The beloved DJ Johnnie Walker has died at 79, leaving behind a rich legacy in music and broadcasting that touched many lives.
Birmingham: It’s a sad day as we say goodbye to Johnnie Walker, the legendary DJ who passed away at 79. His friend Bob Harris shared the news on BBC Radio 2, and it hit hard.
Johnnie was born in Birmingham and started his career in a pretty unusual way. He left school at 15 to become a mechanic and even sold cars for a bit. But music was his true love, and he found his way into it as a disco DJ, going by the name Peter Dee.
He was known for focusing on the music rather than chatting too much between songs. He introduced us to some amazing artists like Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles. His wife, Tiggy, shared a heartfelt tribute after his passing on New Year’s Eve, saying, “What a day to go.”
Tiggy expressed how proud she was of Johnnie, especially for how he kept broadcasting almost until the end, despite his struggles with lung disease. She described him as charming and humorous right up to the last moment, calling him a strong and amazing man. It’s been quite a journey for them.
She added, “What a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven.” It’s a bittersweet farewell, but his legacy will live on through the music he loved.
