MTV and its Effect on American History

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Recommended: Popular music between the 18th and 20th centuries

MTV and its Effect on American History

In 1954, the release of "Rock around the clock", known as the original white Rock

n' Roll song and becoming number one on the pop charts, marked a turning point in the

history of popular music and it's success in the future.

In the late 70s, early 80s, Reagan was president, then Senator Al Gore's wife led

the crusade against inappropriate rock lyrics and founded the Parents' Music Resource

Center(PMRC). The hippies became yuppies and began to devote their time to raising well

mannered, preppie children. Rock music, a vital social phenomena among American youth,

had grown dull due to it's lack of style change from earlier music. Something new and

modern was in need. August 1, 1981, was a day that would change the history of music

forever. On this day, MTV first aired with its very first music video by The Buggles

"Video killed the radio star". This video was also the millionth to air on Feb. 27, 2000,

and third most aired in video history (Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" being the first).

This new way of presenting rock music, through a 24 hour cable music video channel,

would change Rock n' Roll forever. The first video was a new medium without

boundaries, which meant that no one knew how MTV would impact artists' careers or just

how big MTV would inevitably become. Along with MTV came the modo" Sit back, relax

and turn off your mind".

Music specials were already airing on certain television channels. In 1979,

NBC-TV aired a show at the UN General Assembly, to help UNICEF raise money to

combat hunger and to provide food for the world's children. The show featured stars such

as the BeeGees, Rod Stewart. Donna Summers and a few others. Another special was

aired on AB...

... middle of paper ...

...and whites closer together, primarily because of pop culture.

Today hip-hop, rap, ragae and R&B have been greatly accepted in the music industry and

have had great success. Blacks were given more respect and were looked up upon by the

Youth of America. Blacks have finally received their reward for the constant fight for

equality and acceptance throughout the years. Latin and Middle Eastern music have also

been greatly accepted. Women are now ro-models for the youth of America and are seen

as powerful figures equal to all. Women solo acts and groups were formed. Women were

a great addition to the rise of our economy.

MTV promoted and encouraged creative music. Many different kinds of music

have emerged from dance to country due to MTV's publicity and support of various new

artists. Without MTV many artist may not have achieved the success that they had.

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