https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce9051nljd3o Radio presenter Johnnie Walker has been described as a "broadcasting legend", following his death aged 79. The DJ died on Tuesday, two months after calling time on his 58-year career because of ill health. Presenter Bob Harris, who took over BBC Radio 2's Sounds of the 70s show after Walker's retirement, announced his former colleague's death live on the station. Harris described him as "an incredible, warm, superb broadcaster" who "went out on a limb many times to defend the music that he loved and he was passionate about radio". Walker had pulmonary fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, a condition which makes breathing difficult. He stepped down from presenting Sounds of the 70s and the Rock Show, also on Radio 2, at the end of October. The station's controller Helen Thomas described him as "a much-loved broadcasting legend". Johnnie's wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience," she said. "The airwaves simply won't be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children."
Just listened to Johnnie’s last Rock and 70s shows a few weeks back and didn’t realise he was ill. His earlier years were before my time but appreciated him as a giant of broadcasting.
Top DJ always liked his shows.... I actually won a prize on his Mystery Voice competition many years ago... My only claim to fame. RIP Johnnie
