Category Archives: 1980s

Music cable channel VH1 debuts 40 years ago this hour (Jan 1 1985)


Video: 'VH1 first hour no music'

(Tuesday, January 1, 1985, 3:00 p.m. EST) — 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.

‘Like a Virgin’ by Madonna peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1984)

(Saturday, December 22, 1984) — “Like a Virgin” by Madonna peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for six consecutive weeks (Dec. 22/29, Jan. 5/12/19/26, 1985). Continue reading ‘Like a Virgin’ by Madonna peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1984)

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid debuts at #65 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1984)

(Saturday, December 22, 1984) — “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid, a supergroup assembled by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure consisting of popular British and Irish musical acts in order to raise money for relief of the 1983–85 famine in Ethiopia, debuted at #65 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Continue reading ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid debuts at #65 in USA 40 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Dec 22 1984)