MTV premiered on August 1, 1981, and today VH1 Classic celebrated this 25th anniversary by playing all the music videos shown that first day. I'll refrain from making a generic joke about remembering when MTV (Music Television) actually featured music -- its original all-video format ended before the 1980s did.

Everybody knows "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles launched this innovative cable channel, but what came next? "You Better Run", by hot rocker Pat Benatar. I've so far only skimmed through the first couple of hours recorded by my DVR, but already in that short time I notice the pickins must have been slim, as they had to show multiple clips by the same acts, including the Pretenders (whose songs have probably aged best), REO Speedwagon, Styx, the aformentioned Ms. Benatar, and some really obscure ones by Rod Stewart.

I was surprised by several bands, singers, and/or songs I've never heard of. Who knew that Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers had his own solo side project? The sweaty video did him no favors, I can tell you that. And who knew there was a video for Michael Johnson's ultra cheesy 1978 hit "Bluer Than Blue", and that MTV was once desperate enough to play it?

Well, we're not launching with the Buggles, the Moon Man, or any milestone in history, but Jerry's new blog is officially now open for business... More on this topic tomorrow.