[Music] Johnnie Walker RIP

Titanic

Super Moderator

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Jul 5, 2003

40,031

West Sussex

• Dec 31, 2024

• #1

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

Radio presenter Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, two months after calling time on his 58-year career because of ill health.

DJ Bob Harris, who took over BBC Radio 2's Sounds of the 70s show after Walker's retirement, announced his former colleague's death live on the station on Tuesday.

Walker had pulmonary fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, a condition which makes breathing difficult.

He stepped down from presenting Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show, also on Radio 2, at the end of October.

 

Dave the OAP

Well-known member

Jul 5, 2003

46,928

at home

• Dec 31, 2024

• #2

Bob Harris on radio 2 is in bits. His 1970’s show has been turned over to JW’ favourite music

Johnny was a great feature in my musical journey throughout my life and my go to DJ listening to great music and sounds

We have lost some very wonderful memorable people this year.

 

Weststander

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Aug 25, 2011

70,530

Withdean area

• Dec 31, 2024

• #3

RIP, a broadcasting legend.

I also loved his R2 Sunday afternoon progs about 10 years ago with great interviews, I recall one with Paul Simonon and another member of The Clash. JW let his guests do the talking (many don’t do that!).

 

Last edited: Dec 31, 2024

E

essbee1

Well-known member

Jun 25, 2014

4,925

• Dec 31, 2024

• #4

I'm so sad to hear this. His Sunday PM show was legendary. RIP great man.

 

maltaseagull

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Feb 25, 2009

13,546

Zabbar- Malta

• Dec 31, 2024

• #5

Brilliant DJ RIP.

 

F

Fungus

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May 21, 2004

7,186

Truro

• Dec 31, 2024

• #6

Introduced the young me to so much new music. RIP JW.

 

Thunder Bolt

Silly old bat

Aug 18, 2009

68,470

Beside the seaside, beside the sea

• Dec 31, 2024

• #7

One of my favourite radio presenters.

 

VAL1850

Well-known member

Nov 22, 2008

2,065

Beachy Head & WSU

• Dec 31, 2024

• #8

One of the very best RIP Johnnie W....

 

Official Old Man

Uckfield Seagull

Aug 27, 2011

9,294

Brighton

• Dec 31, 2024

• #9

Oh boy, my hero. From Caroline in the 60's to Radio 1 in the 70's and finally Radio 2 more recently.

 

J

junior

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Dec 1, 2003

6,657

Didsbury, Manchester

• Dec 31, 2024

• #10

Thought this was going to be the whiskey company going bust.

 

Super Steve Earle

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Feb 23, 2009

9,021

North of Brighton

• Dec 31, 2024

• #11

I noticed his autobiography on my bookshelf at 11.00ish last night and wondered how he was doing. Arguably my favourite DJ ever. Deeply saddened, but his life must have been so tough in the last few months. RIP.

 

Super Steve Earle

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Feb 23, 2009

9,021

North of Brighton

• Dec 31, 2024

• #12

junior said:

Thought this was going to be the whiskey company going bust.

Click to expand...

Time and a place mate, time and a place.

 

T

There'll never be another

Member

May 28, 2024

24

• Dec 31, 2024

• #13

Loved listening to Mr Walker. A warm and genuine broadcaster, with a genuine love of music. Condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.

 

Leekbrookgull

Well-known member

Jul 14, 2005

16,427

Leek

• Dec 31, 2024

• #14

They talk about music DJ legends and J/W was certainly that. Very sad news. Thanks for the memories.

 

5

5Ways Gull

È quello che è

Feb 2, 2009

1,275

Fiveways, Brighton

• Dec 31, 2024

• #15

I was lucky that my school was close enough to home in the early 70s for me to get home for lunch. Always listened to JW. New chart on Tuesdays. Big influence on my early musical tastes. I didn't like the BCRs either. Titan of radio broadcasting RIP!

 

A

A mex eyecan

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Nov 3, 2011

4,042

• Dec 31, 2024

• #16

They certainly don’t make them like Johnnie anymore. Class act always. Always felt like he was your mate.
RIP.

 

LamieRobertson

Not awoke

Feb 3, 2008

49,027

SHOREHAM BY SEA

• Dec 31, 2024

• #17

Whispering Bob doing a Sounds of the 70’s program on R2 right now celebrating the life of JW

 

Last edited: Dec 31, 2024

lawros left foot

Glory hunting since 1969

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Jun 11, 2011

14,186

Worthing

• Dec 31, 2024

• #18

Knew it wouldn’t be long when he gave up his show in October.

So sad, he was the only DJ who would play decent music on daytime radio back in the 70s.

Bless you Johnny, and thanks for the music.

 

studio150

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Jul 30, 2011

30,421

On the Border

• Dec 31, 2024

• #19

5Ways Gull said:

I was lucky that my school was close enough to home in the early 70s for me to get home for lunch. Always listened to JW. New chart on Tuesdays. Big influence on my early musical tastes. I didn't like the BCRs either. Titan of radio broadcasting RIP!

Click to expand...

Same here, recall fondly how he played too music music, so his show ran out of time to play the Rollers' number one.

RIP

 

hart's shirt

Well-known member

Jul 8, 2003

11,264

Kitbag in Dubai

• Dec 31, 2024

• #20

LamieRobertson said:

Whispering Bob doing a Sounds of the 70’s program on R2 right now celebrating the life of JW

Click to expand...

It's a tremendous listen, a real privilege.

Along with the heartfelt messages, it's an absolutely stellar song selection for the show which is in itself a fitting tribute.

Bob's done him proud today.