As a music historian and enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the impact of media on the music industry. The inception of MTV, or Music Television, marked a significant turning point in how we consume music and how artists express their creativity through the visual medium of music videos.

The first song to grace the airwaves of MTV was indeed a fitting choice for the era and the platform. It was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles, a British new wave band. This song, with its catchy tune and prophetic lyrics, encapsulated the essence of the shift from radio to television as the primary medium for music. The irony of the song's title was not lost on the viewers, as it played out live on television screens across the nation, signaling the start of a new era in music broadcasting.

The Buggles, consisting of Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, had no small role in shaping the music video landscape with their debut single. The song itself was released in 1979 and became a hit, but it was its selection as the inaugural video on MTV that cemented its place in history. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, featured a mix of live-action and animation, showcasing a futuristic vision that was both innovative and captivating.

MTV's launch at 12:01 am on August 1, 1981, was a momentous occasion. It was not just the start of a new channel; it was the birth of a cultural phenomenon. The 24-hour video music channel revolutionized the way we perceive and engage with music. It provided a platform for artists to showcase not just their music but also their personalities and artistic visions through the medium of the music video.

The impact of MTV on the music industry cannot be overstated. It transformed the way music was marketed and promoted, with music videos becoming an integral part of an artist's brand. It also paved the way for the rise of music video directors, who became as influential as the artists they worked with. The channel's influence extended beyond music, affecting fashion, dance, and even language, as it introduced new styles and trends to the global audience.

In conclusion, the first song played on MTV, "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles, was not just a song but a statement. It heralded the arrival of a new medium that would change the face of music forever. The song's selection was a testament to the foresight of MTV's founders, who recognized the power of music videos to captivate and entertain audiences. As we celebrate the legacy of MTV, we also acknowledge the role of "Video Killed The Radio Star" in kick-starting a revolution in music entertainment.

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At 12:01am on August 1, 1981, history was made when MTV, the first 24-hour video music channel, launched onto our television sets and literally changed our lives with the birth of the music video. The first video ever played on the network was quite ironic -- "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles.Aug 1, 2015read more >>