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

197142 episodes

1972/3

197249 episodes

1973/4

197343 episodes

1974/5

197442 episodes

1975/6

197535 episodes

1976/7

197636 episodes

1977/8

197739 episodes

1978/9

197837 episodes

1979/80

197934 episodes

1980/81

198041 episodes

1981/2

198129 episodes

1982/3

198222 episodes

1983/4

198320 episodes

1984/5

198438 episodes

1985/6

198531 episodes

1986/7

198620 episodes