“Video Killed the Radio Star” may have been the very first music video aired when MTV launched in 1981—but long before that iconic moment, a Mississippi native was already laying the groundwork for what would become a cultural revolution. No, MTV didn’t start in Mississippi, but our state had everything to do with its creation, thanks to Jackson-born Bob Pittman.
If you know Mississippi, this comes as no surprise. After all, our state is the birthplace of America’s music. From the blues to country to gospel, Mississippi has always been where new sounds, ideas, and voices take root—and Pittman’s story fits right into that legacy.
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Pittman was born in Jackson, Mississippi, but raised in Hattiesburg and Brookhaven, where he attended Brookhaven High School and became a radio announcer at the age of 15 to earn money for flying lessons. Those early days behind the microphone weren’t just about spinning records—they were about understanding the heartbeat of audiences, how music moves people, and how storytelling connects us all. That Mississippi foundation traveled with him as his career grew, ultimately shaping his bold vision for something the world had never seen before: a 24-hour music television channel.
When MTV launched, Pittman was at the center of it all. His leadership, creativity, and instinct for youth culture helped design the network’s edgy branding and its nonstop video format. The result? An instant cultural phenomenon that defined a generation.
“Aug. 1, 1981, was the day that forever changed music and television. It was the day that, just shortly after midnight, MTV debuted with these words spoken by co-creator John Lack, “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll,” followed by the broadcast of the very first music video to air on TV, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles.”
Pittman, is the cofounder of MTV, as well as iHeartMedia, and Casa Dragones Tequila. Today, he serves as Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, where he has overseen the company’s transformation into a leading multiplatform media brand.
What’s even more special is that Pittman himself has often credited Mississippi with shaping his perspective. Growing up here gave him the creativity, grit, and work ethic that would fuel his career. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to come from a bustling city to make an unforgettable impact—you just need vision, determination, and maybe a little Mississippi spirit.
And Mississippi continues to celebrate this connection. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in Cleveland recently honored Pittman with an exhibit marking the 40th anniversary of MTV, giving visitors a chance to revisit the network’s history and recognize the Mississippi roots behind it all.
So, the next time you think about the wild graphics, neon colors, and endless music videos that shaped the 1980s, remember this: a big part of MTV’s DNA started right here in Mississippi. And it makes perfect sense—because when it comes to setting the stage, breaking new ground, and changing the sound of the world, Mississippi has always been the headliner.
