The music video is a short film in which the song is combined with images. Modern music videos are created and used primarily as a marketing tool designed to promote the sale of recorded music. There are also instances where songs are used in marketing tie-in campaigns that allow them to become more than just a song. Tie-ins and merchandising can be related to food products, toys, clothing, etc. The history of music videos goes back to the music shorts that were screened in movie theaters in the early 20th century. These films were usually produced by the same studios that produced the films they accompanied.
A little history
The first music video was probably made in support of the song "The Singing Fool" by Al Jolson. In the short film, which is three and a half minutes long, Jolson sings the song and footage of his performance is shown in the background. The film was screened in theaters in 1928 and was a hit with audiences. It is not known who made the film or where it was shot, but it is an important early example of a music video.
The following significant music video was created to support the song "Whistle While You Work" from the 1937 Disney film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The video features footage of Snow White and the Dwarfs from the film and was shown in theaters prior to the feature film. It is believed that this video was first shown in cinemas on 21 December 1937 and was a hit with audiences. This video is significant because it is one of the earliest examples of a music video that was made specifically to promote a film.
The first music video that was made for television was "The Cowboy and the Lady" by Bing Crosby. The short film was broadcast on The Ford Sunday Evening Hour television show on February 12, 1956. In the film, Crosby sings the song, and footage of him performing is shown in the background. This video is significant because it was the first music video to be made specifically for television.
The first video for a pop song
The first music video made for a pop song was "She Loves You" by The Beatles. The short film was directed by Richard Lester and aired on the television show "Ready Steady Go!" on August 13, 1963. The film featured the Beatles performing the song while footage of them performing was shown in the background. This video is significant because it was the first music video to be made specifically for a pop song.
The first music video made for MTV was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. The short film was directed by Russell Mulcahy and aired on the first day of MTV's broadcast on August 1, 1981. The film featured the performance of the song by The Buggles while footage of their performance was shown in the background.
MTV changed the landscape of music videos and helped make them an important part of the music industry. Music videos have become an important promotional tool for artists and have helped sell records. MTV also helped launch the careers of many directors who went on to make feature films. MTV's success led to the creation of other music video channels such as VH1 and MTV2.
