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The Talkies
With the introduction of sound in the cinema, music was used as a means of keeping the audience entertained with this new medium. Previously, live music needed to be used. Due to their length, these first films could be considered the first music videos. -
Musicals
In 1930 broadway musicals found their way to the big screen. This was the first time a musical narrative was based around visual elements on screen, and was a big step in the arrival of music videos. -
Short Films
In the late 1950's the French invented the "Scopitone", or a Visual Jukebox. Many French artists produced short films for this medium but it didn't really take off in other parts of the world. These visual jukeboxes can be seen in some bowling alleys today. -
First?
In 1956 Tony Bennett claims to have made the first official music video to his song 'Stranger in Paradise'. It featured him walking along a beach to his song. When filming the scene they didn't know what song it was going to go with. -
David Bowie
In 1972 David Bowie released a clip from his single "John, I'm Only Dancing" on a budget of only £200. -
Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody was one one the most popular and mainstream songs of the time, and its video was a central part of its marketing strategy. -
MTV
In 1981 MTV started, a TV channel dedicated to music videos. They first showed "The Video Killed the Radio Star" which used basic computer effects, and marked a new age for music videos. -
Direction
In 1992 MTV started hiring Directors to direct music videos. This gave all future videos a higher value and standard to be considered official by the public.
