BBC Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker dies aged 79 just months after retiring
Walker’s death was announced on air on BBC Radio 2 by his friend and former colleague Bob Harris, with his wife Tiggy describing him as an ‘amazing man’
Veteran radio DJ Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, it has been announced.
Walker presented his final episodes of Sounds Of The 70s show and The Rock Show on BBC Radio 2 in October.
The iconic presenter had earlier announced that he was retiring from radio after 58 years having been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Walkerâs death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2âs Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November.
His wife Tiggy said: âI couldnât be more proud of Johnnie â how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease.
âHe remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong, amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
âAnd if I may say â what a day to go. Heâll be celebrating New Yearâs Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show.
âGod bless that extraordinary husband of mine, who is now in a place of peace.â
Walker was born in Birmingham and left school at the age of 15 to train to become a mechanic, later taking a job as a car salesman.
He began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station and later moved to Radio Caroline, where he became a household name hosting the hugely popular night-time show.
Walker went on to join BBC Radio 1 in 1969, continuing until 1976, with him later moving to San Francisco, where he recorded a weekly show broadcast on Radio Luxembourg.
He returned to the UK in the 80s and presented Radio 1âs Saturday Stereo Sequence.
After working on various BBC stations, he left Radio 1 for good in 1995 and three years later he was offered his own weekly show on Radio 2, before taking over Drivetime.
In 2003, Walker underwent chemotherapy and an emergency operation for non-Hodgkinâs lymphoma.
He told his listeners live on air of the diagnosis and later revealed that he âdiedâ on the operating table three times during surgery to repair his burst intestine.
The BBCâs director general, Tim Davie, said: âWe are deeply saddened by the news of Johnnieâs passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone at Radio 2.
âJohnnie was a pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music, entertaining millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2.
âNo one loved the audience as much as Johnnie and we loved him back.â
This breaking news story is being updated.
