Veteran DJ Johnnie Walker to retire from radio after 58 years
DJ Johnnie Walker has shared the "heartbreaking news" that he is stepping away from radio after an impressive 58-year career in broadcasting.
While presenting today’s episode of Sounds of the 70s on BBC Radio 2, the 79-year-old announced to the audience that he will be leaving both the Sunday afternoon program and the Rock Show.
He started the announcement by sharing a letter from a listener whose father had been a fan of the show but passed away in 2022 from pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that Walker himself was diagnosed with earlier this year.
Walker then addressed the audience with a heavy heart, saying, "This brings me to share some unfortunate news."
I've faced numerous challenges while working on the show and attempting to maintain the professional standards expected by Radio 2. This has become increasingly tough for me, which is why I've made some light-hearted comments about Puffing Billy. As a result, I've decided that it's time to conclude my career after 58 years.
I'll be wrapping up my final Sounds of the 70s on October 27th, so I'm planning to make these last three episodes the best they can be.
In the week of 1978, the Rolling Stones made a memorable appearance as special guests on America's Saturday Night Live. They took part in a few comedic sketches and played three songs from their then-new album, Some Girls.
"One of the songs on the album feels just right at this time."
He went on to play the Rolling Stones' 1978 hit "Miss You" and then shared the news that Bob Harris, the former host of the Old Grey Whistle Test, would take over his spot on the show.
He mentioned, “Just to let you know, I can share that not only will I be hosting my final episode of Sounds of the 70s, but the next presenter will be none other than Bob Harris. So, starting from November 3, Bob Harris will be at the helm of Sounds of the 70s.”
Earlier this year, Walker mentioned that his illness, which leads to scarring in the lungs and makes it harder to breathe, is "terminal" and is worsening over time.
He also acknowledged the importance of his radio programs, stating that he would likely have a much shorter life without them.
When discussing his transition from Walker, Harris expressed, "I’m both proud and privileged to step into the shoes of a legendary figure at BBC Radio 2."
"Johnnie and I have been buddies since my time hosting the Old Grey Whistle Test and the first Sounds of the 70s. I'm committed to honoring his legacy by putting together a show filled with the finest music from that amazing decade."
Shaun Keaveny is set to take over as the host of the Rock Show starting on November 1st.
Walker’s final episode of the Rock Show is set to be broadcast on Friday, October 25, from 11 PM to midnight. His last installment of Sounds of the 70s will follow on Sunday, October 27, airing from 3 PM to 5 PM.
The presenter, who hails from Birmingham, kicked off his radio journey in 1966 with Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate radio station. He later transitioned to the famous Radio Caroline, where he gained widespread recognition as the host of a beloved late-night program.
He became part of BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and stayed until 1976, when he relocated to San Francisco to produce a weekly program for Radio Luxembourg. He came back to the BBC in the early 1980s and has been there ever since.
A unique collection of the Sounds of the 70s is now available on BBC Sounds, giving listeners the chance to relive some of Walker's greatest highlights.
