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The Old Grey Whistle Test

1h16 SeasonsTMDb 8.3

EnglishEnded

1 · Season 1, Episode 1

2 · Season 1, Episode 2

3 · Season 1, Episode 3

4 · Season 1, Episode 4

5 · Season 1, Episode 5

6 · Season 1, Episode 6

7 · Season 1, Episode 7

8 · Season 1, Episode 8

9 · Season 1, Episode 9

10 · 0Season 1, Episode 10

11 · The Move

12 · Series 1, Episode 12

13 · Series 1, Episode 13

14 · Series 1, Episode 14

15 · Series 1, Episode 15

16 · Series 1, Episode 16

17 · Series 1, Episode 17

18 · Series 1, Episode 18

19 · Poco

20 · Bowie

21 · Series 1, Episode 21

22 · Series 1, Episode 22

23 · Series 1, Episode 23

24 · Series 1, Episode 24

25 · Series 1, Episode 25

26 · Series 1, Episode 26

27 · Series 1, Episode 27

28 · Kevin Ayers

29 · Series 1, Episode 29

30 · Series 1, Episode 30

31 · Jerry Lee Lewis

32 · Series 1, Episode 32

33 · Series 1, Episode 33

34 · The Beach Boys

35 · Series 1, Episode 35

36 · Series 1, Episode 36

37 · Series 1, Episode 37

38 · Series 1, Episode 38

39 · Series 1, Episode 39

40 · Series 1, Episode 40

Crew and Cast

Bob HarrisBob HarrisAnnie NightingaleAnnie Nightingale
Richard WilliamsLoudon Wainwright IIILoudon Wainwright IIICat StevensCat StevensJean-Michel JarreJean-Michel JarreElton JohnElton John
Ralph McTellStingStingAndy SummersAndy SummersStewart CopelandStewart CopelandBonnie RaittBonnie RaittTom PettyTom PettyMike CampbellMike CampbellBenmont TenchBenmont TenchRon BlairRon BlairStan LynchStan LynchBruce SpringsteenBruce SpringsteenJohn LennonJohn Lennon

Storyline

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.

  • BBC

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Info

Status
Ended
First aired
21 September 1971
Last aired
22 April 1987
TMDB score
8.3 / 10 (3 votes)

Production

Studios
BBC
Countries
United Kingdom
Networks
BBC Two

Episodes

Seasons
16
Episodes
558
Runtime
1h
Type
Scripted
In production
No

Languages

Original
English
Spoken
English