The Old Grey Whistle Test (1971)

The Old Grey Whistle Test (1971)

1971-09-21 BBC Two
7.5 2 votes

Seasons and episodes

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