History of The Music Video

History of The Music Video

Here is a timeline displaying examples of historic moments which have occurred through different generations which have made a vital impact on the development and features of the Music Video.

1930

Series of cartoon films which encouraged audiences to sing along by "following the bouncing ball."

1930 - 1940

Many artists featured in dramatized performances of hit songs.

1940 - 1949

These were short films of many famous jazz artists and their bands on a movie-set bandstand.

1956 - 1960

The rise of popular music was tied with the rise of television as the format exposed new stars.

1964

The Beatles set the stage for the modern music video with the motion picture "A Hard Days Night."

1981

24hr broadcast means music videos begin to play a central role in music marketing by the mid 1980s

1983

Michael Jackson's most successful and influential video of all time released.

1985

This featured softer music and catered to an older demographic, widening the audience of videos.

1992

Listed in the credits for the first time, directors such as Gondry and Romanek launch careers.

1995

The Jackson's "Scream", costing seven million to produce, is the most expensive music video ever.

2005

Allows people to watch videos online. New artists see popularity rise through internet.