Johnnie Walker RIP

[seeformiles]

One of my faves is no more

Johnnie Walker: Former BBC Radio 2 DJ dies at the age of 79

The presenter retired in October due to ill-health having worked as a DJ for 58 years.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[skyscraper101]

Many will remember him from the 70s. I remember him more in the 90s. A sort of antidote on Radio 1 to a lot of the change that happened around 1993. I credit him with turning me on to the stuff that sat outside of all the other genres I was into. He had a gentle vibe and played decent music which went down very well on a Saturday afternoon.

Just listening to Bob Harris reading out a lot of the tributes on radio 2 now. He was well loved.

 

[Puddy_Tat]

 

[hash tag]

Sad news rip Johnnie

 

[skyscraper101]

The last photo he shared on X with his wife Tiggy in October

 

[farmerbarleymow]

RIP.

 

[blossie33]

Sorry to hear a long career starting with Pirate Radio, always liked the type of music he played and he didn't do silly chatter like some of the other DJs.
RIP

 

[cupid_stunt]

RIP.

I knew he had been ill for sometime, he did a interview during a special broadcast on Radio Caroline, earlier this year, celebrating their 60th anniversary.

When the 'Marine Offences Broadcasting Act' came into force at midnight Aug. 14th 1967, after all the other stations had closed, except Caroline, he was the first person to break the new law, this is him at that moment.

 

[ska invita]

When the 'Marine Offences Broadcasting Act' came into force at midnight Aug. 14th 1967, after all the other stations had closed, except Caroline, he was the first person to break the new law, this is him at that moment.

For that alone he's a radio legend
And dj'd right up till he could DJ no longer
Will raise a glass!!

 

[cupid_stunt]

Nice tribute on the industry website -

BBC radio presenter Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79

BBC Radio 2 presenter Johnnie Walker has died aged 79

radiotoday.co.uk

Tiggy Walker, Johnnie’s wife, says: “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.

“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.”

Johnnie Walker began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before moving to the legendary Radio Caroline, becoming a household name by hosting a hugely popular night-time show.

After the closure of Radio Caroline [at the time], Johnnie joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969, continuing until 1976 and establishing a reputation as a DJ who prioritised records above chat. On his lunchtime show, which launched in 1971, he pioneered new names like Steve Harley, Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Steely Dan. Pop The Question and Tuesday Chart Rundown were other well remembered features of the show. Following his departure from Radio 1, he moved to San Francisco in 1976, where he recorded a weekly show which was broadcast on Radio Luxembourg.

 

[20Bees]

The podcast Johnnie and Tiggy released in the summer was heart-wrenching, it’s still on BBC Sounds. Johnnie thought he wouldn’t see another Christmas. My BIL succumbed to the same condition nine years ago, it’s awful.

Radio 2 Remembers Johnnie Walker - Walker & Walker: Johnnie & Tiggy - BBC Sounds

Johnnie Walker and his wife producer and writer, Tiggy, discuss life, love and death.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[skyscraper101]

 

[blossie33]

Article from BBC Birmingham website, he was originally from Solihull

The Midlands roots of Johnnie Walker

Born in Solihull, the star began his career in Birmingham's bars, clubs - and a car showroom.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[krtek a houby]

Sad news. Met him years ago and was a sound person from the impression he made.

RIP.

 

[Gerry1time]

I interviewed him about something festival related a few years back, and he was a really nice chap. Have to be honest, somehow I didn't really twig that the Johnnie Walker I interviewed was the same Johnnie Walker that he was with the history he had. I was talking to him about one specific thing, and once that was done, I moved on. Only reading his obituary just now have the pieces fallen into place. Like I say though, seemed like a really lovely guy, unpretentious and eager to help. RIP.

 

[farmerbarleymow]

Quite an impressive individual - clearly a nice man but he also invented whisky.

 

[DaveCinzano]

Salute from the NUJ:

Johnnie Walker remembered for his “loyal and effective” support for the NUJ

Broadcaster held firm during strike

www.nuj.org.uk