English radio disc jockey and broadcaster, best known for Hosting ’Sounds of the 70s,’ Johnnie Walker died at the age of 79.
Bob Harris announced the news live on the station. BBC reported that Johnnie Walker had pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
Variety reported, 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.”
On 6 October 2024, Walker announced his retirement from broadcasting after 58 years because of ill health, with his final show airing on 27 October. 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.”
