Johnnie Walker, a former BBC Radio 2 DJ known for hosting the “Sounds of the 70s” show, died Monday. He was 79.
The news was announced live on the station by Bob Harris, who took over Johnnie Walker’s role on the radio show back in October. BBC reported that Johnnie Walker had pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
Tiggy Walker, Johnnie Walker’s wife who occasionally contributed to his radio shows, shared a tribute to BBC, writing that “he kept broadcasting almost to the end” and describing “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.”
Johnnie Walker joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and Radio 2 in 1997, where he built up a loyal fanbase on “Sounds of the 70s” and “The Rock Show.” Over the years, he championed artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and Lou Reed as they began their careers.
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When Johnnie Walker retired in October, he said that “The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy, so I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end.”
Johnnie Walker is survived by his wife, Tiggy Walker, and two children. Radio 2 will be honoring Johnnie Walker with tributes in the new year.