Former BBC Radio 2 DJ dies at the age of 79 | Global News Avenue

Radio presenter Johnnie Walker has died aged 79 due to ill health, two months after his 58-year career ended.

DJ Bob Harris, who took over BBC Radio 2’s Sounds of the 70s program following Walker’s retirement, announced the death of his former colleague live on the station on Tuesday.

Harris described him as “an incredible, passionate, brilliant broadcaster” who “risked his life many times to defend the music he loved and who was passionate about broadcasting”.

Walker suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe.

he quits the speech At the end of October, Radio 2 also plays Sound of the 70s and The Rock Show.

Helen Thomas, director of BBC Radio 2, described him as “a much-loved broadcasting legend”.

She said he “listened to Sounds of the ’70s” and “The Rock Show” by “bookings,” and passionately promoted artists and music “he cared deeply about.”

“Johnny’s sense of humor and his warm, open speaking style ensured he was loved by his audience. Radio will never be the same again. He will be greatly missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners and our thoughts are with him His wife Tiggy is with his children.”

Tiggy Walker said she was “incredibly proud” of her husband and “for his live broadcast almost to the end and for how he dealt with his debilitating lung disease with dignity and grace.”

“He remained his charming, humorous self throughout and what a strong, amazing man he is. It was a roller coaster ride from start to finish,” she said.

“If I may say – what a wonderful day. He will be in heaven celebrating New Year’s Eve with a great group of musicians. It has been a year since his last live performance. God bless my extraordinary husband who is in heaven now A peaceful place.”

BBC director-general Tim Davie described Walker as a “pioneer of pop radio and a champion of great music”, adding: “No one loved his audience as much as Johnny and we love him just as much.”

Radio 2’s Tony Blackburn said it was “a very sad loss as he was a brilliant broadcaster and a good friend”.

Harris recalled being friends with Walker since the 1960s and said they had been texting each other recently after Walker took over Sound of the 70s.

“He wished me well on my first show… ‘The listeners are lovely and they’ll take care of you.'”

Harris also read a eulogy for Sean Keaveny, who took over the Rock Show from Walker.

Keaveny described him as “a rebel, a soul seeker, a rocker, and a broadcaster extraordinaire.”

“He definitely lived life to the extreme. It was such a privilege to work with him. So glad you’re here, Bob, and we’re all listening,” he added.

Radio 1 breakfast show host Greg James also sent Harris a message. “My dad and I sit here listening to you. This is sad news but radio is the greatest community in times like this,” he wrote.

Former Radio 2 presenter Ken Bruce wrote on social media: “So sorry to hear about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a great broadcaster but a man of great personal strength and kindness.”

Radio 2 will pay tribute to Walker on its program for the rest of the day.

Walker announced on air in October that he would hang up the microphone and retire.

He explained why after reading a letter from a listener whose father loved the show but died in 2022 from pulmonary fibrosis.

“Now, this brings me to a very sad announcement,” he said.

“The struggles I had with making this show and trying to maintain a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 were becoming increasingly difficult, so I made some little jokes about Puffing Billy, so I had to make a 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 “Sounds of the ’70s” aired on October 27.

At the end of his final show, Walker said: “It will be strange not to be on radio anymore. And, by the same token, life will be slightly less stressful, trying to find breath in order to do a show.

“Thank you for being by my side all these years and taking care of yourselves and your loved ones. May we move into the future with our heads held high and happily. May God bless you all.”

Walker began his radio career in 1966 on offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England, before moving to Radio Caroline.

In 1969 he was recruited by BBC Radio 1 before joining Radio 2 in 1997, where he remained until his retirement.

On the Radio 1 lunchtime show, launched in 1971, he supported stars such as Steve Harley, Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Steely Dan.

He also lived in California for a time in the 1970s before returning in the 1980s and rejoining Radio 1 in 1987. He also presents for Radio 5 Live.

Over the years he presented many other programs and documentaries, including Drive, on Radio 2, Sounds of the 70s and Rock Show.

In 2003, Walker underwent chemotherapy and emergency surgery for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, telling an audience at the time that he had “died” on the operating table three times.