Music Videos

     Music videos were created as a way to promote an artist and their music. Although music videos have existed for much longer they were not really popular until the 1980's with the advent of MTV. Music videos use a variety techniques such as live action, animation, and non-narrative. Most music videos are based on the lyrics of the song and create a story that coincides. Others are simply the band playing their music.

     In 1894, sheet music publishers Edward B. Marks and Joe Stern hired electrician George Thomas and various performers to promote sales of their song "The Little Lost Child". Using a magic lantern, Thomas projected a series of still images on a screen simultaneous to live performances. This would become a popular form of entertainment known as the illustrated song, the first step toward music video.