VJ : The Unplugged Adventures of MTV's First Wave

In this “highly entertaining snapshot of a wild-frontier moment in pop culture” (Rolling Stone), discover the wild and explosive true story of the early years of MTV directly from the original VJs.

Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, and Martha Quinn (along with the late J. J. Jackson) had front-row seats to the music television revolution—and to the wild antics of pop music icons like Adam Ant, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and Duran Duran. As the first VJs on the fledgling network, they lived the behind-the-scenes reality of a media phenomenon that defined 1980s pop culture and launched a new music video era. From partying with David Lee Roth to flying on Bob Dylan’s private jet, these pioneers captured unforgettable rock star stories in a whirlwind of sound, style, and excess.

More than just a collection of behind-the-scenes music stories, VJ is a candid MTV memoir and VJ oral history that doubles as a coming-of-age in the 1980s saga. Through the lens of New Wave, controversy, and hairspray, this addictive book documents how a crazy moment sparked a full-blown pop culture revolution.

Nina Blackwood was one of the first MTV VJs and is a radio host on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Big 80s channel and host of two radio shows nationally syndicated by the United Stations Radio Networks, “Absolutely80s” and “New Wave Nation.”

Mark Goodman was one of the first MTV VJs and is a radio host on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Big 80s channel.

Alan Hunter was one of the first MTV VJs and is a radio host on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Big 80s channel.

Martha Quinn was one of the first MTV VJs and is a radio host on SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Big 80s channel.

Gavin Edwards is the author of five books on music. A contributing editor at Rolling Stone, he has written for The New York Times Magazine, Details, and Wired.