A Visual History of Sound: How Music Videos Have Evolved Over Time

When Music Television (MTV) first went on the air in 1981, it marked the beginning of a cultural revolution that was to take place in the realm of music videos. It was a tremendous shift that would forever transform how people consumed and made sense of music. This revolution would have a profound impact. A new era had begun when the now-iconic MTV logo first appeared on television screens. This was the beginning of an age in which music and visuals began to flow together to create an immersive experience. Suddenly, artists were aware that they were in the spotlight not only for their musical talents but also for their ability to tell a story visually. Previously, they had only been recognized for their musical prowess. This was a brand-new turn of events. It was no longer exclusively about the music; rather, the emphasis was placed on the creative quality of the video that was being accompanied by the song. Through its programming, which ranged from the beautiful, neon-soaked visuals of Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” to the gritty, urban realism of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” MTV became a cultural behemoth that influenced the preferences, fashion, and aspirations of a whole generation. In addition to the music business, the influence may be seen and felt in other fields as well, including the fashion industry, the technological sector, and even…