Four-decades-plus of MTV: from hair metal to reality shows
MTV was launched on this day in 1981
© Getty Images
August 1, 1981. A new channel with a new concept was about to revolutionize the history of television. Younger audiences across the United States could now have access to music videos. Yes, music and TV together was quite an innovative idea at the time!
For approximately two decades, the channel was responsible for shaping the music industry. Thanks to MTV, many music genres thrived and reached new audiences, and numerous artists became famous beyond belief.
From the birth of the VJ to the glamour of the VMAs, the channel is rooted in pop culture. Click through and celebrate MTV's birthday and legacy in this gallery.
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