Music cable channel VH1 debuts 30 years ago today (Jan 1 1985)


Video: '"1985 VH1 Top of the Hour Intro" Presented by DCT Goddess'

(Tuesday, January 1, 1985) — The music cable channel VH1, based in New York City, made its debut today with a video of Marvin Gaye performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly older demographic than its sister channel, focusing on the lighter, softer side of popular music.