Johnnie Walker, one of the BBC‘s longest-serving radio DJs, has died. Walker died earlier today at 79 following a long battle with lung disease, two months after calling time on his radio career.
Tributes flooded in from BBC top brass. Director General Tim Davie called Walker a “pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music.”
“He entertained millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2,” added Davie. “No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.”
Radio 2 head Helen Thomas said his two main shows, Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show, were “appointments to listen to” because of Walker’s influence. “He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply,” she added. “Johnnie’s wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience. The airwaves simply won’t be the same again.”
Walker’s wife, Tiggy Walker, who sometimes contributed to his shows, added: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.”
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Walker spent the vast majority of his career with the BBC. Born Peter Waters Dingley in 1945, he landed his first role for BBC Radio 1 in April 1969. After stints in local radio, he returned to the BBC in the late 1980s and was given a weekly show on Radio 2 in 1998. He presented many shows in the years following, landing a loyal audience base for Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show and proving to be hugely popular.
His final Sounds of the 70s came in October, a few months after it was announced that Walker was terminally ill. His death comes 10 months after Steve Wright, another much-loved Radio 2 DJ.
Walker is survived by wife and two children. The BBC said Radio 2 will be paying tribute to him today in shows and also in the New Year. A collection of programs showcasing Johnnie’s life and career will be available in BBC Sounds shortly.