Research - History of the Music Video

1894 - Illustrated songs were created - a collection of still images played on a slideshow in time with music.

1927 – “Talkies” began with Al Jolson’s “The Jazz Singer” meaning film was now being produced synced with sound.

1959 – “The Big Bopper” coined the term “music video” as the rise of television was apparent meaning artists could now be seen on TV performing songs.

1964 – The Beatles starred in first feature film “A Hard Day’s Night”.

1964 – Top of the Pops launched showing performances from the current weeks bestselling artists.

1981 – MTV (Music TeleVision) is launched creating a channel dedicated to playing music videos. This meant that artists from thereon attempted to push the boundaries of the music video because it was now a distinct way of promoting a single and boosting sales/chart performance.

1983 – Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” lasted for 14 minutes and cost $500,000 to film, proving that music videos were now an essential part of music marketing.

1992 – MTV began listing directors along with the artists and song credits. This showed that the music video had become a respected medium and directors could make a career out of music video directing alone.

1990’s and 2000’s – Directors attempt to push the boundaries of music videos as it become a means of producing short films, some not reflecting the song it is promoting at all. Directors such as Michel Gondry and Hype Williams have their career kick-started because of their performances in directing music videos. Even renowned film directors are commissioned to direct music videos. Some notable examples include Martin Scorsese, David Fincher and Rupert Wainwright.

2005 – The social networking site YouTube is launched allowing a whole new means of reaching an audience and exhibiting videos because it is faster and easier.