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The Old Grey Whistle Test

1971 – 1987 · BBC Two
16 seasons · 558 episodes
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PLOT

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.

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SEASONS

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SERIES CAST

Bob Harris
Annie Nightingale
Richard Williams
Loudon Wainwright III
Cat Stevens
Jean-Michel Jarre
Elton John
Self
Ralph McTell

DETAILS

Status
Ended
Type
Scripted
First aired
Sep 21, 1971
Original language
EN
Production
BBC
Country
GB

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