The Old Grey Whistle Test ambient background
CinebyCineby
The Old Grey Whistle Test backdrop

The Old Grey Whistle Test

The Old Grey Whistle Test

★ 8.3/10•1971•1h 0m

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.

StatusEnded
Runtime1h 0m
LanguageEN
First Air DateSep 21, 1971

Episodes

Actors

Bob Harris

Bob Harris

Annie Nightingale

Annie Nightingale

Recommendations

Top of the Pops
So You Think You Can Dance
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Conan
The Terror: Devil in Silver
The Larry Sanders Show
Ballers
CBS News Sunday Morning
Family Feud
Not the Nine O'Clock News
Penn & Teller: Fool Us
Late Night with David Letterman
Ultra City Smiths
The Kelly Clarkson Show
Hey Arnold!
The Ed Sullivan Show
Carpool Karaoke: The Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
60 Minutes Australia
Match of the Day

Similars

Top of the Pops
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest
Stars in der Manege
Pour l'amour du country
Beat-Club
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Amigos siempre amigos
Siempre lunes
MTV World Stage
James Brown: Say It Loud
BBC Radio 2 Piano Room
Soundstage
夏天来了盟人不在家
Taylor Swift: Journey to Fearless
So You Think You Can Dance
Fanning at Whelan's
MADtv
Mrs Brown's Boys
Round the Horne
Allsång på Skansen