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MTV VJ Dave Kendall, 120 Minutes Creator, Dies at 68

7/15/2026

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Summary

Dave Kendall Dies

Dave Kendall died at age 68.
Matt Pinfield, Kendall’s friend and former MTV colleague, confirmed the death on X.
Kendall launched MTV’s 120 Minutes on March 10 1986, hosted it 1988-1992, and aired Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video world-premiere on September 29 1991.
After MTV, Kendall wrote freelance music pieces, hosted on SiriusXM, reported for the Bangkok Post, and later lived in Thailand and Indonesia.

Summary

Dave Kendall Passed

Dave Kendall's cause of death remains undisclosed, with his family issuing no public statement.
Matt Pinfield announced Kendall's death in an emotional Instagram post on July 14 2026, calling him “one of the true believers.”
Fans posted tributes on YEN.com.gh while Kendall later revived a 120 Minutes-style program on SiriusXM’s 1st Wave, extending his influence into satellite radio.

History

Historical Context

MTV launched on August 1 1981 under Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment, debuting the Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” and quickly reaching about 67 million U.S. pay-TV households. Its 24-hour music-video format inspired shows like Dave Kendall’s 120 Minutes, created in 1986 and now revived on SiriusXM, illustrating how early cable innovations still shape today’s satellite radio programming.

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Dave Kendall Dies

Dave Kendall died at age 68.
Matt Pinfield, Kendall’s friend and former MTV colleague, confirmed the death on X.
Kendall launched MTV’s 120 Minutes on March 10 1986, hosted it 1988-1992, and aired Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video world-premiere on September 29 1991.
After MTV, Kendall wrote freelance music pieces, hosted on SiriusXM, reported for the Bangkok Post, and later lived in Thailand and Indonesia.

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