Who was the first black artist on MTV?

Answer 1

Michael Jackson - with Billie Jean

Tina turner, Donna summer, Eddie grant (somehow?) a all aired on MTV before Michael Jackson`s "billie jean", but he is considered the first black artist to be played in heavy rotation and thus "breaking the barrier" but was not first black artist on MTV

musical youth "pass the dutchie" was the first even befor Micheal Jackson. Other black acts with a rock sound (or who tailored their sound to a rock beat) got into pre-MJ rotation as well. These include the Bus Boys ("American Worker") and Sylvester ("Hard Up").

Ross and Grant were before Musical Youth. Already checked. Look it up. They came after. Grant "Electric Avenue came out early 1982 . Pass the Dutchie, September (fall) 1982. Ross & Summer? I hope i didnt even explain that one?

Answer 2

The first one of any consequence was Michael Jackson. In its original incarnation, MTV was loath to play videos by black artists, preferring to concentrate on rock artists and songs instead. The turning point was in late 1982 or early 1983, when CBS Inc./Columbia Records threatened to pull its artists en masse from MTV if it didn't play Jackson's videos. The rest is history.

Answer 3

Although a few black artists appeared before him, Prince was one of the first with 1999 which premiered in December 1982, then Michael with Billie Jean in 1983.

Answer 4

Janet Jackson in 2001