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TV series / 1971
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Episode directors
Stuart Orme
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 …
The story
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.
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The seasons
Season 1
1971/2
Season details
The first series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on 21st September 1971 and concluded on 11th July 1972 for a total of 43 episodes.
Season 2
1972/3
Season details
The second series of The Old Grey Whistle Test started on 12th September 1972, concluding on 31st July 1973 with a total of 49 Episodes
Season 3
1973/4
Season details
The third series of The Old Grey Whistle Test started on 25th September 1973, concluding on 9th July 1974 for a total of 43 episodes.
Season 4
1974/5
Season details
The forth series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on 24th September 1974, finishing on 26ht Jul 1975 for a total of 42 episodes.
See all seasons (16)
Season 5
1975/6
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 6
1976/7
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 7
1977/8
Season details
The seventh series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on the 20th September 1977, concluding on 20th Jun 1987 and containing 39 episodes.
Season 8
1978/9
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 9
1979/80
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 10
1980/81
Season details
The tenth series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on the 7th October 1980, concluding on the 14th July with a total of 41 episodes.
Season 11
1981/2
Season details
The eleventh series of The Old Grey Whistle Test began on the 1st October 1981, concluding after 29 episodes on 10th June 1982.
Season 12
1982/3
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 13
1983/4
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 14
1984/5
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 15
1985/6
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Season 16
1986/7
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Special episodes
Specials
Season details
A synopsis is not available yet.
Cast
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