Johnnie Walker Dies: Much-Loved BBC Radio DJ Was 79

deadline.com:

Johnnie Walker, one of the BBC‘s longest-serving radio DJs, has died. Walker died earlier today at 79 following a long battle with lung disease, two months after calling time on his radio career.

Tributes flooded in from BBC top brass. Director General Tim Davie called Walker a “pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music.” “He entertained millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2,” added Davie. “No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.” Radio 2 head Helen Thomas said his two main shows, Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show, were “appointments to listen to” because of Walker’s influence. “He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply,” she added. “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.” Walker’s wife, Tiggy Walker, who sometimes contributed to his shows, added: “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.” DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO: Walker spent the vast majority of his career with the BBC.