where did the old grey whistle test get its name
The Old Grey Whistle Test It was commissioned by David Attenborough[1] 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 show was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. The original producer, involved in an executive capacity throughout[2] the show's entire history, was Michael Appleton. 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 â€“ doormen in grey suits. Any song they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.[3]