VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV's First Wave

I was as glued to MTV in the early 80' as most of my teenage cohorts. Every day before school I watched the morning lineup of vids before reluctantly taking the bus. Then I rushed home for the afternoon gig and stayed up too late watching the newest music and not caring that I'd seen all the same stuff the day before. Because not only were the tunes and visuals intriguing to my young mind, but the VJ's who travelled with me through the journey, were like great distant friends who cared about the new medium as I did. It was a restless crazy time, full of color and fun times. I could NOT get enough! This book was so insightful and interesting.I adored J.J., and I thought Martha was as adorable and excited as I was about life and videos. Nina was the "cool chick" who seemed a little too straight for the role, but sweet non the less. There was Mark who's pompous attitude always rubbed me the wrong way, but hey, he was part of the unique group of friends. And of course Alan. He was both hilarious and surfer cute, leaving us girls (and some boys) giggling endlessly and thinking he was so down to earth.I miss those youthful days so full of promise and discovery. I was devastated to learn of J.J.'s death back in the day. It hurt as if I'd known him personally. Because those VJ's really were our proverbial friends, even if they weren't aware of it. They got me through the angst that is growing up.MTV was cool. Not anymore. It's a pointless piece of corporate trash on the air, so like everything else offered up on the tube these days. I was astonished to learn how crappy the Vjs were treated at times and how absolutely unappreciated they were. Pity.I'm glad to see that my old pals from the original station have grown into interesting adults who have fond memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, even if MTV didn't.

I had high hopes for this book. The four original VJs tell the untold stories of MTV's beginnings? Count me in!However, despite many stories being told, it seems that certain events are totally glossed over. The Video Music Awards chapter? Only a couple of pages long. There's a bit more on the Live Aid concert, but how many stories did they leave out?Don't get me wrong. You do hear a great deal about the VJs personal lives and relationships going sour. Mark Goodman and Alan Hunter spill the beans on their drug use and their infidelities. Nina admits steering clear of drugs because they scared her. And what does America's Sweetheart (Martha Quinn) fess up to? Well, no sordid stories of drug use. She talks about who she was dating and how they got along. I can understand her wanting to keep some stories locked up because she is a mother now, but how many times can you listen to Martha talk abut who she was dating?Great respect is given to J.J. Jackson by all involved. He was the elder statesman of the VJs and passed away several years ago. He was a class act and it is not a secret that he was beloved by all. I wish he was still around to hear HIS take on all these stories.The entire book feels like they simply gathered the four VJs in a room and asked them about certain topics. Whoever wanted to chime in could do it. This is apparent because at some points, the VJs banter back and forth as they recall certain stories. Why isn't this an audiobook that you can buy to hear it straight from the horse's mouth?All told, this is a good book that recalls a great time in American pop culture. If you expect all your questions to be answered, you will be disappointed. But you will never look at the original VJs the same way again.

If, like me, you were a teenager in the early 80s and were fortunate enough to have cable, MTV was probably a pretty big part of your life. And if, like me, you love a good nostalgic stroll down 80s lane now and again, this is a fun way to accomplish it.There are no big gasp-worthy surprises here (Some of my favorite rock stars were druggies or jerks? Martha had a crush on David Lee Roth and Rick Springfield? Uh, yeah we knew all that.) Perhaps what's most surprising is how much of it I remember--Alan's neon colored drawstring pants, Nina's head bobbing, Martha's shameless flirting with Al, Live Aid, the US Festival, the contests. Wow, did I really watch that much MTV? You bet I did!The overall tone of this book is fun and fond memories. And while it's not a whine fest, the message does come across that these five people were not treated well by the Powers That Be behind MTV--today they are not billionaires nor are they really even famous anymore; their roles in music history have largely been relegated to little more than the answer to the trivia question "who were the original five VJ's?" And that just doesn't seem right. For most of us, once the novelty wore off and the same dozen or so videos were in heavy rotation, the main reason we kept tuning in day after day wasn't simply because you never knew who would drop by the studios, it was the VJ's. As the author says, because of the VJ's you were "always watching with a friend." And pathetic as it may be to admit, during those angst-ridden "no one understands me" teenaged years, their presence really was a comfort. These five amazing people who were such a big part of our youth just sort of faded into oblivion, as did the format of MTV. (I finally know what Def Leppard meant when they said it was better to "burn out than fade away.")If you ever set your alarm for a little before midnight on a school night so you could creep downstairs and catch the debut of the latest video by your favorite band, or knew which VJ was on at any given time of the day without even thinking about it, or if you just really love the eighties --then this book is a must read for you. But don't start reading until you have plenty of time, because you probably won't want to put it down. And when you finish reading, somewhere in the back of your mind you'll hear the words "I want my MTV."

I thought it was a great read...cool to hear from those that were on the inside

Not finished but enjoying this a lot. Modern life is OK eh? but i do hanker for the days when people spoke using voice not digital methods. When photos were for the home album, not for bragging to Social media friends/followers. When to the teenager the cinema and amusement arcade was full of imagination, noise and wonder.. and when MTV PLAYED music. I am gutted my daughter will not have the things i had, ok they were cheesy, the hair was big, the socks fluroescent and odd... but they were better times. Times now are good, but these WERE better. This book documents easily the birth of a revoultion, latch key kids like me loved MTV. I came to it later 1986+ an I am English, so do not remember these names, but i know the love of MTV, i know what it meant to me, the soundtrack to my years, I didn't like all the bands/vids but I watched them !! MTV and Top of the Pops was all we had...now through Spotify, Youtube to name but 2 people have an overload of option but no one PUSHING these into the front room. I feel bad for today's "yoof" . A great, easy read about a musical revolution, that I salute and, even though 40+ now, I genuinely miss with a tear in my ear !

Enjoyable, fun, insightful. Martha Quinn :-D

As a radio and Tv Host i enjoyed reading this book that had some great insight into the early days of MTV! A good read