The BBCRadio presenter Johnnie Walker has died aged 79, two months after ill health called time on his 58-year career.
DJ Bob Harris, who took over BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 70s show after Walker’s retirement, announced his former colleague’s death live on the station on Tuesday.
Harris described him as “an incredible, passionate broadcaster” who “went out many times to defend the music he loved and was passionate about on the radio”.
Walker had pulmonary fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, a condition that makes breathing difficult.
He withdrew from the show. The 70s Sounds and Rock Show, also on Radio 2, at the end of October.
Helen Thomas, head of BBC Radio 2, described him as a “much-loved broadcasting legend”.
He made “listening appointments” to ’70s tunes and The Rock Show, and passionately promoted artists and music “he cared about so much”, he said.
“Johnny’s sense of humor and his enthusiastic, open presentation style ensured he was loved by his audience. The airwaves will never be the same again. He is loved by Radio 2 presenters, staff And will be missed by audiences alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.”
Getty ImagesTiggy Walker said she “couldn’t be more proud” of her husband and “how he kept on broadcasting almost until the end and with what dignity and grace he fought his debilitating lung disease”.
“He was his charming, hilarious self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It’s been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish,” she said.
“And if I may say – what a day to go. He will be celebrating New Year’s Eve in heaven with great musicians. A year since his last live show. God bless my extraordinary husband who Now I am in a place of peace.”
BBC director-general Tim Davey described Walker as “a pioneer of pop radio and a champion of great music”, adding: “No one has loved audiences as much as Johnny, and we loved him back. “
Radio 2’s Tony Blackburn said it was a very sad loss as he was a great broadcaster and a good friend.
Harris recalled a friendship with Walker from the 1960s, and said that he had recently become involved with the text after taking over the sounds of the ’70s. were exchanging
“He wished me well for my first program… ‘Listeners are lovely and they’ll take care of you.'”
Harris also read a tribute from Sean Keaveny, who took over the rock show from Walker.
Keaveny described him as “a rebel, a soul-searcher and a seeker, a rocker, an extraordinary broadcaster”.
“He lived life to the fullest. It was an absolute honor to work with him. So glad you’re alive, Bob, we’re all listening,” he added.
Radio 1 breakfast show host Greg James also sent a message to Harris. “My dad and I are sitting here listening to you. Such sad news, but radio is the greatest community at a time like this,” he wrote.
Former Radio 2 host Ken Bruce wrote on social media: “So sorry to hear about the great Johnnie Walker. He was not only a brilliant broadcaster but a man of great personal strength and kindness.”
Radio 2 is paying tribute to Walker on its shows for the rest of the day.
‘head held high’
Walker announced live in October that he would be hanging up his microphone to retire.
He explained this after reading a letter from a listener whose father had loved the show, but died of pulmonary fibrosis in 2022.
“Now, this forces me to make a very sad announcement,” he said.
“The struggle I’ve had to put on the show and try to maintain a professional quality suitable for Radio 2 is getting harder and harder by the day, hence my little jokes about Puffing Cat, so I have to make the decision. That I needed to end my career.”
Walker’s final episode of The Rock Show aired on October 25, and his final episode of The Voice of the ’70s aired on October 27.
At the end of his last show, Walker said: “[It’s] It’s going to be weird not being on wireless anymore. Also, by the same token, life will really be a little less stressful, trying to find the breath to do the programs.
“Thank you for being with me all these years and take good care of yourself and those you love and we can walk into the future with our heads held high and our hearts happy. God May you be happy.”
Walker began his radio career in 1966 with Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before moving to Radio Caroline.
He was recruited by BBC Radio 1 in 1969, then joined Radio 2 in 1997, where he remained until his retirement.
On his lunchtime Radio 1 show, which began in 1971, he championed names such as Steve Harley, Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Steely Dan.
He also spent time living in California in the 1970s before returning home in the 80s, rejoining Radio 1 in 1987. He also presented a show for Radio 5 Live.
On Radio 2 as well as The Sounds of 70’s and The Rock Show, he has presented many other programs and documentaries over the years, including The Drive Show.
In 2003, Walker underwent chemotherapy and emergency surgery for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, telling audiences at the time that he had “died” on the operating table three times.