Johnnie Walker, a well-known radio broadcaster, has passed away at the age of 79, just two months following his retirement from a 58-year-career due to poor health. DJ Bob Harris announced the news on BBC Radio 2 yesterday, stating that Walker was an “incredible, warm, superb broadcaster”, who had defended and promoted the music that he loved throughout his career.
Walker had been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, which made breathing difficult for him. According to various sources, his family have described him as charming and humorous, dealing with his debilitating lung disease with much dignity and grace. His wife Tiggy stated her pride in her husband and commented that he continued to broadcast almost until the end.
BBC Radio 2’s Head, Helen Thomas, expressed her regret for the passing of “a much loved broadcasting legend”, referring to Walker’s presence on Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show as “appointments to listen to.” Walker was known for promoting the music he cared about deeply, and his wry sense of humour led to him being adored by his audiences.
Tim Davie, the director-general of the BBC, described Walker as a “pop radio pioneer and champion of great music,” and “No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.”
Walker started his career on offshore pirate station, Swinging Radio England, in 1966 and moved on to Radio Caroline until joining BBC Radio 1 in 1969. He received chemotherapy and emergency surgery for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2003 and returned to the airwaves after recovering
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