BBC radio legend Johnnie Walker dies at the age of 79

Lis Sinatra

BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, just two months after drawing his 58-year career to a close.

The news was confirmed live on air on the station on Tuesday afternoon (December 31) by his friend and colleague Bob Harris, who had taken over Walker’s Sounds Of The 70s show after his recent retirement.

Walker had the lung condition pulmonary fibrosis and stepped down from his shows, which also included The Rock Show on Radio 2, at the end of October.

Walker’s wife Tiggy said she “couldn’t be more proud” of her husband for “how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease”.

Johnnie Walker (Photo by P. Floyd/Daily Express/Getty Images)
BBC Radio disc jockey Johnnie Walker in a radio studio, UK, 23rd November 1971. (Photo by P. Floyd/Daily Express/Getty Images)

“He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish,” she said.

“And if I may say – what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace.”

The BBC’s director general Tim Davie has paid tribute to Walker, describing him as a “pop radio pioneer and champion of great music”, while Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas added: “Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend.”

“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. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children.”

Walker was born on March 30, 1945 and started his radio career in 1966 on pirate station Swinging Radio England before moving to the legendary Radio Caroline. He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and helmed the lunchtime show from 1971, where he promoted emerging artists such as Lou Reed, Steve Harley and Steely Dan.

After a stint on US radio, he presented shows on BBC Radio 5 Live and GLR before joining Radio 2 in 1997, where he presented Drive from 1998 to 2006.

He had presented Sounds Of The 70s since 2009 and The Rock Show since 2018 before bowing out of both programmes in late October to tend to his poor health. His final words on his final show were: “Walk into the future with our heads held high, and happiness in our hearts”.

See a range of tributes to Walker below, including from fellow veteran BBC radio host Nicky Campbell, who called him a “sweet and brilliant man” and “an inspiration”.

Very sad news. Johnny was the first DJ I had any time for. Did the chart show and loved Bowie…❤️www.bbc.com/news/article…

— Marc Riley. (@marcrileydj.bsky.social) 2024-12-31T16:36:16.352Z

I was hooked on his shows at Radio 1, and hurried 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 for radio was contagious. I caught it from him I think. Radio has lost a giant. Rest in peace Johnnie.

— Simon Mayo (@simonmayo.bsky.social) 2024-12-31T16:30:14.100Z

The BBC have said that a collection of programmes showcasing Walker’s life and career will be available on BBC Sounds shortly.