MTV Pioneers (1981–1985)
The videos that launched a revolution. When MTV first aired on August 1, 1981, music videos went from promotional afterthoughts to an art form. These are the clips that defined the golden age of music television — the ones that made us gather around the TV and watch in awe.
42 videos
4:54
In The Air Tonight
Phil Collins
3:34
Bette Davis Eyes
Kim Carnes
4:14
Under Pressure
Queen & David Bowie
3:28
Who Can It Be Now?
Men At Work
3:27
Don't You Want Me
The Human League
4:32
Africa
Toto
4:05
Eye Of The Tiger
Survivor
4:25
Maneater
Daryl Hall & John Oates
5:32
Rosanna
Toto
4:56
Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
4:27
Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Cyndi Lauper
3:49
Every Breath You Take
The Police
5:34
Total Eclipse of the Heart
Bonnie Tyler
4:59
Beat It
Michael Jackson
3:35
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Eurythmics
13:42
Thriller
Michael Jackson
3:59
Karma Chameleon
Culture Club
5:18
True
Spandau Ballet
3:03
I'm Still Standing
Elton John
4:08
Blue Monday
New Order
4:43
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
Elton John
3:33
Cruel Summer
Bananarama
5:01
Careless Whisper
George Michael
4:57
Time After Time
Cyndi Lauper
3:54
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Wham!
4:55
Eyes Without A Face
Billy Idol
3:59
Dancing In the Dark
Bruce Springsteen
3:47
What's Love Got To Do With It
Tina Turner
4:03
Jump
Van Halen
7:58
Purple Rain
Prince
4:13
Rock You Like A Hurricane
Scorpions
4:04
Take On Me
a-ha
4:51
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Tears for Fears
4:23
Don't You (Forget About Me)
Simple Minds
4:46
Material Girl
Madonna
4:20
Runaway
Bon Jovi
4:59
Brothers in Arms
Dire Straits
4:02
So Far Away
Dire Straits
5:09
Hearts on Fire
John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band
3:29
Cover Me
Bruce Springsteen
4:14
Bobby Jean
Bruce Springsteen
3:46
Looking for Clues
Robert Palmer
