Nina Blackwood | email How did you get the VJ gig at MTV? I was working on three different TV projects as a host... interviewing, chattin’ about music, introducing videos and occasionally being hit in the face with a pie. Wild and wacky! I saw an article in Billboard that said there was a new 24-hour music video channel that was looking for hosts and hostesses, or "video jockeys," who must have extensive knowledge of music. I sent my resume and 8x10 to New York City, and after two auditions over a period of several months, they hired me as the first MTV VJ. What was your best interview? I don’t know which one was the best, but some of my favorites were John Mellencamp, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, INXS, Tom Petty, and Ray Davies of The Kinks. Who was your worst Interview? In two words... Frank Zappa, enuff said. What was the most memorable event you covered for MTV? The launch and maiden voyage of Virgin Airways. And of course, Live Aid. Who were your favorite '80s artists? There are way too many to mention here are a few: U2, John Mellencamp, Stevie Nicks, The Pretenders, Depeche Mode, Paul Young, Bon Jovi and The Traveling Wilburys. Tell us a story about J.J. Jackson. When J.J. and I first arrived in New York City, we were staying in the same hotel. MTV gave us tix to see Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. When we arrived at the show we found our seats to be right in front of the speakers. After 5 minutes of being bombarded by dangerous decibel levels, we decided to save our precious hearing and motioned to each other to make haste and get out of the joint. We ended up finding a nice quiet restaurant had a lovely meal and laughed about the ridiculousness of it all. As all of us know J.J. was a lovely, kind man and he is missed so very much. I still can’t believe he’s gone. Read Alan Hunter's interview Read Martha Quinn's interview Read Mark Goodman's interview