Bob Harris on The Old Grey Whistle Test

[@RobBrydon]

Listen to the full 47-minute episode, free and exclusively on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0nVUgtT7HTIeMlMt23KOWL

[@Isleofskye]

Great Interview with a genuine Legend.

[@ramble-on-overland]

Does it get any better than this! Whispering Bob Harris instantly transforms us back to our teen years. Bob on TV, radio and the late John Peel on radio with the best music on offer. A feel-good interview. Great to see he's well. Thank you.

[@zigman63]

Bob helped me through getting off drugs around late 80s early 90s,I basically only had a radio as I sold everything I own for drugs,I lived in little bedsits in Manchester and I found myself listening to Bob,don't even know what station but he just made everything about the music REAL, thanks Bob Harris. 59yrs old survivor.

[@nickwyatt9498]

Glad you made it, been there myself, very best wishes for the future.

[@andypalin3287]

Whistle Test in the 70's had a magical feel! Bob you are a LEGEND! 🎸😎🤘

[@FRUGALZZZ1]

A living legend! With Bob Harris on The Old Grey Whistle Test on TV and John Peel on the radio at 10:00 pm marked extraordinary landmarks in music. Huge thanks to Rob Brydon for this brilliant interview!

[@rocketpost1]

What a brilliant interview and what a truly lovely bloke Bob Harris is. He just seems to radiate good vibes. Arise Sir Bob.

[@tonylocke1214]

Bob Harris was an absolutely seminal part of my musical education. Tuesday night was church night, and Whispering Bob brought so much great music into my life. Millennials could never understand, just how limited our access to, particularly “non pop”, music was. I must have watched every episode of The Old Grey Whistle Test, and in a time before we had video recorders, of any kind. So it was a given, that Tuesday night was absolutely sacrosanct, for me, and countless other musicians, and fans of “contemporary rock” around the UK, during the 70’s.

[@johncarden1112]

That is absolutely correct. HMV etc record shops and Radio 1 just had top 20. In fact access in the 60's pirate radio at least had John Peel's the Perfumed Garden. Bob Harris was serious about the music and it was all live. Again most things were mimed on Top of the Pops etc.

[@peterlorimer3552]

Thank you so very much Bob you taught me what proper music was. For that I will be eternally grateful to you . Cheers bruv.

[@johnwilson8312]

Bob Harris and the local record shop boss, Victor Cameron shaped my record collection from the 70's onwards, I am indebted to them both for the amazing sounds they introduced to my ears.

[@folkme3042]

Same here! When I was a teenager in the seventies my school friends seemed to fall firmly into two categories.The ones who watched Top Of The Pops or the ones like me who thought The Old Grey Whistle Test was compulsive viewing.I discovered so many great bands on there like Lynyrd Skynyrd,Rush,Jethro Tull and Alex Harvey Band. Happy days!

[@classicraceruk1337]

Whispering Bob Harris absolute genius.

[@Michaellipmanactor]

I first saw Dire Straits on TOGWT and was blown away by Sultans of Swing. Last Sunday I really wanted to listen to that track but don’t have it on my device. I immediately went on KZbin and brought up that performance. This interview has been two worlds colliding.

[@billbligh4547]

Decency personified. Thank you for what you do so so well Bob.

[@philn1957]

So true, as a child of the 50's when Whispering Bob Harris and Old Grey Whistle Test started broadcasting it changed my musical life, superb 😀👍

[@Lones555]

Fun bit of trivia, the person who commissioned "old grey whistle test"at the BBC was Sir David Attenborough

[@Isleofskye]

Yeah, what happened to him?

[@jamro217]

The Old Grey Whistle Test was broadcast in the USA (probably in syndicated reruns) during the '70's. Kept us up on what was going on across the pond in an age where tv and radio were the only media. Can't thank you enough for posting this.

[@julianperkins81]

I could listen to Bob's voice all day!

[@Glamrockqueen]

Rob you have surpassed yourself! What a lovely, interesting and informative interview. Voice of a childhood. Like a lot of people, OGWT was a big part of my learning curve with music. Thank you xx

[@djd8305]

I was too young for it - it seemed a bit creepy and 'grown up'😀

[@Glamrockqueen]

@@djd8305 It was of the time. No internet, mainstream tunes played on on Radio 1, by DJs with enormous egos.

[@janlewis567]

Oh Bob, what a fantastic interview with the very lovely Whispering Bob Harris. How well I remember his show when I was still a Londoner. It was brilliant, wish I could have stayed with you to hear some more after you ended the clip! Thanks for having him on your show and I feel quite envious that I can no longer tune into his program from New Zealand. So glad he recovered from that health ordeal, a truly lovely man ♥

[@GpoppaJohn]

Legend in every sense of the word, way ahead of his time.

[@andydixon2980]

'Whispering Bob' as he was/is affectionally known. How many DJ's today have his soft, calm tones, let alone his humility and vast knowledge of popular music.

[@Planet_Caravan_94]

Bob Ross and Bob Harris, two Bobs that shaped asmr

[@scattman57]

your best interview to date.grew up with the music maestro bob harris and still listen to him today.a brilliant man

[@mattwashere2700]

I can’t imagine what an absolute joy that was for you Rob. For us it was wonderful. I bet it was magical for you. Mx

[@jolewis-brown6608]

And thanks to you both Bob and Rob 🤗

[@MrJimbolloyd]

Bob is wonderful. Thanks Bob and Rob.

[@michaelbridge5454]

Best interview yet. Grew up with Whispering Bob Harris. Thank you Rob

[@theradioham]

Fabulous, used to listen to Bob often on BFBS when I served in the Royal Air Force in various locations around the world, always loved him.

[@redd605]

My parents always let me watch this even thought I was in junior school and on late.love it when it was on at Christmas or holiday . Bob was a excellent cool presenter ,so relaxing in his interview with guests on the programme.

[@cliveschless5222]

I listened to this episode on Spotify and this episode is the best podcast I have listened to bar none! Bob is a great talker and, unusually, Rob, let's hIm get on and talk. And it's all gold.

[@michaelmcbreen4025]

All I can say is in my opinion Bob Harris is the David Attenborugh of music a true gent very knowledgeable and should be knighted, the old grey whistle test was a must for me from day one of it's inception.

[@tuvantrader]

Bob and Rob-sounds like radio DJ duo if I ever heard of one. Rob, you’re a fantastic interviewer and come across as a genuinely lovely guy with real respect, admiration and love for your guests (many are good friends, I know), but it is a real pleasure to watch; the vibes are always good and up-lifting. 🙏

[@garethd4948]

Wow, what a great interview. Brought back memories. I remember when Radio 1 (possibly 1FM at that time) used to close down in the early hours. I was doing paper-rounds at the time and used to set my radio to turn on at 4:55 - I'd get 5 minutes of Radio 1 jingles, followed by Bruno Brookes for 90 minutes. Halcyon days.

[@GWills-ys6rd]

What a wonderful conversation. The Old Grey Whistle Test was extremely important to me personally (just after the Bob Harris era) such as broadcasting Prince and The Revolution Live in Syracuse, March 30, 1985. Bob Harris will always be cherished, much in the same way Robbie Vincent is also hugely important to radio broadcasting.

[@charleigh195]

The best guest ever.The guy who introduced Little Feat Lynyrd Skynyrd and onto amazing country bands like the Dixie Chicks amongst others to the UK what a fantastic guy.Bless Bob and his charisma and forethought to beautiful amazing music.

[@layalabi1667]

It was very moving!! Thank you!!

[@NelsondeQuinhones]

Wonderful lesson in Radio History. Thank you.

[@Cchogan]

Rob, years back, a mate made a mock serious radio show about Spinal Tap's the Black Album. We had Mark Knopfler and others talking about how wonderful and influential Tap were. But the programme wouldn't have meant anything if Whispering Bob Harris hadn't agreed to record the links. But we needed him to do the impossible - record it completely straight. So, we asked him if he wanted to hear the Spinal Tap segments. "No!" he said. "I will never be able to do this if I hear them!" It was brilliant. Bob is a complete pro, and he gave it all his gravitas. It just made it all the funnier. That programme was one of the most fun things I worked on as a studio engineer, and his session was the highlight.

[@davecostello560]

Is this available anywhere for our listening pleasure?!

[@Isleofskye]

Is this available anywhere for our listening pleasure?!

[@cosmicdrifter287]

Bob Harris is simply a main key person in my music development.I Could never thank him enough for pointing direct to excellent,challenging,interesting music.Great character too.

[@grahamhill2267]

Rob, that was such a wonderful interview with the great and knowledgeable Bob Harris! I enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you!

[@portcullis5622]

I was only young when Bob presented OGWT in the 1970s, but I do remember that my dad hated it when my older brother turned the TV up louder at about 11pm! "That ********* Whispering Bob"! I used to listen to Bob's eclectic late night show on Radio 1 in the late 1980s/early 90s, as in those days, it was one of the best ways to discover new artists in several different genres of music. It was on his programme in 1989 where I first heard the wonderful voice of Natalie Merchant, when she was in 10000 Maniacs (the song was 'Trouble Me'). Been a fan ever since. Many thanks Bob.👍

[@donholt3361]

Bob Harris- proof that class will out. Fell out with him over punk, but he resurfaced due to his quality

[@infoinglesa]

I love Bob's voice.

[@Mark_Brooks]

Rob, you should consider interviewing Leland Sklar, who gained fame as James Taylor's bass player. He was with James for these OGWT shows, and the BBC concerts included Carole King. He has played on over 2600 tracks, 2500 albums in his 52 year career. He recently completed a tour with Lyle Lovett all over the US. Cheers to you!

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

Whistle test was wonderful, and Bob was whistle test. Thank you Bob.

[@johnianknox1629]

Congratulations Rob on a fantastic show and interview with the legend that is Bob Harris, during the coarse of the interview it became quite clear that you both have a marvellous rapport, well done Sir.

[@martinkillips180]

'Curated music' indeed. He was the thinking person's music critic.

[@martinomelbourne2714]

Wow, that voice puts me back to the old grey whistle test back in the 70s. Great to see Bob Harris again.

[@Danstaat1]

What a voice. What a man. I was lucky to shake his hand. Legend.

[@elainemackie1431]

Bob and old grey whistle test was vital to my music education in the 70s, bands you’d never have access to without it. Little Feet, Bob Marley and Wild Willie Barrett 😂

[@peterlorimer3552]

Hoy don't forget his mad sidekick John Ottway! Lol " Cor baby that's really free!" Lol

[@elainemackie1431]

@@peterlorimer3552 of course !!! 😂😂😂. I watched a documentary about John Ottway on, I think Netflix, a few years. Still mad as a box of frogs 🤣

[@peterlorimer3552]

@@elainemackie1431 Thank you very much for your reply to my comment. Yes, The Whistle Test had a massive influence on my musical tastes and by rote almost, many more of my own characteristic traits. Strange to think about something as seemingly innocuous as a programme on television having such an influence but it did and I'm grateful. Along, of course, Monty Python were the staples that bound together the utter dross that on reflection made up most of the other stuff on the box at the time.

[@peterlorimer3552]

@@elainemackie1431 They've ( KZbin) still got that recording of Otway and Wild Willie Barrett on their first appearance on the Whistle Test... " Cheryl's going home!," fill your boots! Lol

[@leodegas7731]

Wonderful heart warming interview.😊 Again, I thank Rob. Being from the US, I love learning about other famous people from other countries. It also helps that you guys know how to speak English.🤣🤣🤣 Seriously, thank you Rob for introducing me to new people and new worlds. Leo🦁 ✌️ from San Diego

[@shanustheanus]

It would help us Leo if you guys also knew how to speak English haha

[@trailingarm63]

I was just about to say this interview should have been much longer when I saw your comment below about the Spotify version. Will go there now!

[@jimcorlett]

Bob Harris just a brilliant broadcaster loved OGWT

[@davidmiller6504]

I remember Bob introducing me to a wide smorgasbord of music back in the '70s. My first thought as a 'horrible teenage oik was who is this old geezer? Where I have got older he still has the glint of a young soul. Love his positivity and clear love for the vast cannon of music we both enjoy over the 20th and 2st centuries. Great bloke!

[@Isleofskye]

Of anyone had a clear love for a vast cannon of music and could introduce someone to a wide smorgasbord of music back in the '70s. it was Bob..

[@Isleofskye]

"If" not "Of"..😀

[@danmayberry1185]

In Canada I listened to pirated radio simulcasts of this treasure putting budding rockstars at ease. Huge guest, Rob!

[@martinkillips180]

Both have superb voices. I love the clarity - (I can live with Rob's Welsh tilt!).

[@shirlegirling6830]

This is a great interview and very informative ....👏👏🙋‍♀️

[@Intermezzo9]

Wonderful Whispering Bob Harris. We love you! 💖🎶 You're not so bad either Rob! 😉 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 x

[@FrasSmith]

What a gentleman and gentle man. :-)

[@martinintrospective3491]

Bobs interview with Keef Richards in the 70’s . The most laid back interview I’ve ever experienced ever . Keef was very stoned

[@carolwardropper5521]

Whispering Bob Harris..fabulous

[@lizlawley6680]

Well done Rob, interviewing TWO national treasures named Bob. 👍👍👍🤗 (we do beg your pardon, but we are in your garden..)

[@DeathlyTired]

I'd make a list here of all the musicians I've discovered because of Bob Harris, but KZbin has a Comment length limit of 10,000 characters.

[@onlyme219]

TOGWT was the only show on TV at the time that'd give now-famous musically talented punk bands a stage to play live, Great show

[@pauldavies6037]

Another great interview with a music legend

[@nigelheathcote6084]

First time i heard about the old grey whistle test was from a friend who told me about this show that had all different bands on, there was just one I had heard of, Alice cooper, this wasn’t top of the pops , weird , so I stopped up late to watch it, best move ever. Unfortunately I think it got loads of grief when punk kicked in coz it was time to move on,still will always love whispering bob

[@haydne]

Bob was so instrumental in my life, the music in my life has come from the OGWT

[@OLLI-ln7kp]

Grew up listening to TOGWT he introduced us to a lot of new bands,He wasn’t over complementary to the New York Dolls if I remember rightly.

[@meandcadasil7093]

One of the most extraordinarily delightful interviews I’ve seen - anywhere! Thank you both. I’d not heard of Bob Harris before (gasp! 😮), having grown up and still residing in Australia. No excuse, right? I’m off now to visit your website Bob and check out your Insta account. And congratulations on your incredibly valuable advocacy role, particularly in light of aortic dissection having a low profile and being commonly misdiagnosed. 👍🏼

[@Isleofskye]

There will be many "Old Grey Whistle Test" Clips on here, which were our 1970's first introduction to so many Artists in that golden era.

[@roberthayes9842]

When Bob Harris smiled I always thought he'd done something naughty and was hiding it, brought the best music to our attention, always live

[@Isleofskye]

He is a great guy and must have a naughty side. Just ask his 8 kids😀

[@stevedundee866]

This was brilliant to listen to. Rob you are such a great interviewer..you would give that Irish guy on the telly a run for his money 😉 "plummeting to certain death"...I spat my coffee out laughing. Thanks for making this. Whispering Bob is a legend 👍

[@allandavies1642]

Wonderful interview !

[@likeakite]

Wonderful

[@neildutton8077]

"Whispering" Bob Harris, legend.

[@jonnysupreme]

Jesus Christ he's still going! I genuinely thought he... "left" quite a while back. My apologies 🤣 All the best Bob 👍👍😅

[@johnlowe3050]

We all use to gather around the old telly...passing numerous smokes. It was so important to us...the new world was taking over.

[@emjones55343]

What a class act!

[@carolwardropper5521]

Gawd The OGW…first time I saw Police..Van Morrison n yes Eagles +++ loved that show.

[@P73-i4n]

I remember a pretty accurate back-handed intro he did to Sham 69 on whistle test.

[@robcala72]

I want to know what he thinks of the band NewYork Dolls after he called them mock rock back in the early 70s . Wonder if he’s had a change of mind after all these years

[@tenpole41]

That was just brilliant!

[@djd8305]

Wow, he and Jo Brandt share a voice - slightly breathless, pleasant, comforting and obviously clever.

[@manreay6769]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏Absolutely Brilliant Interview. Rob

[@10MinuteGuitarJams]

Lynyrd Skynyrd on TOGWT.. That alone would have been good enough for me.. Great great show!

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Whispering Bob Harris means Old Grey Whistle Test Legend with no equal.

[@simonwkey]

Legend, Nuff Sed!

[@markennvibryan]

Great interview ❤

[@TAMSTERMAN]

Anyone who played little feat live can and has that demeanour can have a key to stay at my house for as long as they want. ( easy on the the county and western though as i struggle with it)

[@danmayberry1185]

Imagine sharing a pub table with Lowell George and Whispering Bob!

[@PolarBear-rc4ks]

LOL i used to serve this guy at my old job- what a small world haha

[@MartinBaldock]

National treasure is Bob...

[@oneworldfamily]

Another lovely interview with two lovely chaps! Thanks, Rob. I'm not that familiar with Bob Harris, but were him and Richard Branson separated at birth?

[@mattandersonmusic]

What a lovely man

[@richardcoffeygeneral]

I can't understand why Bob Harris hated Sparks when they appeared on OGWT in 1973 - highly original band, made it big in 1974 and still going strong today. I wonder if his opinion on them has changed in the years since?

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

Whistle test was where it was at.

[@danstone6871]

What a fucking lovely man. Obviously. We know that. Thanks Bob.

[@lebadass]

Legends

[@molie636]

brilliant

[@nick78447]

Love Bob.

[@haydne]

Bob introduced me to so much music, his New Year, Old Grey Whistle Test was my highlight of the year! AND I remember one performance that has always stuck in my mind...Like A Hurricane, Neil Young LIVE! and his guitar solo was brilliant! OH!!!, nearly forgot, Tom Waits! I was sad when Bob was, I don't know, "let go", and those two younger idiots were put in charge, they were crap! I stopped watched OGWT after that.

[@rgkeys72]

I saw the thumbnail and thought cool “Robert Llewellyn”, was confused during the intro when you referred to him as a pillar of broadcasting…

[@conchronic]

N I C E , as the fast show parodied

[@tbeau6663]

Top man

[@stevej1154]

Fletch from Depeche Mode died from an aortic dissection. That was the first time I’d heard of it.

[@Keenan716]

completely unrelated but Rob Brydon looks a little like Christoph Waltz to me lol

[@revbenf6870]

What a legend, but I expect the uber meister fuhrers at Radio 2 in charge of ageism are already gunning for him.