BBC Radio 2 legend announces his retirement after 58 years
BBC Radio 2's Johnnie Walker has announced his retirement after 58 years, as he revealed that his last show will be on Sunday 27 October
by Susan Knox · ChronicleLiveLegendary broadcaster Johnnie Walker delivered an emotive announcement on his Radio 2 show, Sounds of the 70s, telling listeners he will be retiring from his beloved shows this month due to health struggles.
During Sunday's broadcast (6 October, between 3-5pm), Walker shared a poignant story from a listener who had recently lost their father to pulmonary fibrosis - a condition that Walker himself is battling.
He then addressed his audience with the heavy-hearted news: "Now, that leads me to be making a very sad announcement. The struggles I've had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult - hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy."
With a career spanning 58 years coming to a close, Walker revealed: "So, I've had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years, and so I'll be doing my last Sounds of the 70s on the 27th of October, so I'll make the last three shows as good as I possibly can."
He capped off the statement by referencing a Rolling Stones track from their 1978 appearance on America's Saturday Night Live, noting its relevance to his current situation, reports the Mirror.
Jonnie Walker played The Rolling Stones' track, "Miss You," and then shared some significant news with his listeners: "And by the way, I can also reveal not only my last Sounds of the 70s, but the person taking over the show will be the one and only Bob Harris, so Bob Harris will be in charge of Sounds of the 70s from the 3rd of November."
Listeners should tune in for Johnnie's final episode of The Rock Show on Friday 25 October, from 11pm to midnight, and his last Sounds of the 70s broadcast on Sunday 27 October, between 3pm and 5pm.
Bob Harris, a close colleague and friend of Johnnie at Radio 2, is set to take the reins of Sounds of the 70s starting Sunday 3 November.
In response to his new role, Bob expressed his feelings: "I am proud and honoured to be taking over a BBC Radio 2 institution from a true broadcasting great. Johnnie and I have been friends since my years presenting Old Grey Whistle Test and the original Sounds of the 70's and I will do everything I can to maintain his legacy and curate the programme with the very best music from that incredible decade."
Bob Harris began his illustrious radio career back in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, before joining the iconic Radio Caroline and becoming widely recognised for his popular night-time show.
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, commented on Johnnie's retirement: "Johnnie is quite simply a broadcasting legend, someone who has shaped the sound of pop music radio since its earliest days on the pirate ships."
"Everyone at Radio 2, and I'm sure his millions of listeners, would like to thank Johnnie for entertaining us for so many decades with his brilliantly crafted shows. He leaves the station with our love, huge thanks and best wishes."
"He will be much missed on the airwaves and by his listeners, who have adored listening to his shows over the years. We are in awe of his incredible legacy which speaks for itself."
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