Radio 2 Remembers Johnny Walker is a special collection of programs currently available on BBC Sounds following the sad news of his death on New Year's Eve.
Johnny began his radio career in 1966 on the offshore pirate station Swinging Radio England, before moving to the legendary Radio Caroline, where he became famous hosting the hugely popular evening show.
He joined Radio 1 in 1969 and remained there until 1976, when he moved to San Francisco. He returned to the UK in the early '80s and worked for several commercial radio stations before returning to Radio 1 in 1987 and joining BBC Radio 2 in 1997.
Johnny quit Radio 2 just a few weeks ago due to ill health, and his wife Tiggy announced his death on December 31st.
Radio 2 Remembers Johnny Walker shows include:
Walker & Walker: Johnny and Tiggy
The voice of radio legend Johnny Walker has been heard from the days when he was unveiling the latest charts on Radio 1, to guiding us home on Radio 2's Drivetime, and more recently on Sounds of the 70s and Weekly It has always been a companion to many people. The Rock Show version.
His radio career and life challenges have been well-documented, and in this BBC Sounds exclusive, Johnny and his wife, producer and writer Tiggy, talk in a candid and poignantly honest conversation. , we discussed life, love, and death. They intimately shared their life stories.
Walker on Walker
DJ Johnny Walker has been in broadcasting for decades, from the early days of pirate radio to BBC Radio 1, KSAN in the US, Radio West, GLR, 5Live and eventually Radio 2. A deeply personal recollection of a colorful life. It's a way to soundtrack the ups and downs of his adventurous life with music that defined the most important and important moments.
On this show, Johnny completely opened up and was really honest about his life and shared some deeply personal thoughts.
A true journey through all the ups and downs, from a rebel who refused to lead the line, to a brash music lover, to a deeply spiritual man who touched the lives of millions. Johnnie Walker, we salute you!
clash of the pirates
Radio 2 is broadcasting Clash of the Pirates, with Johnny Walker dominating in the blue corner (his favorite colour) and Tony Blackburn starring towering in the red corner. These two stalwarts battled it out musically to become “Captain of the Pirates.”
Tony and Johnny both operated outside of traditional broadcasting, using their freedom of expression to make real names as original pirate radio DJs.
Radio 2's musical giants go head-to-head in a fun show of one-upmanship and a series of well-themed rounds to choose the ultimate playlist. Strategic music selection, quick thinking, timely responses, and playful respect are essential ingredients. They even try to outdo each other while running a mock top 10 chart overview…
It was a great opportunity for these erudite legends to show off their vast knowledge of contemporary music across decades and genres, entertain audiences, and rise to the top.
Who will use their ninja knowledge to change the situation and ultimately be crowned champion?
Expect energetic performances and fun banter. One thing's for sure: the music is at its best. Two unique and fun hours of escapism, nostalgia, companionship, and of course lots of laughter.
Takara Tomy with Johnny Walker
Johnny Walker has selected his Tracks of My Years for this omnibus edition.
Johnny made his name on the pirate ship Radio Caroline in the 60s and his nightly shows were a staple. When Johnny moved to Radio 1 in 1969, he established a reputation as a DJ who cared more about the records he played than the small talk in between.
After broadcasting in America, he returned in the early 80s and worked at ILR stations Radio West and Wiltshire Radio in the West Country, before returning to Radio 1 to perform 'The Stereo Sequence'.
More than 30 years of music fan interest then poured into Radio 2's Drivetime Show, which he hosted until March 2006.
The show is presented by Vernon Kaye and first aired in 2023.
