The Old Grey Whistle Test
8.3
3 votes
1971–1987
16 seasons
~1h 0m/ep
Overview
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.
Top cast
Seasons
1971/2
42 episodes · 1971
1972/3
49 episodes · 1972
1973/4
43 episodes · 1973
1974/5
42 episodes · 1974
1975/6
35 episodes · 1975
1976/7
36 episodes · 1976
1977/8
39 episodes · 1977
1978/9
37 episodes · 1978
1979/80
34 episodes · 1979
1980/81
41 episodes · 1980
1981/2
29 episodes · 1981
1982/3
22 episodes · 1982
1983/4
20 episodes · 1983
1984/5
38 episodes · 1984
1985/6
31 episodes · 1985
1986/7
20 episodes · 1986
Details
Status
Ended
First aired
September 21, 1971
Last aired
April 22, 1987
Seasons
16
Episodes
558
Networks
BBC Two
Language
English
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