DJ Johnnie Walker opens up about his life in BBC Sounds exclusive
Broadcaster Johnnie Walker takes a deep and personal recollection of his colourful life in Walker on Walker, a BBC Sounds exclusive.
This special programme is one of a number of shows as part of BBC Radio 2 marking the 60th anniversary of pirate radio.
Former pirate and now Radio 2 presenter Johnnie has spent 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. He talks about the ups and downs of his adventurous life with the music that mattered most, and which defined the key moments.
Johnnie made his name in the 60s on Radio Caroline, spent time at Radio 1 from 1969 to 1976 where he “rocked the boat” from time to time and eventually moved to America, working at San Francisco’s KSAN for a while.
He returned to Radio 1 in the early 80s and worked at other stations before joining BBC Radio 2.
In June 2003, Johnnie announced that he was taking time off to battle cancer, then returned to the station six months later and won the Gold Award at the Sonys. He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in 2006.
Walker on Walker sees Johnnie opening up to give a genuine account of his life, sharing his deep, personal thoughts riding through all the good and not so good times, from the rebel who refused to tow the line, to the cheeky music afficionado, to the profoundly spiritual person, who has touched the lives of millions.
Walker on Walker will be available on BBC Sounds from Monday 25 March and will air on BBC Radio 2 in the early hours of Sunday 31 March, 3am – 5am.