History of Music Video

Since the early 20th century, music videos have been advancing rapidly in terms of both conventions and technology.

1900- Thomas Alva Edison created the Gramophone, this meant that the music industyr didnt have to just be a band or performer playing in front of a live audience, for the first time, people could experience music at home.

1927- The half silent, half musical film 'The Jazz Singer' was released which was the first example of music and video being implemented together.

1938- The film Alexander Nevsky was released and was the first time music had been implimented to match the action on the screen. The score was composed by Sergei Prokoviev.

1935- Fred Astaire manages to bring big names into musical films which allowed the combination of music and video to become more popular. For example 'Top Hat'.

1940- Often referred to as the first ever music video, Disney's 'Fantasia' was able to combine music and animation to create one huge film in order to get the audience more interested in classical music. it is quite difficult to find anyone who hasn't heard of it, or at least heard of one of the main shorts involved 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'.

1952- You would have to go a long way to find anyone who hasnt heard of 'singin' in the rain' which was able to draw huge stars such as Gene Kelly to perform in it. it is one of the most famous examples of music and visuals being implemented together ad was one huge step towards music videos as we know them today, mixing expert choreography with enjoyable music.

1961- Similarly, Leonard Bernstein's 'West Side Story' was another popular musical film which became very popular just like 'Singin' in the rain'

Elvis- Elvis Presley helped Rock 'n' Roll music explode in the mid 20th century and allowed black music to become much more mainstream. The younger generations felt as if they could identify with him allowing his music to become more popular.

1963- 'Ready Steady Go' rapidly became a popular show in the UK as it showcased different artists performing live (such as The Beatles etc.) every week and got the public more interested in the industry.

1964- 'The Animals' used a music video in order to sell the band and in turn more albums. This video frequently used camera shots which focused on the artists to cultivate an image.