Music Video Timeline

(Part One)Issak Cook

1950/60’sThe 1950’s brought artists such as Elvis Presley into the spotlight.

Elvis made several TV appearances which were recorded and these could be considered music videos of a kind.

In the 1960’s The Beatles jumped onto the world stage. In 1965, the Beatles began making promotional clips. Their first dedicated

music video was for the single “Paperback Writer” which made it’s debut in 1966.

“Blue suede shoeS” – Elvis Presley

Presley performed the song on national television three times in 1956. These music videos were purely performance based and focused solely

on Presley.

In 1985, RCA issued a music video of Elvis's original version of "Blue Suede Shoes". Though this music video featured a modern day setting

and actors (with Carl Perkins making a cameo appearance), Elvis featured in archival footage.

1970’s

The 1970’s brought about artists such as ABBA, David Bowie, The Jackson 5, Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, Queen and many, many more.

Notable music videos from the 1970’s include:

• The Isley Brothers “Soul Train” - 1974

• ABBA’s “Mamma Mia” – 1975

ABBA – “Mamma mia” (1975)This music video is performance based. It features all of the members of

ABBA. Colour can now be seen, showing the improvement and development of technology. ABBA’s costumes and hairstyles are

reflective of the time period. There are close up shots on band members which creates a star image.

1980sMTV’s first music airing occurred in the 1980’s.

Notable music videos from the 1980’s include:

• Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – 1983

• Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – 1983

• Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” - 1989