Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock and Roll

On August 1st, 1981 at 12:01 am, the world stopped to watch the Buggles in a video sing the song “Radio Killed the Video Star” and most people over 30 at the time didn’t either understand it, or give it much thought. The Music Television Video (channel) was the mastermind of a few visionaries that realized sight was as important as sound. The very first words spoken on this new cable channel were “Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock and Roll.”

The super hip ‘VJs” were the talented stars that connected with the viewers in between the videos. They were Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn, and J.J. Jackson. What ever happened to one of our favorites Nina Blackwood?

Born Nina Kinckiner in Cleveland, Ohio in 1955, Nina Blackwood grew up a musician in various garage bands in the 60s and 70s. Nina moved to Los Angeles after her high school graduation to try acting, only to realize that her infrequent walk on roles in ‘Vice Squad’ and ‘Reckless Kelly’ weren’t going to pay the bills. She auditioned for the new MTV channel as a VJ and got the gig.

Nina now lives in San Diego appearing on a Sunday radio show, and she has her own XM radio program. PS – the John Waite song “Missing You” was about her; John often confirms this fact.


Photo credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com