BBC Radio 2 Presenter Johnny Walker Passes Away
BBC Radio 2 presenter Johnny Walker has passed away at the age of 79, just two months after concluding his remarkable 58-year career.
Tributes and Remembrances
The announcement was made live on air by his friend and colleague Bob Harris on Tuesday afternoon (December 31), who has succeeded Walker on Sounds of the 70s following his recent retirement.
Walker suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, which led him to step back from his shows, including Rock show on Radio 2, at the end of October.
His wife, Tiggy, expressed her pride in her husband for “the way he continued broadcasting almost to the end and with the dignity and grace with which he managed his debilitating lung disease.”
“He remained so charming, humorous, such a strong and amazing person until the end. It was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish,” she reminisced.
“And if I might say, what a day lies ahead. He will welcome the New Year in the company of remarkable musicians in heaven, a year after his last live performance. God bless this wonderful husband of mine who is now at peace.”
BBC director general Tim Davie praised Walker as “a pioneer of pop radio and a champion of great music,” while Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas added, “Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken by the passing of Johnny, a much-loved broadcasting legend.”
“Johnny’s wry sense of humor and warm, open delivery style endeared him to audiences. The broadcast simply will not be the same. He will be greatly missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff, and listeners; our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.”
Walker was born on March 30, 1945, and began his radio journey in 1966 at the pirate station Swinging Radio England before moving to the legendary Radio Caroline. He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and hosted a lunchtime show beginning in 1971, promoting emerging artists like Lou Reed, Steve Harley, and Steely Dan.
After his time in American radio, he hosted shows on BBC Radio 5 Live and GLR before joining Radio 2 in 1997, where he presented Drive a car from 1998 to 2006.
He took over Sounds of the 70s in 2009 and Rock show in 2018 before stepping back from both programs at the end of October due to health issues. His final words on his last show were: “Go into the future with our heads held high and happiness in our hearts.”
Below you will find a number of tributes to Walker, including one from fellow BBC radio presenter Nicky Campbell, who described him as a “lovely and brilliant man” and an “inspiration”.
Goodbye Johnny. A sweet and brilliant man. I’m so lucky to have known you. You were an inspiration. 💔#johnniewalkerRIP
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) December 31, 2024
Very sad news. Johnny was the first DJ I had time for. Did the charts show and did Bowie love…❤️www.bbc.com/news/article…
— Mark Riley. (@marcrileydj.bsky.social) 2024-12-31T16:36:16.352Z
I was hooked by his show on Radio 1 and rushed home from school to catch his farewell show. When we were colleagues at Radio 2 I was over the moon. His passion for music and radio was contagious. I think I got it from him. Radio has lost a giant. Rest in peace Johnny.
— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo.bsky.social) 2024-12-31T16:30:14.100Z
Johnny Walker’s last radio broadcast took place two months ago.
His last words: “Go into the future with your head held high and happiness in your heart.” pic.twitter.com/GlJ8bIFxqK
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) December 31, 2024
Oh, rest in peace, Johnny Walker. I really liked his show “Sounds Of The 70s”. pic.twitter.com/AbZKsat9qv
— Full control over PR (@pollybirkbeck) December 31, 2024
The BBC announced that a series of programs celebrating Walker’s life and career would be made available shortly on BBC Sounds.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/bbc-radio-legend-johnnie-walker-dies-at-the-age-of-79-3825440?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bbc-radio-legend-johnnie-walker-dies-at-the-age-of-79
