Veteran BBC DJ Johnnie Walker has passed away at the age of 79, after battling pulmonary fibrosis. The announcement came live on BBC Radio 2 from fellow broadcaster Bob Harris, who took over Walker’s show back in October.
Walker, who had been with the BBC since 1969, was known for his iconic shows, such as "Sounds of the 70s" and "The Rock Show," where he dedicated his career to showcasing influential artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Lou Reed. His warmth and charming personality endeared him to listeners and defined his broadcasting style.
His wife, Tiggy Walker, shared heartfelt memories and reflected on their time together during this challenging period, stating, "He kept broadcasting almost to the end," signifying Walker's enduring passion for radio, even as he coped with significant health challenges. She treasured the charm and humor he maintained, saying he faced his debilitating illness with considerable dignity and grace.
Walker’s health had severely declined due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which made breathing increasingly difficult. This condition led him to present shows from his home in Dorset, receiving constant care from Tiggy. The couple had made their struggles visible through podcasts, where they opened up about facing the end of Walker’s life. He stated, “Here we are at the end of my life when you’re having to care for me all over again.”
Tiggy described how the pair was warned by doctors about what to expect from his terminal condition, reflecting on her emotions: “It’s only by going to the doctors and going on antidepressants...because I was crying every single day.” She also recounted how shocked she was to hear from the consultant about the unpredictable nature of Walker’s illness, which affected both their lives dramatically.
Walker began his broadcasting career at BBC Radio 1 in 1969 but faced challenges, including leaving the station for over a decade due to disagreements over programming. He returned to BBC Radio 1 and eventually continued his legacy on Radio 2, where he earned admiration and loyalty from fans.
The media community, alongside his family, is set to honor Walker’s legacy with tributes and remembrances on Radio 2. His retirement, which he announced shortly before his passing, was characterized by his candid reflection on the difficulties of maintaining his professional standards due to health issues. He expressed, "The struggles I’ve had... have been getting more and more difficult."
Survived by his loving wife Tiggy and his two children, Walker will be remembered not only for his significant contributions to British radio and music culture, but also for his encouraging and loving spirit throughout his life, marked by resilience and hope. The tributes planned by Radio 2 will serve as a fitting tribute to his impact and legacy, reminding listeners of the charm and personality he brought to the station for over five decades.
Tiggy’s reflections on their time together highlight their deep bond, emphasizing how caring for someone as delicate as Walker brought both challenges and cherished moments. This weight of grief, alongside her love and commitment to him, illustrated the often-unseen demands of caring for someone with such significant health issues.
Johnnie Walker's contribution to music and broadcasting will resonate not only through memories but also through the many artists and colleagues he inspired throughout his long career.