The Second Video Played on MTV: A Journey Through Music History
On August 1, 1981, MTV made its inaugural broadcast with a lineup of groundbreaking videos that would change the music industry forever. As part of this historic launch, The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" and Pat Benatar's "Magic" made the debut, marking the beginning of a new era of visual and auditory entertainment. Today, we explore The Second Video Played on MTV, a song that won the 1982 Video Music Awards and brought Pat Benatar into the spotlight.
The Buggles
The first video played on MTV was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. This iconic song was selected not only because of its catchy melody but also because it set the tone for the channel's "anti-rock" stance. The video's futuristic and surreal style was a perfect match for the new medium, instantly capturing the imagination of MTV viewers and setting an industry standard for music videos.
Pat Benatar
Just minutes after "Video Killed the Radio Star" completed its run, Pat Benatar took the stage with her first ever MTV performance of "Magic." The song's smooth, seductive sound and Pat's powerful vocals instantly drew in the audience. Pat Benatar had been a longtime fan favorite before MTV but this performance catapulted her into a whole new level of stardom.
The Impact of MTV's Launch
The launch of MTV marked a pivotal moment in music and television history. Prior to MTV, music videos were a novelty, but the channel's commitment to presenting them as a new form of artistic expression transformed them into must-see entertainment. MTV's dedication to featuring diverse acts across genres meant that both established and emerging artists could achieve instant recognition through their videos. "Magic," in particular, helped to establish Pat Benatar as a formidable performer in her own right, blending easy listening and hard rock elements that resonated with audiences.
Pat Benatar's "Magic"
"Magic" quickly became a fan favorite. Its success led to a number of re-releases and remixes, and it has remained a beloved song over the decades. The video for "Magic" itself was also a departure from Pat's earlier image. The song's romantic and sultry themes were set against a stark, cinematic backdrop, highlighting Pat's ability to transition between different stylistic approaches to her music.
The Legacy of "Magic"
The success of "Magic" continued to grow. It has since been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. The song's enduring popularity speaks to Pat Benatar's versatility and the lasting impact of her early career. In 1982, "Magic" earned Pat Benatar the Video Music Award for Best Female Video, a testament to the video's cultural significance and commercial success. This recognition further cemented her place in the annals of music history.
Conclusion
Thirty years later, the launch of MTV and the iconic songs that kicked it off remain at the forefront of music and television history. "Magic" by Pat Benatar, the second video played on the channel, exemplifies the exciting creativity and visual storytelling that would come to define the MTV era. It's a testament to the power of music and video, and the enduring impact of this pivotal moment in music history.
Keywords: MTV, Buggles, Pat Benatar, Music Television, Video Music Awards