Johnnie Walker: The BBC Legend Who Shaped Radio




I grew up listening to Johnnie Walker on the radio. His voice was a comforting presence in my childhood home, always playing the best music from the 60s and 70s. Johnnie had a way of making you feel like you were right there with him, sharing his love of music. He was a true legend of radio, and his retirement is a sad day for music lovers everywhere.
Johnnie Walker was born in Birmingham, England in 1945. He started his career in radio at the age of 16, working for pirate radio stations. In 1969, he joined BBC Radio 1, where he quickly became one of the most popular DJs on the station. He moved to BBC Radio 2 in 1998, where he hosted the shows "Sounds of the 70s" and "The Rock Show."
Johnnie Walker was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of music, his passion for sharing new music with his listeners, and his warm and friendly personality. He was a true radio pioneer, and his influence on the music industry is immeasurable.
Johnnie Walker retired from radio in 2023, after a 58-year career. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2022, and he decided to step down from his radio shows to spend more time with his family.
Johnnie Walker's retirement is a loss for the music world, but his legacy will live on. He was a true giant of radio, and his voice will be missed by millions of listeners around the world.
In a statement released on his website, Johnnie Walker said: "It's with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from radio. I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I have decided to step down from my radio shows to spend more time with my family.
"I have had a wonderful career in radio, and I have been privileged to work with some of the greatest musicians of all time. I have also had the pleasure of sharing my love of music with millions of listeners around the world.
"I would like to thank all of my listeners for their support over the years. You have made my career possible, and I will never forget you.
"I would also like to thank my colleagues at the BBC. You have been my family for many years, and I will always cherish the memories we have made together.
"Finally, I would like to thank my wife, Tiggy. She has been my rock throughout my career, and I could not have done it without her.
"I am retiring from radio, but I will never stop loving music. It is my lifeblood, and it will always be a part of me.
"Thank you for the memories."