Mr. Pop History – Everyone seems to know that Duran Duran was the first to exploit the possibilities of video, music and getting on MTV. So, for the first few years of MTV – who were the others in pop history? My list includes Madonna, Stray Cats, Culture Club, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli.
Gary West of www.mrpopculture.com and www.mrpophistory.com
Mr. Pop History – Believe or not – it’s going on its sixth year – debuting in 2005! Harmonix developed the first “Guitar Hero” game and was later bought by MTV.
Mr. Pop History – This is from 1985: A pop music lover took his 5-year-old son for a ride in the car the other day. Listening to a new hit tune on the radio, the toddler exclaimed, “Gee, I really like that song, dad. What does it look like?
MTV influence.
Q: When was Boy George and his band, “Culture Club” at their peak?
Mr. Pop History – I’d say 1983 just after “Do You really Want to Hurt Me” from the album “Kissing to Be Clever.”
Boy George was made for MTV. His half-masculine half-feminine look got people talking and helped keep the hits coming into 1984.
From Roger L – When MTV came to us in August of 1981, did they go into promotion mode?
Mr. Pop History – They did – about 12 days into their August 1 sign-on. MTV’s first contest was “One Night Stand” with Journey and that was quickly followed by “One Night Stand” with the Rolling Stones. Other contests during MTV’s first year included, “MTV Pac-Man Giavaway,” “MTV House Party” and MTV “Hawaiian Holiday With Devo.”
Mr. Pop History – Great question. After researching, compiling and documenting each week – from 1955 forward – I would have to say #1 is easily – MTV.
Although the channel borrowed from radio at first, it became a pop culture launching pad- for better or worse. MTV’s imprint is everywhere these days – from TV to commercials to movies.
What’s amazing is – it still continues to set trends. Just a few years ago (2006) – MTV did it again when it began the idea of presenting a pre-show before an event (The VMA’s).
Thanks www.mrpopculture.com
Mr. Pop History – Yes Snoop had a TV show that wasn’t to be taken seriously – “Doggy Fizzle Televizzle.” It was first aired as a pilot back in November of 2002. It was described this way:
“Snoop will mix sketch comedy with music and man-on-the-street bits. On the pilot, he’ll try out for the Oakland raiders, spoof nursery rhymes and work undercover at Arby’s.” 
Mr. Pop Culture Report
Recent Comments