Music and television have long been partners in shaping the cultural landscape. Whether through dance shows, countdowns, or artist performances, TV music shows have been instrumental in introducing us to new sounds, trends, and styles. From the early days of Soul Train to the high-energy chaos of Total Request Live (TRL), these shows have not only showcased the latest hits but also influenced fashion, slang, and how we consume music.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore how these iconic shows left a lasting mark on pop culture, transforming the relationship between music and TV along the way.
Soul Train: The Groove That Never Quit
Launched in 1971, Soul Train was a cultural phenomenon that changed the game. Created by Don Cornelius, the show wasn’t just about playing the latest R&B, soul, and funk tracks—it was a celebration of Black culture. For over three decades, Soul Train was the go-to place for viewers to watch their favorite artists perform live. It became the home of legendary performances by icons like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder.
But it wasn’t just the music that hooked audiences; it was the fashion, the dancing, and the overall vibe. The show was a runway for ‘70s and ‘80s fashion, and the famous Soul Train line—where dancers would show off their best moves—became a cultural staple. Anyone who watched the show wanted to dress and move like the people they saw on screen. Even its theme song became iconic, setting the tone for a celebration of music and style every week.
Soul Train introduced mainstream America to artists and music that were often ignored by other platforms, paving the way for future generations of music television shows. And it wasn’t just about the big stars—up-and-coming artists got their chance to shine too, reaching audiences they might never have touched otherwise.
American Bandstand: The Teenage Dance Party
Before Soul Train, there was American Bandstand, which also had a huge impact on music culture in the U.S. Hosted by Dick Clark, it aired for an astounding 37 years, from 1952 to 1989. The format was simple: teenagers danced to the latest hits, and occasionally, artists would come on to perform live.
While American Bandstand focused on the latest pop hits, it also introduced the idea of regular viewers having a say in the music. Teens could rate songs, giving them a sense of power over the charts. It was one of the first platforms to allow music fans to engage directly with the latest tracks, and it gave new artists—like Elvis Presley and The Jackson 5—a platform to reach a national audience.
Fashion trends exploded on American Bandstand, and as soon as an outfit, hairstyle, or dance move appeared on the show, you could be sure it would spread like wildfire in schools across the country. For many, American Bandstand was more than just a show—it was a Saturday morning tradition that helped shape youth culture.
MTV and TRL: A Revolution in Music Television
Fast forward to the 1980s, and music television was about to undergo a massive shift. With the launch of MTV in 1981, music videos became the driving force behind pop culture. Suddenly, the visual component of music was just as important as the sound. Artists had to craft compelling videos to get airtime, and the channel’s tagline—“I want my MTV”—became a rallying cry for music fans across the country.
MTV introduced the concept of a 24/7 music network, but it was Total Request Live (TRL) that truly captured the spirit of late ‘90s and early 2000s youth culture. Hosted by Carson Daly, TRL brought fans and artists together in a way that had never been done before. Viewers would vote for their favorite music videos, and the most popular ones would air on the daily countdown.
TRL was a whirlwind of screaming fans, spontaneous artist appearances, and live performances. For artists like Britney Spears, NSYNC, and Eminem, TRL wasn’t just a show—it was a launching pad. If your video topped the TRL charts, you were practically guaranteed stardom.
The show also became a platform for fan engagement. Kids would skip school just to stand outside the TRL studio in Times Square, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. It wasn’t just a show; it was a pop culture event.
Fashion, Music, and Everything In Between
One of the biggest impacts TV music shows had on pop culture was their ability to influence fashion. Whether it was the bold, psychedelic prints of Soul Train, the clean-cut styles of American Bandstand, or the teen fashion trends seen on TRL, these shows were trendsetters.
Soul Train especially showcased an unapologetic celebration of Black fashion and style, influencing the way audiences viewed clothing, hair, and accessories. Meanwhile, TRL became synonymous with the iconic looks of the late ‘90s and early 2000s—think low-rise jeans, crop tops, and frosted tips. What the hosts and artists wore often dictated what fans would be sporting at school the next week.