This coming Monday marks 50 years since Bob Harris first appeared on the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' on the Beeb.

He is probably the presenter most associated with the show. Launched on 21st September 1971 'The Old Grey Whistle Test' was the BBC's main outlet for non-chart music and went out late Tuesday nights. A brief history being Richard Williams presented that first season. Bob Harris was in the chair from 1972 to 1979 when Anne Nightingale took over. In 1983 it was renamed the 'Whistle Test' and various presenters were used during the 1980s until the show came off the air in 1988. 

Series Two with 'Whispering Bob' also came with a new theme, with the 'Star Kicker' visuals to Area Code 615 "Stone Fox Chase" music. [here].

Bob's first show on 12th Sept 1972 featured Frampton's Camel and John Prine. There's a fan website listing all the artists who appeared week by week, if you fancy a who's who of the show click here [link] 

We have featured some OGWT clips from YouTube on the Friday Music Spot over the years, here's another from October 1973, this is some virtuoso 12 string guitar playing from Leo Kottke with a track called 'The Driving of the Year Nail'.

We catch a brief glimpse of Whispering Bob (once called a broadcaster "laid-back to the point of narcolepsy") at the very start of this clip.

If you liked that Leo Kottke's full performance is recorded here as 'The Driving of the Year Nail' is followed by a piece called 'Stealing'. Click On ➤ 

As a result of this week's blog and the knowledge from all the research, the next few weeks may have a distinct 'Old Grey' 70s feel about them. He whispered 😏