Fifty years ago, the first episode of Countdown went to air, introducing Australians to a generation of emerging local and international performers and to the show's host Ian "Molly" Meldrum. Countdown and its exposure of local talent was central to the rise of Australian performers such as Kylie Minogue, John Paul Young, Skyhooks, Marcia Hines and Men at Work. Half a century ago, Countdown, a new music program aired on ABC, initially on Friday night but subsequently every Sunday evening. Few Australian popular TV shows have attracted such a loyal audience or produced such an enduring impact. With a brief to promote Australian music, Countdown and its host Ian "Molly" Meldrum oversaw the rise of a succession of talented Aussie bands and performers, names such as AC/DC, John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John. Countdown also promoted the emerging music videos medium in its regular programming, contributing to the rise of international performers such as Madonna, ABBA and Cyndi Lauper. After 563 episodes, Countdown ceased on 19th July, 1987, though it was followed by the short-lived Countdown Revolution.