The Evolution of Music Videos Before MTV

When we talk about the rise of music videos, the name Music Television (MTV) often comes to mind. However, the concept of music videos had already taken root in the early 20th century, long before the launch of MTV in 1981. Video Killed the Radio Star, the very first video ever played on MTV in August 1981, marked a significant moment in the evolution of music videos. However, this was not the birth of the concept itself.

Where Did Music Videos Play Before MTV?

Before the advent of MTV, music videos played on weekly music shows such as Solid Gold and other variety shows. These videos were not called 'music videos,' as the term did not exist. Instead, they were introduced as if the artists were actually performing. Songs by iconic groups such as The Village People, Queen, ABBA, and Blondie were regularly featured. For example, Staying Alive by The Bee Gees had a clip associated with it.

Early Influences: Musical Films and Variety Shows

The history of music videos can be traced back to early movie musicals, which began with films like The Jazz Singer in 1927. These films featured live musical performances and were hugely influential. Notable directors like Busby Berkeley and Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in The Band Wagon brought a new level of spectacle to the musical genre. With their elaborate dance sequences and musical numbers, these films laid the groundwork for the music video era. Disney films also contributed to the evolution of musicals and music videos, with their iconic songs and anthropomorphic characters providing inspiration for later video formats.

Transition to Rock Era and the Beatles

As we moved into the rock era, the landscape changed. The rise of artists like Elvis Presley and The Beatles brought a new level of energy and gravitas to the music world. Jailhouse Rock, a film starring Elvis, was one of the first major cinematic representations of rock and roll. Similarly, A Hard Day’s Night by The Beatles was a groundbreaking film that paved the way for music videos as a standalone promotional tool. The movie’s influence can be seen in its captivating short clips and its celebratory feel, which somewhat prefigured MTV's style of music promotion.

Emergence of Conceptual Music Videos in the UK and Europe

The UK and Europe were at the forefront of developing the standalone music video. In the 1950s, the Scopitone, a visual jukebox, emerged in France. Short films by artists like Serge Gainsbourg, Franoise Hardy, Jacques Dutronc, and Jacques Brel helped popularize this concept. By 1961, Manny Pittson began pre-recording music and lip-syncing with musicians in various locations, editing the audio and video together. In 1964, Kenneth Anger created an experimental short film called Scorpio Rising, which used popular songs and short visuals.

Rock Operas and Performative Music Videos

As the 1960s progressed, rock operas like Jesus Christ Superstar and Tommy became popular. These films featured elaborate music numbers and conceptually driven performances. Leading Zeppelin's "The Song Remains the Same" was a concert film that included conceptual interludes. Saturday Night Fever and Grease were among the last major musicals of the 20th century. In the UK and Europe, major bands like The Rolling Stones, Queen, Pink Floyd, and The Who were creating music videos in the 1970s. Punk and new wave bands also embraced this format.

Promotional Driven Music Videos

The song Go Now by The Moody Blues paved the way for music videos as a promotional tool. In 1979, Blondie released the album Eat to the Beat and made a music video album for it, despite the fact that MTV did not yet exist. They aimed to promote it in nightclubs and other venues. Casey Kasem's syndicated show America’s Top 10 was among the first to feature music videos on a regular basis, showcasing hits from various artists.

These early examples of music videos demonstrate the evolution from early musical films to standalone performances. The transition to standalone music videos was a gradual process that was influenced by various factors, including technology and cultural shifts. MTV's launch in 1981 solidified the concept of music videos as we know them today, but the groundwork was laid much earlier.