The Old Grey Whistle Test

tv show

poster for The Old Grey Whistle Test

558 total episodes

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16 seasons

First Aired September 21, 1971

Overview

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.

Boxing Day Compilation poster unavailable

Boxing Day Compilation

Season 2 - Episode 16 - 1h 0m

Air Date

December 26, 1972

Overview

Alice Cooper: Under My Wheels Dion / Runaround Sue David Bowie: Queen Bitch Ten Wheel Drive: The Night I Got Out of Jail The Beach Boys: You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone Steve Miller Band: Living in the USA Vinegar Joe: Rusty Red Armour Carole King and Merry Clayton: Oh No Not My Baby Curtis Mayfield: Keep On Keeping On Mick Jagger: Interview The Rolling Stones: Tumbling Dice Poco: Just For Me and You The Beatles: Some Other Guy Roxy Music: Ladytron Stevie Wonder: Interview Janis Ian: He’s A Rainbow Jerry Lee Lewis: Think About It Darlin’ Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge: Help Me Make it Through the Night