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The Old Grey Whistle Test

'The Old Grey Whistle Test' is a BBC2 television music show that holds a significant place in the history of British music television. It originally aired from 1971 to 1987, taking over the late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970. Despite the change, 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' continued its predecessor's tradition of featuring non-chart music, a crucial aspect that set it apart from other contemporary music shows.

The show was the brainchild of BBC producer Rowan Ayers, who had a vision for a show that would explore the depth and diversity of the music scene, beyond the realm of commercial chart hits. The name of the programme, as revealed by long-time presenter Bob Harris, was inspired by an old Tin Pan Alley phrase. According to this phrase, when a new record was pressed, it would be played to a select group of people referred to as the 'old greys'. These were typically doormen in grey suits, whose job was to listen to the songs and then attempt to whistle them. If a song was catchy enough to be remembered and whistled after just a couple of listens, it was said to have passed the 'old grey whistle test'.

This unique naming convention gave the show its distinctive character, and it became a platform for showcasing a wide range of artists, both established and emerging, across various genres. The show's relaxed, late-night setting allowed for more in-depth interviews and lengthier performances than other music shows at the time, making it a favourite among music lovers and a significant influencer in the music industry. It was not just a show that broadcasted music, but a programme that engaged with it in a thoughtful and genuine way, thus earning its place in music television history.