On This Day In History: August 1st, 1981, MTV launches

MTV was launched on August 1st, 1981. The first video that was played was Video Killed The Radio Star, by The Buggles. Remember when they used to actually play music videos. ?

Althea & Donna – Uptown Top Ranking

This song, Uptown Top Ranking, by Althea & Donna, a Jamaican reggae vocal duo, reached number 1, in the UK in 1978. Notably, it was originally played by the late, influential, BBC Radio One DJ, John Peel, before being picked up by the more mainstream daytime Radio One DJ’s.

The Undertones – Teenage Kicks

This song, by Northern Irish band, The Undertones, only charted at number 31, in the UK in 1978. Notably, it was the all time favorite song of the late, influential, BBC Radio One DJ, John Peel.