Cher Comedy Hour premiered on CBS television.
Birthdays:
Chuck D, of Public Enemy, is 54 today.