Veteran radio DJ Johnnie Walker retires after 58 years

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In a heartfelt farewell, veteran DJ Johnnie Walker recently presented his final episode of “Sounds of the 70s” on BBC Radio 2, sharing his bittersweet thoughts on retirement. At 79 years old and with nearly six decades in broadcasting, Walker expressed that “the day has come I’ve always dreaded.” Health issues prompted his decision to step away from the microphone after an impressive 58-year radio career.

For this last broadcast, Walker took full control of the playlist, playfully declaring, “I’m playing all the ones I love,” and opting not to take any song requests from listeners. The emotional episode featured touching messages from his wife, Tiggy, and iconic musician Sir Rod Stewart.

Reflecting on his journey, Walker opened his final show with George Harrison’s “What Is Life” and dedicated Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” to his loyal audience. He was joined on air by former co-presenter Sally Boazman, who described their partnership during the BBC Radio 2 Drivetime show as “the best luck” of her life.

In a pre-recorded tribute, Sir Rod Stewart acknowledged Walker’s immense influence on the music industry, humorously noting that he had “propelled the careers of a bunch of unknown layabouts to the top of the charts.” He ended his heartfelt message with a lighthearted drink invitation for the afterlife, saying, “So if I do manage to get through the pearly gates, I’ll have a pint of Guinness, please mate, and guess what? I’ll pick up the tab.”

Walker began his career at BBC Radio 1 in 1969, after working as a DJ on the notorious pirate station Radio Caroline. Despite stepping away in 1976 to pursue opportunities in San Francisco with Radio Luxembourg, he returned to the BBC in the 1980s and has remained a beloved presence ever since.

During the final show, his wife, Tiggy, joined him from their home in Dorset, offering praise for his resilience through illness. Walker has been battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious respiratory condition. Tiggy expressed pride in her husband’s determination, saying, “I just want to say well done for keeping going as long as you have, because you make a lot of people very happy.”

Walker echoed her sentiment, admitting he’d likely shed a tear or two himself, thanking her for her “wonderful care” throughout his struggles. After announcing his retirement, he reflected on the poignant messages he’s received from fans, stating, “I get cards from people saying: ‘You’re the friend I’ve never met.’ So it will be sad to say goodbye.”

As Walker’s illustrious chapter comes to a close, he passes the torch to Bob Harris, who will take over as the presenter of “Sounds of the 70s” starting in November.