MTV
VH1 (known as
VH-1: Video Hits One from 1985 to 1994 and
VH1: Music First until 2003) is an
American cable television network based in
New York City. Launched on January 1,
1985 in the old space of
Turner Broadcasting's short-lived
Cable Music Channel, 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. The channel was originally created by
Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, at the time a division of
Warner Communications and owner of
MTV. Both VH1 and its sister channel MTV are currently part of the
MTV Networks division of corporate parent
Viacom. While VH1 still occasionally plays music videos and the
Top 20 Video Countdown, its more recent claim to fame has been in the area of music-related reality programming, such as
Behind the Music, the
I Love the... series, the
Celebreality block of programming, and the channel's overall focus on
popular culture.
Early history of VH-1 (1985-1994)
An updated version of the first logo (1987-1994). At Christmas time, the "V" would be turned upside down to resemble a Christmas tree.
Format and VJs
VH-1's aim was to focus on the lighter, softer side of
popular music,
including such
musicians as
Carly Simon,
Tina Turner,
Elton John,
Sting,
Donna Summer,
Kenny G, and
Anita Baker, in hopes of appealing to people aged 18 to 35, and possibly older. Also frequently featured in the network's early years were "videos" for
Motown and other 1960s
oldies consisting of
newsreel and
concert footage. It was introduced on January 1, 1985 with the video performance of "
The Star-Spangled Banner" by
Marvin Gaye.
