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Poster for The Old Grey Whistle Test

The Old Grey Whistle Test

  • TV series
  • 1971
  • 16 seasons
  • 558 episodes

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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.

Roughly 558h to watch every episode. This is an estimate: 558 episodes at the typical episode runtime of 60 minutes.

Where to watch

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Series cast and crew

  • Bob Harris

    Bob Harris
    516 episodes

  • Annie Nightingale

    Annie Nightingale
    516 episodes

  • Richard Williams
    42 episodes

  • Steve EllisSelf
    2 episodes

  • Loudon Wainwright III

    Loudon Wainwright III
    1 episode

  • Cat Stevens

    Cat Stevens
    1 episode

  • Jean-Michel Jarre

    Jean-Michel Jarre
    1 episode

  • Elton John

    Elton JohnSelf
    1 episode

  • Ralph McTell
    1 episode

  • Sting

    StingSelf
    1 episode

  • Andy Summers

    Andy SummersSelf
    1 episode

  • Stewart Copeland

    Stewart CopelandSelf
    1 episode

  • Bonnie Raitt

    Bonnie Raittself
    1 episode

  • Tom Petty

    Tom Petty
    1 episode

  • Mike Campbell

    Mike Campbell
    1 episode

  • Benmont Tench

    Benmont Tench
    1 episode

  • Ron Blair

    Ron Blair
    1 episode

  • Stan Lynch

    Stan Lynch
    1 episode

Network
BBC Two

Seasons and episodes