Ladies and gentlemen: Rock and Roll

MTV launched 43 years ago

The world got hooked on music videos when MTV launched at 12:01 a.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 1, 1981. After displaying a photo of an Apollo astronaut standing near a flag with the network's logo, MTV transitioned into its first music video, "Video Killed the Radio Star" by British duo The Buggles.

Here is a list containing YouTube links of the first five songs broadcast on MTV.

1. “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles

2. “You Better Run” by Pat Benatar

3. “She Won’t Dance With Me” by Rod Stewart

4. “You Better You Bet” by The Who

5. “Little Suzi’s on the Up” by Ph. D.

Initially, MTV played music videos 24 hours a day. A lot has changed in the 43 years since MTV made its broadcast debut.

I still remember placing phone calls to vote in the top video countdown show. Do you have special memories of MTV that you'd like to share?