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The Old Grey Whistle Test poster

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.
75%

Cast

Bob Harris profile
Bob Harris

Total episodes: 516

Annie Nightingale profile
Annie Nightingale

Total episodes: 516

Richard Williams profile
Richard Williams

Total episodes: 42

Loudon Wainwright III profile
Loudon Wainwright III

Total episodes: 1

Cat Stevens profile
Cat Stevens

Total episodes: 1

Jean-Michel Jarre profile
Jean-Michel Jarre

Total episodes: 1

Elton John profile
Elton John

Self

Total episodes: 1

Ralph McTell profile
Ralph McTell

Total episodes: 1

Sting profile
Sting

Self

Total episodes: 1

Andy Summers profile
Andy Summers

Self

Total episodes: 1

Stewart Copeland profile
Stewart Copeland

Self

Total episodes: 1

Bonnie Raitt profile
Bonnie Raitt

self

Total episodes: 1

Bob Harris profile
Bob Harris

Total episodes: 516

Annie Nightingale profile
Annie Nightingale

Total episodes: 516

Richard Williams profile
Richard Williams

Total episodes: 42

Loudon Wainwright III profile
Loudon Wainwright III

Total episodes: 1

Cat Stevens profile
Cat Stevens

Total episodes: 1

Jean-Michel Jarre profile
Jean-Michel Jarre

Total episodes: 1

Elton John profile
Elton John

Self

Total episodes: 1

Ralph McTell profile
Ralph McTell

Total episodes: 1

Sting profile
Sting

Self

Total episodes: 1

Andy Summers profile
Andy Summers

Self

Total episodes: 1

Stewart Copeland profile
Stewart Copeland

Self

Total episodes: 1

Bonnie Raitt profile
Bonnie Raitt

self

Total episodes: 1

Extra

Release Date

September 21, 1971

Last air Date

April 22, 1987

Status

Ended

Original Language

English

Networks

BBC Two logo

Available On

Currently it's not available for streaming.
You can visit JustWatch for more information.

seasons

1986/7 poster
1986/7

Aired on: 1986 | 20 Episodes

Videos

Currently there are no videos related to this movie/tv show on our database.

Images

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