A Thorough Chronology of Music Videos: From the 1890s to Present Day
# The Transformation of Music Videos: From Magic Lanterns to the Digital Era
Music videos have revolutionized our perception of songs, combining sound and imagery to form a captivating artistic expression. While many attribute the rise of this medium to MTV, the history of music videos goes back much farther than the channel’s debut in 1981. Thanks to Polyphonic’s extensive documentary, *The History of the Music Video*, we now have a thorough understanding of the progression of this dynamic art form.
## **Initial Ventures in Music and Visuals**
It may astonish many to discover that the inception of music videos traces back to the 1890s. One of the earliest instances of fusing music with visuals can be seen in *The Little Lost Child* of 1884, which used a magic lantern to project illustrated slides synchronized to live musical performances. Although it lacked actual video, this marked an early effort toward what would become today’s modern music video.
Through the 1920s and 1930s, the connection between music and cinema deepened. The emergence of talkies (films featuring synchronized sound) led to musical shorts showcasing jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Bessie Smith. These films offered viewers a fresh way to connect with music beyond traditional radio and live shows.
## **The Emergence of the Modern Music Video**
Polyphonic’s documentary examines the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting how television began to transform music videos from mere recordings into thought-provoking visual narratives. Shows like *American Bandstand* and *The Ed Sullivan Show* showcased live performances, while the French *Scopitones*—jukebox-like devices that displayed music films—illustrated an early commercial avenue for music videos.
Nonetheless, one of the most significant milestones in music video history arrived in 1975 with Queen’s *Bohemian Rhapsody*. This six-minute piece was not merely a promotional vehicle; it represented an artistic triumph that showcased the potential of harmonizing visuals and music seamlessly.
## **MTV and the Golden Era of Music Videos**
With MTV’s launch in 1981 featuring “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, a new age began. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince became masters of the medium, transforming their music videos into visual extravaganzas. Directors like David Fincher and Spike Jonze expanded the limits of visual creativity, making music videos a crucial aspect of an artist’s success.
Among the most iconic videos from this period are:
– **Michael Jackson’s *Thriller*** (1983): A 14-minute film that uniquely combined horror and dance.
– **A-ha’s *Take On Me*** (1985): A groundbreaking blend of live-action and animation.
– **Madonna’s *Like a Prayer*** (1989): Provocative and visually compelling, it redefined the cultural significance of music videos.
## **The Online Age: Music Videos Go Digital**
As the 2000s dawned, technological advancements led to an unforeseen transition. As television’s influence waned, the internet emerged as the new hub for music videos. Platforms like YouTube forever altered music video distribution, enabling artists to circumvent major networks and release their content directly to fans.
With viral phenomena, intricate choreography, and interactive components, music videos became more varied than ever before. Polyphonic’s documentary emphasizes pivotal 21st-century developments:
– **OK Go’s *Here It Goes Again*** (2006): Renowned for its treadmill choreography, demonstrating that a simple idea could still garner great success.
– **Beyoncé’s *Lemonade*** (2016): A comprehensive visual album that redefined narrative in music videos.
– **Childish Gambino’s *This Is America*** (2018): A politically charged visual piece that ignited essential discussions globally.
## **What Lies Ahead for Music Videos?**
With advancements like virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) on the rise, the horizon for music videos is unbounded. Contemporary artists are stretching the limits of interactivity and storytelling, creating videos that are more engaging than ever before. Whether through innovative animation methods or avant-garde cinematography, music videos continue to develop as an indispensable artistic medium.
Polyphonic’s *The History of the Music Video* offers an exhilarating and informative exploration of this evolution, illuminating the key moments that have shaped music videos into their current form. If you’re passionate about music history, this documentary is essential viewing.
### **Curious for More?**
Check out Polyphonic’s entire video series **[here](https://www.youtube.com/@Polyphonic)** and discover if your favorite music video is included!