Page "The Old Grey Whistle Test" Paragraph 0

The Old Grey Whistle Test ( usually abbreviated to Whistle Test or OGWT ) 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.