10 Iconic Music Videos Before MTV Became A Thing

There was already a wealth of creative music videos before MTV transformed the way we listen to music by combining images with sounds. These pre-MTV treasures demonstrated imagination and melodic narrative without relying on the phenomenon of cable television. Here are some outstanding music videos that captured the attention of viewers prior to the MTV era.

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975)

Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” was more than a song; it was a cinematic masterpiece that challenged and redefined the concept of a music video. The video featured the band singing against a dark backdrop, illuminated only by their silhouetted images, merging with powerful operatic sequences. This innovative approach captivated audiences worldwide, proving that music videos could be as grand and theatrical as cinema itself.

This groundbreaking video tapped into the heart of the song’s complexity and drama, creating a visual counterpart to Queen’s audacious sound. It wasn’t just the visual effects that made an impact; it was the way the video seamlessly blended with the music, enhancing the song’s narrative and emotional weight. “Bohemian Rhapsody” set a precedent for future music videos, proving that they could be an art form in their own right.

David Bowie – “Life on Mars?” (1973)

David Bowie was known for his theatricality and “Life on Mars?” was a perfect example of his ability to blend music with striking visual imagery. In this video, Bowie appears in a powder blue suit, his bright red hair contrasting with the dream-like, surreal background. The video feels like a journey through Bowie’s imagination, capturing the song’s essence of alienation and questioning of reality.

Bowie’s performance in the video was mesmerizing, drawing viewers into his otherworldly persona. The simplicity of the setting focused attention on Bowie’s expressive delivery, making “Life on Mars?” a landmark video in showcasing the power of visual storytelling in music.

The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever” (1967)

The Beatles were no strangers to innovation, and “Strawberry Fields Forever” was a testament to their creative exploration of the music video format. The video transported viewers to a fantastical landscape that perfectly complemented the song’s psychedelic sound. It featured reverse film effects, disorienting transitions, and surreal imagery, creating a visual experience that was as groundbreaking as the song itself.

The video pushed the boundaries of what music videos could be, intertwining with the song’s themes of nostalgia and introspection. The Beatles’ use of visual effects not only enhanced the song’s psychedelic vibe but also marked a significant moment in the evolution of music videos as a creative medium.

Bob Dylan – “Subterranean Homesick Blues” (1965)

Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” video was simple yet revolutionary. Standing in an alley, Dylan flipped cards with the song’s lyrics, an act that was both literal and profoundly symbolic. This minimalist approach highlighted the song’s message, making the video compelling without the need for elaborate production.

Dylan’s nonchalant demeanor as he dropped each card was a powerful visual metaphor for the song’s disdain for political maneuvering and social conformity. This video not only broke new ground for music videos but also underscored the potential of simplicity in delivering a powerful message.

Elton John – “Your Song” (1970)

Elton John’s performance in the “Your Song” video was heartfelt and unassuming, capturing the essence of the song’s sincere lyrics. The video focused on John playing the piano, allowing the emotional depth of the song to resonate through his performance. This intimate approach made the video feel personal, as if John was performing in a living room for close friends.

The simplicity of the video highlighted John’s formidable talent and the song’s universal message of love and connection. Without complex visuals to distract, viewers were drawn into the song’s emotional core, showcasing the power of music to connect and inspire.

Fleetwood Mac – “Rhiannon” (1976) (Live Performances)

Fleetwood Mac captured the essence of their live performances with the video of “Rhiannon,” highlighting the mesmerizing presence of Stevie Nicks. The video showcased Nicks’ captivating stage presence and the band’s chemistry as they performed this mystical song. It was almost as if viewers could feel the energy and emotion pouring from the stage, making the video a dynamic representation of Fleetwood Mac’s live shows.

Nicks’ performance was enchanting, with her flowing shawls and ethereal voice drawing audiences into the tale of Rhiannon, a Welsh witch. The live video allowed fans who hadn’t been able to see Fleetwood Mac in concert to experience the magic of their performance, bridging the gap between the band and their global audience.

The Rolling Stones – “It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (But I Like It)” (1974)

The Rolling Stones’ video for “It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (But I Like It)” captured the bands’ rebellious and playful essence. They embraced the absurd, cavorting in a tent with instruments while torrents of foam enveloped them. This carefree and almost juvenile display embodied the song’s spirit, championing rock ‘n’ roll as an expression of freedom and enjoyment.

The video’s iconic scenes of the Stones, particularly Mick Jagger’s flamboyant performance, exuded the hedonism and defiance that rock ‘n’ roll represented. It was a precursor to the kind of over-the-top music videos that would later become commonplace, emphasizing the Rolling Stones’ role as trailblazers in the music industry.

Blondie – “Heart of Glass” (1979)

The video for Blondie’s “Heart of Glass,” released on the cusp of the 1980s, perfectly mirrored the song’s fusion of disco and punk. The video highlighted the group’s stylish visuals and Debbie Harry’s cooler-than-cool persona. Set against a backdrop of flashing discotheque lights, the band performed their hit with an effortless edge that was both gritty and glamorous.

The video was a sleek, modern depiction of the era’s musical zeitgeist, firmly cementing Blondie’s place in the pantheon of music icons. It showcased their ability to blend genres and aesthetics, creating something entirely new and utterly irresistible.

The Animals – “The House of the Rising Sun” (1964)

“The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals was an early example of musicians using video to enhance their songs. The video’s simplicity – featuring the band members lined up and advancing towards the camera – put the focus squarely on their performance. The stark, straightforward presentation belied the emotional complexity of the song, a tale of life gone wrong in New Orleans.

This juxtaposition between the song’s dark narrative and the clean-cut appearance of the band made the video all the more compelling. It allowed audiences to hone in on the sorrowful lyrics and Eric Burdon’s gritty vocal delivery, creating a haunting atmosphere that complemented the song’s theme of regret.

Rick Derringer – “Hang On Sloopy” (1975)

The music video for Rick Derringer’s rendition of “Hang On Sloopy” added a layer of intrigue to a well-loved song. The video featured a mysteriously exuberant woman dancing, which sparked curiosity and conversation among viewers. The woman’s identity became a focal point, with theories about her ranging from ’70s icons to band relatives.

Derringer’s video, alongside the catchy tune, struck a chord with fans and spurred discussions that extended beyond the music itself. Despite some controversy over the video’s departure from The McCoys’ original version, it holds a place in the history of music videos for its unique visual storytelling and the enduring mystery of the dancing woman.