BBC radio legend Johnnie Walker dies on the age of 79
BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Johnnie Walker has died on the age of 79, simply two months after drawing his 58-year profession to a detailed.
The information was confirmed dwell on air on the station on Tuesday afternoon (December 31) by his pal and colleague Bob Harris, who had taken over Walker’s Sounds Of The 70s present after his current retirement.
Walker had the lung situation pulmonary fibrosis and stepped down from his reveals, which additionally included The Rock Present on Radio 2, on the finish of October.
Walker’s spouse Tiggy stated she “couldn’t be extra proud” of her husband for “how he stored broadcasting virtually to the tip and with what dignity and style he coped along with his debilitating lung illness”.
“He remained his charming, humorous self to the tip, what a robust superb man. It has been a rollercoaster journey from begin to end,” she stated.
“And if I’ll say – what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Yr’s Eve with a stash of nice musicians in heaven. One yr on from his final dwell present. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who’s now in a spot of peace.”
The BBC’s director common Tim Davie has paid tribute to Walker, describing him as a “pop radio pioneer and champion of nice music”, whereas Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas added: “Everybody at Radio 2 is heartbroken concerning the passing of Johnnie, a a lot cherished broadcasting legend.”
“Johnnie’s wry sense of humour and his heat, open fashion of presenting ensured he was adored by his viewers. The airwaves merely gained’t be the identical once more. He might be very a lot missed by Radio 2 presenters, employees and listeners alike, and our ideas are along with his spouse Tiggy and his youngsters.”
Walker was born on March 30, 1945 and began his radio profession in 1966 on pirate station Swinging Radio England earlier than shifting to the legendary Radio Caroline. He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and helmed the lunchtime present from 1971, the place he promoted rising artists similar to Lou Reed, Steve Harley and Steely Dan.
After a stint on US radio, he offered reveals on BBC Radio 5 Stay and GLR earlier than becoming a member of Radio 2 in 1997, the place he offered Drive from 1998 to 2006.
He had offered Sounds Of The 70s since 2009 and The Rock Present since 2018 earlier than bowing out of each programmes in late October to are inclined to his poor well being. His last phrases on his last present had been: “Stroll into the longer term with our heads held excessive, and happiness in our hearts”.
See a variety of tributes to Walker beneath, together with from fellow veteran BBC radio host Nicky Campbell, who known as him a “candy and good man” and “an inspiration”.
Goodbye Johnnie. Candy and good man. I’m so fortunate to have identified you. You had been an inspiration. ????#johnniewalkerRIP
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) December 31, 2024
Very unhappy information. Johnny was the primary DJ I had any time for. Did the chart present and cherished Bowie…❤️www.bbc.com/information/article…
— Marc Riley. (@marcrileydj.bsky.social) 2024-12-31T16:36:16.352Z
I used to be hooked on his reveals at Radio 1, and hurried dwelling from faculty to catch his farewell present. After we had been colleagues at Radio 2 I used to be over the moon. His ardour for music and for radio was contagious. I caught it from him I believe. Radio has misplaced a large. Relaxation in peace Johnnie.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo.bsky.social) 2024-12-31T16:30:14.100Z
Johnnie Walker’s last radio broadcast was two months in the past.
His last phrases: “Stroll into the longer term with our heads held excessive, and happiness in our hearts.” pic.twitter.com/GlJ8bIFxqK
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) December 31, 2024
Aw RIP Johnnie Walker. Cherished his ‘Sounds Of The 70s’ present quite a bit pic.twitter.com/AbZKsat9qv
— Full Management PR (@pollybirkbeck) December 31, 2024
The BBC have stated {that a} assortment of programmes showcasing Walker’s life and profession might be out there on BBC Sounds shortly.