The Old Grey Whistle Test 53 years old

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.

Credits

Cast

Name Character
Yusuf Islam He was 23 , now 76 years old
Jean Michel Jarre He was 23 , now 76 years old
Loudon Wainwright III He was 25 , now 78 years old

Crew

Name Job title
The Old Grey Whistle Test poster
The Old Grey Whistle Test (53 years)

Ended

  • First Air Date: 1971-09-21
  • Runtime: [60] minutes
  • Number of Episodes: 558