The Old Grey Whistle Test
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.
Seasons
Specials
18 episodes
1971/2
42 episodes
1972/3
49 episodes
1973/4
43 episodes
1974/5
42 episodes
1975/6
35 episodes
1976/7
36 episodes
1977/8
39 episodes
1978/9
37 episodes
1979/80
34 episodes
1980/81
41 episodes
1981/2
29 episodes
1982/3
22 episodes
1983/4
20 episodes
1984/5
38 episodes
1985/6
31 episodes
1986/7
20 episodes
Cast
Bob Harris
Annie Nightingale
