Reflecting on MTV’s golden years
If you remember when MTV actually showed music videos, I suggest you add this book to your library. The author focuses on 1981 to 1985 and takes you back to the original concept for Music Television. The book is filled with interesting facts about the launch of the network, the VJs, the bands, and of course, the memorable music videos.
As Greg Prato points out, many established bands and artists were opposed to the making music videos. It became apparent which acts were made for TV, and which ones weren’t. “Weird Al” Yankovic became the “Eat It” guy based on his successful parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” Toni Basil, best known for her 80’s hit “Mickey,” received a recording deal from doing videos.
On the flip side, MTV did little for pop star Christopher Cross, and virtually destroyed rocker Billy Squier’s career. This book also reveals which female leader singer wasn’t considered pretty enough to be the only female presented in a video. Whether you enjoyed MTV or not, there is no denying that it changed the scope of music.
Prato includes the initial reactions from across the spectrum relating to the launch of MTV in August 1981. The original VJs – Martha Quinn, Nina Blackwood, JJ Jackson, Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman had a very limited library of videos to air. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles was the first video that aired on the network, and bands that almost nobody ever heard of were featured since they had videos ready to go.
“MTV Ruled the World” covers all facets of MTV in the early years. The author addresses the idea that MTV didn’t air videos from black artists. I enjoyed the many comments from various artists on the best and worst videos produced at the time. The book also includes the backstories of many popular videos such as “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits and A-ha’s “Take on Me.”
Prato has the details on the development of VH-1, the MTV Music Awards, Kiss unmasking, and developmental of MTV News. The book is jammed packed with interesting quotes and contains tales of backstage shenanigans. “MTV Ruled the World: The Early Years of Music Video” is a fun book, and highly recommended.
By: Greg Prato
Narrated by: Greg Prato
Length: 23 hrs and 14 mins
Release date: 01-20-21
Publisher: Greg Prato Writer, Corp.