MTV Turns 32: Your Favorite Music Videos of All Time

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By Brian Anthony Hernandez2013-08-02 15:22:01 UTC

"Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll."

This was the phrase that MTV launched with 32 years ago on Aug. 1.

The year was 1981 and MTV played The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star" as the channel's first music video, followed by Pat Benatar's "You Better Run."

In honor of MTV's birthday, click through the gallery above for 32 memorable music videos — in no particular order — as chosen by Mashable staff and a handful of our readers.

After taking a look, tell us your favorite music video the comments below with a YouTube link.

Noteworthy moments in MTV's music history:

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  March 1, 1982: "I Want My MTV" advertising campaign debuts with Pete Townsend, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Adam Ant, Pat Benatar, the Police and David Bowie.

  
  


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  Sept 14, 1984: MTV presents the first MTV Video Music Awards from Radio City Music Hall in New York City with performances by Huey Lewis and the News, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Tina Turner and ZZ Top; Bette Midler and Dan Aykroyd host. The Cars won Video of the Year for "You Might Think."

  
  


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  Jan. 21, 1990: MTV launches the season premiere of MTV Unplugged, an acoustic music series. The first episode features performances by Squeeze, Syd Straw and Elliot Easton from The Cars.

  
  


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  Sept. 14, 1998: MTV premieres the first episode of Total Request Live with Carson Daly. TRL, the first truly interactive television show, utilizes the synergy of the Internet and TV, which makes it the only show on MTV at the time — and, for that matter, all of TV — programmed by the viewers.

  
  


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  Image: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

  
  Topics: Celebrities, Entertainment, MTV, Music, music videos, Television, Video