The Old Grey Whistle Test poster
Series · 1971–1987 · 1h · 16 seasons

The Old Grey Whistle Test

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Synopsis

The Old Grey Whistle Test is an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years before. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys—doormen in grey suits. The songs they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.

Details

Aired
September 21, 1971
Status
Ended
Country
United Kingdom
Network
BBC Two
Episodes
558

View on IMDb

Where to watch

No known streaming options in United States.

Seasons

  1. 1971/2 · episodes: 42 · 1971
  2. 1972/3 · episodes: 49 · 1972
  3. 1973/4 · episodes: 43 · 1973
  4. 1974/5 · episodes: 42 · 1974
  5. 1975/6 · episodes: 35 · 1975
  6. 1976/7 · episodes: 36 · 1976
  7. 1977/8 · episodes: 39 · 1977
  8. 1978/9 · episodes: 37 · 1978
  9. 1979/80 · episodes: 34 · 1979
  10. 1980/81 · episodes: 41 · 1980
  11. 1981/2 · episodes: 29 · 1981
  12. 1982/3 · episodes: 22 · 1982
  13. 1983/4 · episodes: 20 · 1983
  14. 1984/5 · episodes: 38 · 1984
  15. 1985/6 · episodes: 31 · 1985
  16. 1986/7 · episodes: 20 · 1986

Cast

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