Behind the Video
The stories behind famous music videos: concepts, directors, filming and fun facts.
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On This Day: a-ha’s “Take On Me” Hits No. 1 in America
On October 19, 1985, a-ha’s “Take On Me” hit No. 1 in America. How a twice-flopped song and a pencil-sketch video made three Norwegians stars.
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Smells Like Teen Spirit: Behind Nirvana’s Pep Rally Video
How Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video was made: a first-time director, a Culver City gym, restless extras, and an edit Kurt Cobain did himself.
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Subterranean Homesick Blues: Bob Dylan’s Cue-Card Film
The story behind Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” cue-card film: who wrote the cards, the London alley where it was shot, and its long legacy.
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Super Freak: Behind Rick James’ Video and the MTV Fight
How Rick James made the “Super Freak” video, why he battled MTV over playing Black artists, and the Motown funk hit that later found a second life.
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Country Roads: Behind John Denver’s Wildlife Concert Video
The story behind John Denver’s 1995 Wildlife Concert performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and how the 1971 song became a West Virginia anthem.
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Billie Jean: The Story Behind Michael Jackson’s Iconic Video
How Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was made, how its light-up sidewalk video broke the MTV barrier, and why the 1983 classic still matters today.