The Old Grey Whistle Test

The Old Grey Whistle Test

1987-04-22 60 minutes.
7.50 2 votes

Season - Episode

16 Season 16 Sep 20, 1986
15 Season 15 Oct 01, 1985
14 Season 14 Oct 23, 1984
13 Season 13 Sep 18, 1983
12 Season 12 Sep 17, 1982
11 Season 11 Oct 01, 1981
10 Season 10 Oct 07, 1980
9 Season 9 Sep 18, 1979
8 Season 8 Sep 19, 1978
7 Season 7 Sep 20, 1977
6 Season 6 Sep 28, 1976
5 Season 5 Sep 30, 1975
4 Season 4 Sep 24, 1974
3 Season 3 Sep 25, 1973
2 Season 2 Sep 12, 1972
1 Season 1 Sep 21, 1971

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.

Year
Studio
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Popularity 106.8467
Language English