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SERIES
8.3
16 seasons
The Old Grey Whistle Test
1971558 episodes
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.
Seasons
1971/2
42 eps
1972/3
49 eps
1973/4
43 eps
1974/5
42 eps
1975/6
35 eps
1976/7
36 eps
1977/8
39 eps
1978/9
37 eps
1979/80
34 eps
1980/81
41 eps
1981/2
29 eps
1982/3
22 eps
1983/4
20 eps
1984/5
38 eps
1985/6
31 eps
1986/7
20 eps
Cast & Crew
Bob Harris
Annie Nightingale
