On August 1, 1981 -- or 8/1/81 for numerologists -- a channel debuted on cable that wound up defining generations.
MTV -- Music Television -- stuck to its guns for many years, playing video after video of popular songs. What a novel concept, a video to go with a song the public loved.
The big question was answered rather easily when it came to what should be the first video to play on the cable television network that became a giant.
While music and shows that revolve around talent no longer are prevalent on the airwaves, the formative years of MTV changed the way music was heard -- and seen -- forever.
The first 45 songs/video played on Day One as MTV turns 45.
1. The Buggles
Song: "Video Killed the Radio Star"
2. Pat Benatar
Song: "You Better Run"
3. Rod Stewart
Song: "She Won't Dance with
Me"
4. The Who
Song: "You Better You Bet"
5. Ph.D
Song: "Little Suzi's on the Up"
6. Cliff Richard
Song: "We Don't Talk Anymore"
7. The Pretenders
Song: "Brass in Pocket"
8. Todd Rundgren
Song: "Time Heals"
9. REO Speedwagon
Song: "Take It on the Run"
10. Styx
Song: "A.D. 1928/Rockin' the Paradise"
11. Robin Lane and the Chartbusters
Song: "When Things Go Wrong"
12. Split Enz
Song: "History Never Repeats"
13. 38 Special
Song: "Hold on Loosely" (Live)
14. April Wine
Song: "Just Between You and Me"
15. Rod Stewart
Song: "Sailing"
16. Iron Maiden
Song: "Iron Maiden"
17. REO Speedwagon
Song: "Keep on Loving You"
18. Michael Johnson
Song: "Bluer Than Blue"
19. The Pretenders
Song: "Message of Love"
20. Lee Ritenour
Song: "Mr. Briefcase"
21. The Cars
Song: "Double Life"
22. Phil Collins
Song: "In the Air Tonight"
23. Robert Palmer
Song: "Looking for Clues"
24. Shoes
Song: "Too Late"
25. Stevie Nicks (with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
Song: "Stop Draggin My Heart Around"
26. Rod Stewart
Song: "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy"
27. Rupert Hines
Song: "Surface Tension"
28. Split Enz
Song: "One Step Ahead"
29. Gerry Rafferty
Song: "Baker Street"
30. Pat Benatar
Song: "I'm Gonna Follow You"
31. Toni Johnston
Song: "Savannah Nights"
32. Rockestra
Song: "Lucille"
33. Styx
Song: "The Best of Times"
34. Carly Simon
Song: "Vengeance"
35. Iron Maiden
Song: "Wrath Child"
36. Blotto
Song: "I Wanna Be a Lifeguard"
37. Rod Stewart
Song: "Passion"
38. Elvis Costello
Song: "Oliver's Army"
39. REO Speedwagon
Song: "Don't Let Him Go"
40. The Silencers
Song: "Remote Control/Illegal"
41. Juice Newton
Song: "Angel of the Morning"
42. Rockpile with Robert Plant
Song: "Little Sister"
43. Bootcamp
Song: "Hold on to the Night"
44. Cliff Richard
Song: "Dreamin'"
45. Lee Ritenour
Song: "Is It You"
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: First 45 music videos played on MTV as the network turns 45
