Where Did Music Videos Find Their Birthplace
Music videos have a very interesting history, because like any particular genre of cultural expression, they did not just suddenly appear. Music videos began to appear as early as the 1890's, though not in the genre and form of art we know today. The idea of them appealed to musical artists while sheet music was prominent and when artists couldn't necessarily appear live at one place or another. The goal was for people to access music videos, they could see their favorite artist again and again. This began when there were silent film clips which started to be synchronized to music as "commercial" promos. Not surprisingly, music artists jumped on this and used it as a way to promote their music, while synchronizing it to silent film clips.
Of course one thing that made access to music videos much easier was the easier access to hand-held cameras and film equipment outside of Hollywood. While a music video might use a film director (and many of the best have), it was not necessary and could cut down on the costs. But the "music video" as a distinct genre was birthed primarily in England. The Beatles were one of the first music groups to start advertizing their music that way, and it took off from there. Other British bands took up the idea and eventually the idea crossed the sea to the states.
The MTV (Music Television) was launched in 1891 in the United Sates, making music videos available 24/7 to the public. This unique genre took off and became an entity of its own. Of course in short order, there were music video channels all over the world - Australia, England, and China to name a few. Artists utilized it as an opportunity to promote their work and gain much larger audiences. Even controversial music videos which were banned during normal hours, were shown late at night, giving artists a chance to let controversies feed their popularity, and help with self-promotion.
In 2005, the now-famous staple YouTube was launched, suddenly putting the power of MTV choice at individual's fingertips. Suddenly, all the old Beatles classics, Michael Jackson favorites (like his $7 million Thriller), to name a few, were instantly accessible for anyone with an internet connection. Now people young and old can choose the music videos they loved and, even better, share them with others all with the touch of a button.
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