Birth of MTV and the Stars Between the Videos

On August 1st, 1981 at 12:01 am, the world stopped to watch the Buggles in a video sing the song ‘Radio Killed the Video Star” and most people over 30 at the time didn’t either understand it, or give it much thought. The Music Television Video (channel) was the mastermind of a few visionaries that realized sight was as important as sound. The very first words spoken on this new cable channel were “Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock and Roll.”

The super hip ‘VJs’ were the talented stars in between the videos. They were Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn, and J.J Jackson. It’s been decades since the launch of this music channel, and sure it’s still around, but we wonder what ever happened to the original MTV VJs? (Each country had its own local VJs, on their very own MTV channel)

Born Nina Kinckiner in Cleveland, Ohio in 1955, Nina Blackwood grew up a musician in various garage bands in the 60s and 70s. Nina moved to Los Angeles after HS graduation to purse acting, only to realize that her infrequent walk on roles in Vice Squad and Reckless Kelly weren’t going to pay the bills. Nina was one of the original VJs, currently lives in San Diego appearing on a Sunday radio show, has her own XM radio program.

One more fun fact! The John Waite song “Missing You” was about her. John often confirms this fact.

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Photo Credit:  Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com