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MTV Debuted August 1, 1981: First Song

When MTV debuted to the world of cable viewers in 1981, we all know what song was the first to be seen. The Buggles had recorded the song “Video Killed…

(Photo by Getty Images for MTV)

Getty Images for MTV

When MTV debuted to the world of cable viewers in 1981, we all know what song was the first to be seen.

The Buggles had recorded the song "Video Killed the Radio Star" two years earlier, but it became the answer to a trivia question when MTV began broadcasting.

Later, when MTV began showing longer-form shows, one was called TRL, or "Total Request Live." On one episode, Nick Carter, formerly of the Backstreet Boys, performed solo with his band. One of the band members is Alicia, the bass player, who is also the daughter of Q105's Mason Dixon!