The Evolution of Music Videos

A quality music video is what makes a good song, better. It has the ability to add a whole new meaning to a song, and it also allows you to see the artist for more than just his/her voice. However, it hasn't always been this way. The music industry can be easily categorized into the 'pre-MTV' era and the 'post-MTV' era. 

The Beginning of An Era (Pre-MTV)

1927

Before we were able to easily access music videos through Youtube or Google, and even before we had the tools to make videos such as cameras or phones, we had to rely solely on live music or records. In the early 1900's and before, the only way to hear someone perform their song was by attending a live concert, or by purchasing a record of the song to play on a record-player. There was no possibility of listening to an artists on a car radio, or off of a computer like we have today. 

However, in 1927 this began to change when a jazz performer named Al Jolson was able to sync vocals with himself. This can be considered as the first true introduction of lip-syncing. This paved the way for people to begin watching performances even if they are not live. This newly created performance technique allowed for an audience to be able to see someone perform a song without physically being at the performance. 

Title: My Mammy

Performing Artist: Al Jolsen

Original Composer: Joe Young and Walter Donaldson

Year of Performance: 1927

Moving Forward (Post-MTV)

1960- Present Day

The invention of the scopitone in the late 60's, allowed for the music industry to begin putting their videos in more places. This allowed for a wider audience, and also helped to put a face to the singer. The scopitone, which was a jukebox player that had a screen on it that could show the visuals of the song, was placed in bars and restaurants across the country. The scopitone was the forerunner to music videos, and helped pave the way for the popularity that surrounds music videos today. 

It wasn't until August 1, 1981 that the music industry was changed forever. On this day, MTV, a popular television show at the time, aired the very first music video ever: Video Killed The Radio Star sang by
The Buggles. 

Title: Video Kiled The Radio Star

Performing Artist: The Buggles

Original Composer: Trevor Horn, Bruce Woolley, Geoff Downes

Release Date: September 29, 1979

The release of this music video to all television audiences created a new standard for music. 

Aesthetic Preference

Music videos add so much more to music; they create a deeper connection between the realities of life and the song. Being able to tell a story through the lyrics of your song is one thing, but being able to add in the visuals in order to create a stronger effect allows for a greater impact on the listener. Storytelling is an integral part of our society and music videos help to enhance this effect. 

Sources

“Scopitone - Dead Media Archive.” Scopitone, 2010, cultureandcommunication.org/deadmedia/index.php/Scopitone.  http://cultureandcommunication.org/deadmedia/index.php/Scopitone

Singh, Shweta. “Evolution of Music Videos.” Vue.Ai, 2018, vue.ai/blog/retail-trends/evolution-of-music-videos-how-has-the-storytelling-changed.     https://vue.ai/blog/retail-trends/evolution-of-music-videos-how-has-the-storytelling-changed/

“Al Jolsen.” New World Encyclopedia, NA, www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Al_Jolson.    https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Al_Jolson