Old Grey Whistle Test
From Free net encyclopedia
The Old Grey Whistle Test was an influential BBC television music show that ran from September 1971 until 1987. The first host was Richard Williams, then features editor of the Melody Maker music weekly. During this initial period, there was a remarkable correspondence between the featured artists on the show, and those appearing on the weekly's front page. Eventually Williams was replaced by DJ Bob Harris (nicknamed "Whispering Bob Harris" due to his quiet voice and "laid back" style). The program hosted many seminal rock acts of the era, including the first British TV performance of Bob Marley and the Wailers. The show's focus on "serious" rock music rather than chart hits was emphasised by the lack of showbiz glitter; bands would often perform their songs in front of plain wooden boards (actually the backs of set walls from other programmes). As with many BBC productions, this was much a matter of money as of style. Other late night shows of the time, having only 'minority' appeal, also had to be content with spartan sets.
According to Harris, the program derived its name from "a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years ago. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the "old greys". An "Old Grey" was the collective nickname for the office cleaners who would typically start work at 5pm as office staff were leaving. The tunes they could remember and could whistle having heard it just once or twice had passed the old grey whistle test". As well as the distinctive harmonica theme music through most of its original run the series's opening titles consisted of an animation of a male figure made up of stars dancing.
Annie Nightingale took over as host in 1978, and Andy Kershaw, David Hepworth and Mark Ellen also took turns as presenters. In 1983 the programme title was shortened to Whistle Test, was moved to a mid-evening slot and both the title credits and music changed. Although many felt that the show had run its course by the time it went off the air, it laid the template for many successive "serious" British music programs such as The Tube and Later with Jools Holland.
As of February 2004, the BBC has released three DVD compilations from the show. There are apparently no plans to release any more. In a list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes drawn up by the British Film Institute in 2000, voted for by industry professionals, The Old Grey Whistle Test was placed 33rd.
The program's title music, with its distinctive harmonica theme, was a track called "Stone Fox Chase" by a Nashville band, Area Code 615.