Long-serving radio DJ Johnnie Walker concludes 58-year career

Long-serving DJ Johnnie Walker marked his last Sounds Of The 70s broadcast on BBC Radio 2 by stating, “the day has come I’ve always dreaded.” The 79-year-old host had previously disclosed his decision to retire from radio, concluding a 58-year career, citing health issues. During his concluding program on Sunday, Walker stated that he would not be accepting song requests, opting instead to personally select all the music, remarking: “I’m playing all the ones I love.” The poignant farewell broadcast included tributes from his wife Tiggy and Sir Rod Stewart. Walker concluded the show by addressing his audience with the words, “may we walk into the future with our heads held high and happiness in our hearts.” While Walker began hosting Sounds of the 70s in 2009, his involvement in British radio extends over nearly six decades. He commenced his final program with George Harrison’s “What Is Life” and subsequently dedicated his second selection, Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” to his audience. His former co-presenter, Sally Boazman, joined Walker on air, describing their partnership as the “best luck” of her life. They had collaborated on BBC Radio 2 Drivetime for a period of seven years, starting in 1999. Sir Rod Stewart, in a pre-recorded message, commended Walker for his role in advancing the careers of numerous rock bands. Sir Rod stated that Walker had “propelled the careers of a bunch of unknown layabouts to the top of the charts, and overnight fame and everything that goes with it.” The rock star concluded his message by extending an offer to Walker: “So if I do manage to get through the pearly gates, I’ll have a pint of Guinness, please mate, and guess what? I’ll pick up the tab. “See you later, Johnny. Rock on mate, rock on.” Walker became part of BBC Radio 1 in 1969, following his tenure as a DJ on the pirate station Radio Caroline during the 1960s. He departed the BBC in 1976, subsequently relocating to San Francisco, where he produced a weekly program aired on Radio Luxembourg. His return to the BBC occurred in the 1980s, and on January 17, 1987, Walker rejoined Radio 1 to host the Saturday afternoon program, The Stereo Sequence. He has continued his career at the BBC since then, presenting his final installment of The Rock Show on Friday, which featured a selection of his “favourite rock anthems.” Walker’s wife, Tiggy, who attended the broadcast from their residence in Dorset, commended her husband for persisting with his shows despite becoming “very ill” in January. The renowned radio personality received a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious respiratory condition that significantly impairs breathing. Tiggy stated, “I’m the one person who knows how hard it’s been for you, and I just want to say well done for keeping going as long as you have, because you make a lot of people very happy.” She added, “I know there will be a lot of tears out there today, including mine.” Walker acknowledged that he too might become emotional, expressing gratitude for her “wonderful care” and remarking: “I certainly couldn’t have done the show without that so thank you for that.” Following his retirement announcement, Walker shared with the BBC: “I get cards from people saying: ‘You’re the friend I’ve never met’ and things like that. So it will be sad to say goodbye.” Bob Harris is scheduled to succeed Walker as the host of Sounds of the 70s starting in November. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their external linking policy is available.