The Old Grey Whistle Test — Season 6

197636 episodes7.8/10 (4 votes)

About this season

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.

Episodes (36)

1. Bob Dylan

Aired 28 September 1976 • 60 min

2. Episode 2

Aired 5 October 1976 • 60 min

3. Janis Ian

Aired 12 October 1976 • 60 min

4. Episode 4

Aired 19 October 1976 • 60 min

5. Peter Frampton

Aired 26 October 1976 • 60 min

6. Episode 6

Aired 2 November 1976 • 60 min

7. Ralph McTell

9.0

Aired 9 November 1976 • 60 min

Bob Harris introduces Ralph McTell in concert at the BBC Television Theatre in London's Shepherds Bush in 1976.

8. Episode 8

Aired 16 November 1976 • 60 min

9. Linda Ronstadt

8.0

Aired 23 November 1976 • 60 min

E10

10. Episode 10

Aired 30 November 1976 • 60 min

E11

11. Jackson Browne

7.0

Aired 7 December 1976 • 60 min

E12

12. Heart / Racing Cars

Aired 14 December 1976 • 60 min

E13

13. Macon Whoppee (Capricorn Summer Picnic)

Aired 21 December 1976 • 60 min

E14

14. Rod Stewart in concert

Aired 24 December 1976 • 60 min

The Old Grey Whistle Test presents Rod's Christmas Concert recorded on 1976-12-15 featuring The Rod Stewart Group performing on stage at Olympia, London. Tonight’s the Night / The Wild Side of Life / This Old Heart of Mine / Sweet Little Rock ’n’ Roller / I Don’t Want to Talk About It / The Killing of Georgie / Maggie May / Get Back / Losing You / Sailing

E15