The Old Grey Whistle Test poster

The Old Grey Whistle Test (1971)

Music

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.

IMDb rating
8.2 (250 votes)
Seasons
1
Language
EN
Type
TV series

Ratings refreshed Jul 3, 2026 · 1 season indexed

Cast

Seasons

Season 6 (1976)

7.38 avg 4 episodes 7.8 → 7.7 50 min avg

Ep 9: 7.8 · 7 votesEp 29: 7.3 · 8 votesEp 31: 6.7 · 8 votesEp 37: 7.7 · 8 votes
Season 6 episodes — IMDb ratings
#TitleRatingVotes
9Linda Rondstadt7.87
29Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band7.38
31The Kinks6.78
37Eric Clapton7.78