30 Facts About Molly Meldrum

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Molly Meldrum's journey in the music industry is nothing short of fascinating. From his early days to becoming a household name, here's how it all started.

1. Early Life and Education: Born Ian Alexander Meldrum on January 29, 1943, in Orbost, Victoria, Australia, Molly initially had plans to study law but found his true calling in music journalism and production.

2. Nickname: The nickname "Molly" was given to him by friends, a name that would become iconic in the Australian music scene.

3. Career Beginnings: Molly's music career kicked off in 1964 as a roadie for The Groop, a band that performed in Anglesea.

4. Surfing Holiday: During a surfing holiday in Lorne, Victoria, in 1964, Molly befriended Lynne Randell, who later became a pop star and his personal assistant in the 1980s.

5. First Printed Interview: His first printed interview was with Johnny Young, a singer-songwriter from Perth, marking the start of his career in music journalism.

Go-Set and Writing Style

Molly's work with Go-Set magazine and his unique writing style played a significant role in his rise to fame.

6. Go-Set Years: From 1966 to 1974, Molly wrote a weekly gossip column and feature stories for Go-Set, influencing both readers and musicians.

7. Writing Style: His writing was known for its "freeform ramblings," always in the first person and often involving aspects of the music scene he was part of.

Television and Production

Molly's contributions to television and music production have left an indelible mark on the industry.

8. Miming Career: In the mid-1960s, Molly mimed to songs like "Lady Godiva" by Peter and Gordon and "Winchester Cathedral" by The New Vaudeville Band.

9. Kommotion and Uptight: After Kommotion ended in 1967 due to a ban on miming, Molly moved to Uptight, a show featuring live bands and acts miming their own material.

10. London Years: In 1968, Molly relocated to London, reporting on The Groop's UK efforts and the English rock scene, expanding his international contacts.

11. Apple Corps Publicist: While in London, he worked as a publicist for Apple Corps, scoring a scoop interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

12. US Music Scenes: After leaving the UK in 1970, Molly reported on the Los Angeles and New York music scenes, further establishing his industry contacts.

13. Return to Australia: Upon returning to Australia in late 1970, Molly continued writing for the music press and managing Russell Morris, producing his first solo single "The Real Thing."

14. Manager and Producer: Molly produced several hits, including Ronnie Burns' top ten single "Smiley" in December 1969, while continuing to write for Go-Set.

Countdown and Beyond

Molly's role in Countdown and his subsequent ventures solidified his status as an Australian music legend.

15. Countdown Concept: In 1974, Molly helped formulate the concept for Countdown, a weekly TV pop music show aimed at teenagers, which premiered on November 8.

16. Countdown Impact: Countdown became a world-class institution, introducing the ABBA phenomenon and featuring local groups like ACDC and Skyhooks.

17. Catchphrase: Molly's catchphrase "Go out and do ya self a favour" became iconic, winning over millions of viewers.

18. Hey Hey It's Saturday: After Countdown, Molly hosted a regular segment on Hey Hey It's Saturday, further cementing his status as a household name.

19. Record Production: As a producer, Molly scored top ten hits for artists like Russell Morris, Ronnie Burns, and The Ferrets.

20. Current Performers: Molly continues to mentor current-day performers, including Delta Goodrem, Darren Hayes, and Kylie Minogue.

Charitable Work and Recognition

Molly's contributions extend beyond music, encompassing charitable work and numerous accolades.

21. Charitable Work: Molly's charitable efforts date back to 1985 when he hosted the Australian leg of Live Aid, Oz for Africa.

22. Awards and Honors: In January 1986, Molly was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to international relief and youth.

23. Media Appearances: Today, Molly reports for the Seven Network’s Sunrise and hosts MTV’s Mastered by Molly segment.

24. Injury and Recovery: In late 2011, Molly suffered serious injuries after a fall at home, with the nation closely following his recovery.

25. Mental Acuity: Molly is a former member of MENSA, showcasing his intellectual abilities beyond his musical contributions.

Personal Life and Legacy

Molly's personal life and enduring legacy continue to inspire many in the music industry.

26. Entertainment Career: He has appeared in various TV shows and films, including Mary and Max (2009) and Countdown Revolution (1989).

27. Trivia: Molly won $500,000 on The Entertainers (2003), the highest amount ever reached by a contestant in the Australian edition, with the money going to charity.

28. Commemorative Stamp: In 2013, Molly was honored with a 60¢ Australian commemorative postage stamp in the Living Legends series.

29. Personal Life: Molly lives in Richmond, Victoria, with his dog Ziggy and is a passionate supporter of the St Kilda Football Club and Melbourne Storm NRL team.

30. Legacy: Described as 'the single most important person in the Australian pop industry for 40 years,' Molly's legacy extends beyond his on-screen presence to his extensive contributions as a music critic, journalist, record producer, and musical entrepreneur.

Molly Meldrum: A True Australian Icon

Molly Meldrum's influence on Australian music and pop culture is undeniable. From his early days as a roadie to becoming a household name through Countdown, he's left an indelible mark. His knack for discovering talent, producing hits, and his memorable catchphrase, "Go out and do ya self a favour," have endeared him to millions. Beyond music, Molly's charitable work and support for sports teams like St Kilda Football Club and Melbourne Storm showcase his big heart. Despite serious injuries in 2011, his resilience and continued contributions to the industry highlight his enduring spirit. Honored with awards and even a commemorative stamp, Molly remains a beloved figure. Living in Richmond with his dog Ziggy, he continues to inspire and mentor new talent. Molly Meldrum truly is a legend, shaping the Australian music scene for over 40 years.