The Old Grey Whistle Test
The Old Grey Whistle Test (sometimes abbreviated to Whistle Test or OGWT) was a British television music show. The show was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers, commissioned by David Attenborough and aired on BBC2 from 1971 to 1988. It took over the BBC2 late-night slot from Disco 2, which ran between September 1970 and July 1971, while continuing to feature non-chart music. The original producer, involved in an executive capacity throughout the show's entire history, was Michael Appleton.
| The Old Grey Whistle Test | |
|---|---|
One of 1970s opening titles | |
| Also known as | Whistle Test (1983–88) |
| Created by | Rowan Ayers Mike Appleton |
| Presented by | Richard Williams Ian Whitcomb Bob Harris Annie Nightingale Andy Kershaw David Hepworth Mark Ellen Richard Skinner Ro Newton |
| Opening theme | "Stone Fox Chase" – Area Code 615 (1971–83) |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producer | Mike Appleton |
| Running time | 40–60 minutes |
| Production company | BBC Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC2 (1971–88) BBC Four (One-off special, 2018) |
| Release | 21 September 1971 – 1 January 1988 |
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. Any song the doormen could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.
On 23 February 2018, a one-off live three-hour special of The Old Grey Whistle Test was broadcast on BBC Four, hosted by Harris to mark 30 years since the final episode aired.