<P> VH1 's aim was to focus on the lighter , softer side of popular music , including such musicians as Olivia Newton - John , Kenny Rogers , Carly Simon , Tina Turner , Elton John , Billy Joel , Eric Clapton , Sting , Donna Summer , Rod Stewart , Kenny G , Michael Bolton , Anita Baker , Chicago and Fleetwood Mac , 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 60s 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 . </P>
<P> VH1 's aim was to focus on the lighter , softer side of popular music , including such musicians as Olivia Newton - John , Kenny Rogers , Carly Simon , Tina Turner , Elton John , Billy Joel , Eric Clapton , Sting , Donna Summer , Rod Stewart , Kenny G , Michael Bolton , Anita Baker , Chicago and Fleetwood Mac , 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 60s 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 . </P>
what was the first music video on vh1
what was the first music video on vh1
`` The Star - Spangled Banner '' by Marvin Gaye
`` The Star - Spangled Banner '' by Marvin Gaye