Rebel, rocker, phenomenal DJ... Tributes paid after Johnnie Walker dies aged 79

The veteran BBC DJ Johnnie Walker has died at the age of 79, it was announced yesterday.

- Alexi Duggins

Walker, who hosted Radio 2's Sounds of the 70s and the Radio 2 Rock Show, began his career as a pirate DJ in the 60s on Radio Caroline, before joining Radio 1 in 1969. He left the station after describing the Bay City Rollers as "musical garbage" and clashing with his bosses over an insistence on playing album tracks.

After a period broadcasting in California, he returned to the UK in the early 80s and rejoined Radio 1 in 1987 to present a Saturday afternoon show, the Stereo Sequence, as well as working on other stations including Radio 5 (now 5 Live), before joining Radio 2, then taking on the Drivetime slot.

Walker's death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, Radio 2's Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November.

Walker's wife, Tiggy, 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.