Radio 2 announce series of shows in tribute to late DJ Johnnie Walker

02 January 2025, 11:51 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

Following the news of his passing on New Year's Eve, Radio 2 have announced Remembers Johnnie Walker which is a special collection of programmes to celebrate the late DJ.

On the first programme Walker & Walker: Johnnie and Tiggy, exclusively for BBC Sounds, Johnnie and his wife, producer and writer Tiggy, discussed life, love and death, in a frank and searingly honest conversation as they intimately shared the story of their life together. Another episode of Walker On Walker sees Johnnie take a deep and very personal recollection of his colourful life, with many decades in broadcasting, since those early days of pirate radio to BBC Radio 1, KSAN in the USA, Radio West, GLR, 5Live and ultimately Radio 2.

Rest in peace Johnnie Walker. A true broadcasting legend. A brilliant radio DJ and presenter. As a musical tribute I play one of Johnnie Walker’s favourite songs: Will You Love Me Tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/hlFQmMp4cH
— Steve Rosenberg (@BBCSteveR) January 1, 2025

Elsewhere, Vernon Kay presents an edition of Tracks Of My Years, featuring Johnnie Walker, whilst Clash of the Pirates sees Radio 2’s musical maestros Walker and Tony Blackburn go head-to-head, selecting the ultimate playlist in a fun show of one-upmanship and through a series of tightly themed rounds.

Johnnie Walker – best known for hosting Sounds of the 70s and the Radio 2 Rock Show on Radio 2 – died on New Year's Eve at the age of 79, following a battle with lung disease. Announcing his passing, his wife said: "I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and 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."

The series of shows as part of Remembers Johnnie Walker are now available on BBC Sounds.