Music on TV: Solid Gold

Solid Gold was a hugely popular American music television program that aired in syndication from 1980 to 1988. Hosted by Dionne Warwick, the show featured a rotating cast of dancers and performers who would lip-sync and dance along to the top pop hits of the week. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with its signature gold outfits, sparkling sets, and infectious energy creating a style all its own.

Each week, the show would count down the top ten hits of the week, along with special performances by both up-and-coming and established artists. Some of the biggest names in music history, such as Madonna, Stevie Wonder, and Whitney Houston, appeared on the show, and many considered a performance on Solid Gold to be a coveted opportunity to showcase their music.

In addition to the music, Solid Gold was also known for its famously attractive lineup of dancers, known as the "Solid Gold Dancers." These dancers became iconic for their matching gold outfits and their impressive choreography. The dancers became immensely popular, and many of them went on to have successful careers in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

But the show was more than just a platform for hit pop songs and dancing – it was also a reflection of the era's fashion and trends. Viewers tuned in each week not just to hear the latest hits, but to see the latest fashions and hairstyles. The show was influential in shaping fashion during the era, and the colorful, glitzy style of Solid Gold made its way into fashion for years to come.

Although the show ended its run in 1988, its cultural impact has lasted through the years. The show managed to capture the infectious energy and excitement of the era, and its influence can still be seen today in the pop music and fashion of the current era. Solid Gold's unique blend of music, dance, fashion, and entertainment will always remain a beloved part of the 80s.

Music on TV: MV3

In the 1980s, a television show aired that would change the way we looked at music television forever. The show was called MV3, and it was hosted by Richard Blade, one of the most iconic and influential figures in the music industry. MV3 was a hugely popular show that showcased the latest and greatest in music videos from around the world, and also brought us interviews with some of the biggest stars in the industry.

MV3 offered a unique blend of music and entertainment that was truly unmatched. Richard Blade, who hosted the show from its inception in 1984 until 1988, was a true music enthusiast and a pioneer in the industry. His engaging style and vast knowledge of all things music-related made him the perfect host for MV3.

The show featured cutting-edge music videos from a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, new wave, and even punk. Videos from iconic musicians such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince were regularly featured on the show, alongside up-and-coming acts that were just starting to make a name for themselves. The show also featured exclusive interviews with musicians and artists, giving viewers an inside look at their lives and music-making process.

One of the most impressive things about MV3 was its ability to showcase new and upcoming music before it had even hit the mainstream. Some of the most significant music movements of the decade, such as the new wave and punk scene, were given a platform on the show that helped promote and popularize their music to a wider audience.

The music on MV3 wasn't the only thing that made it such a hugely influential show; it was also the way that it was presented. Richard Blade's smooth and engaging style of presenting made the show must-watch television. He provided a mix of news, interviews, and music that created an electric atmosphere and kept viewers hooked.

MV3 remains a highly acclaimed and fondly remembered show to this day. It is widely regarded as being one of the most important and influential music television shows in history, and it continues to inspire people to this day. Its impact on the music industry cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to shape the world of music television in 2021 and beyond.

Music on TV: Friday Night Videos

Friday Night Videos was a popular television show that first aired in 1983 and ran until 2002. The series was a spin-off of NBC's Saturday Night Live and primarily focused on airing popular music videos from various genres. During its heyday, Friday Night Videos became a popular destination for music lovers, offering them a unique opportunity to stay up late and watch their favorite artists' latest music videos  

One of the key factors behind Friday Night Videos' long-lasting appeal was the quality of the music videos showcased on the show. Popular music videos from iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston were regularly featured on the program. Additionally, lesser-known or upcoming artists also had the chance to showcase their music videos, offering viewers a wide range of musical styles and sounds to choose from.

Friday Night Videos also featured some unique and inventive segments throughout its many years on the air. One popular segment, called "Video Jukebox," allowed viewers to request music videos directly from the show by calling in or writing letters. Fans also loved the show's annual "Top 20 Videos of the Year" countdown, which featured the biggest, most popular, and most influential music videos of that specific year.

Another factor that helped to make Friday Night Videos such a hit was its entertaining and relatable hosts, who provided their viewers with fun and engaging insights into the music videos they watched. The early years of the show had hosts like Todd Rundgren and John Sebastian, but in the later years, there were several rotating hosts, including comedian Steve Martin, who added their own personalities and styles to the show.

Friday Night Videos was a beloved cultural phenomenon that helped shape the music industry and the way people consume music videos. The show's incredible influence can still be seen today in modern music platforms like YouTube and Vevo that have taken its legacy forward. It helped to launch the careers of many talented musicians while also providing viewers with hours of entertainment and music discovery. Friday Night Videos will always hold a special place in music history as a groundbreaking and truly iconic television program.

Music on TV: Motown 25

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was a groundbreaking television special that first aired on NBC on May 16, 1983. The show was a celebration of Motown Records' 25th anniversary and featured an incredible lineup of legendary musicians, including Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and many more. Let’s take a closer look at what made Motown 25 such a historic event and why it remains an essential piece of music and television history today.

The Motown 25 special was hosted by Richard Pryor and featured performances from some of the most iconic artists of the Motown sound, including the Jackson Five, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and The Four Tops. The show began with an uplifting medley, featuring Stevie Wonder, Four Tops, and a surprise appearance from Martha Reeves, before moving onto dazzling performances by the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Smokey Robinson. But the highlight of the show was Michael Jackson's solo performance of "Billie Jean," which became one of the most iconic moments in television history.

Jackson's performance was electrifying, with the debut of his signature moonwalk, which stunned the live audience and millions of people watching at home. It was a groundbreaking moment in music history and cemented Michael Jackson's status as the "King of Pop."

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever not only showcased the incredible talent of Motown's impressive roster of musicians but also celebrated the Black artistry and culture that helped shape the music industry. Beyond the stunning performances, the program also highlighted the impact of Motown Records on American music, entertainment, and pop culture.

Motown 25 was such a success that it not only became a significant cultural moment in American music history, but it also went on to inspire several other music and fundraising events. The show was also pivotal in bringing people of all races and backgrounds together through the unifying power of music.

In conclusion, Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was a significant event in music and television history that exceeded all expectations. It showcased the incredible talent and legacy of Motown Records and its impressive roster of artists, and it also celebrated the profound influence of Black culture on the American music landscape. The show inspired future generations of artists, and its impact is still celebrated today. It was an event that truly changed the music industry and will always be remembered as a bold and revolutionary moment in music history.

Music on TV: Miami Vice

In the 1980s, no TV show captured the essence of Miami's glamorous and dangerous atmosphere quite like "Miami Vice." The show's signature style was defined by the cars, the suits, and the music. The music featured on "Miami Vice" was an integral part of the show's aesthetic, setting its tone and atmosphere perfectly.

The "Miami Vice" soundtrack was a mix of both popular hits and original compositions, often featuring moody synths and a distinctly '80s new wave sound. Some of the show's most iconic songs were performed by artists like Phil Collins, Jan Hammer, and Glenn Frey, whose "Smuggler's Blues" was even co-written by the show's creator, Anthony Yerkovich.

One of the most enduring musical moments from the show was its opening theme song, composed by Jan Hammer. With its steady electronic beat and catchy melody, the theme song perfectly captured the show's blend of action and drama. The theme song even became a hit in its own right, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985.

Another standout track from the show was Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," which featured prominently in the pilot episode's infamous car chase scene. The song's haunting drum beat and Collins' powerful vocals made it the perfect accompaniment to the show's thrilling action sequences.

Other memorable tracks from the show include Glenn Frey's "You Belong to the City," which played over the opening credits of season two, and Peter Gabriel's "We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37)," which was used to great effect in a climactic scene of season three.

The music of "Miami Vice" remains popular to this day, with many fans of the show still regularly listening to the soundtrack. Its blend of '80s new wave, pop, and rock music perfectly captured the show's tone and vibe, and helped to make "Miami Vice" one of the most iconic TV shows of the era.

Music on TV: Headbangers Ball

Headbangers Ball was a popular MTV music television series that aired from 1987 to 1995, showcasing heavy metal music and its subgenres. The show was hosted by various figures in the metal music scene, including Riki Rachtman, Adam Curry, and Vanessa Warwick. It became essential viewing for metalheads worldwide and was instrumental in promoting many up-and-coming bands.

The show's format typically consisted of interviews with metal bands, music videos, news, and performances. It was a platform for new bands to showcase their music and for established acts to promote their latest releases. Well-known bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Iron Maiden were regular guests on the show, often premiering new music videos and providing insights into their creative processes.

Headbangers Ball's influence was not solely limited to the promotion of music. The show was also instrumental in the aesthetics of metal music. The deliberate darkness of the show was reflected in the fashion choices of many metalheads, with black leather jackets, jeans, and heavy boots becoming staples of metal culture. The show also championed the use of more extreme sub-genres of metal, such as death metal and black metal, which before then had received little to no mainstream media attention.

Headbangers Ball was not without controversy either. The show's airing of music videos for controversial bands such as Slayer and Cannibal Corpse drew criticism from conservative groups and religious institutions. Nevertheless, the show's commitment to the genre won over many fans and made it an essential part of the metal scene.

Unfortunately, the show was canceled in 1995, likely due to the decreasing popularity of metal music at the time. However, the impact of the Headbangers Ball to the metal scene is undeniable. The show is remembered fondly by many as an essential part of metal culture in the late 80s and early 90s. Its influence can still be seen today, with some metal bands continuing to embrace the aesthetics and sounds promoted by the show.

In conclusion, Headbangers Ball was a trailblazing MTV show that brought heavy metal music from the fringes of society to a wider audience. It provided a platform for established acts and up-and-coming bands alike, with a focus on the more extreme sub-genres of metal. It fostered a sense of community within the metal scene and helped to define the culture of metal music that still prevails today.