Nearly a year since he died. I'll be listening. Sounds like the BBC did him proud with this. I miss him on Sounds of the 70s. Whispering Bob is OK but it's not as good.
Johnnie Walker: A Celebration - Part One
Sunday 28 December, 3-4pm
Today, listeners can join a celebration of the incredible radio career of Johnnie Walker MBE, which spanned over five decades, with a very special event recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in London. From making waves on Radio Caroline with the Pirates to becoming a voice synonymous with BBC Radio, Johnnie was a true broadcasting giant.
Host Jo Whiley led the celebrations in front of an invited audience which included family, friends, production staff and colleagues from across his career, artists and people who he worked with. It was a fabulous opportunity to hear Johnnie's voice right through his career, whilst sharing special memories with his fellow presenters and watching some incredible live performances.
The audience on the night had no idea what awaited them — and in that same spirit, you may wish to stop reading now if you’d prefer to experience the audio surprises in this programme for yourself!
Listeners will hear Bernard Butler on guitar flanked by the BBC Concert Orchestra, with a fabulous live rendition of Duane Eddy's "Because They're Young", Johnnie's iconic theme, which he played throughout his incredible career.
Throughout the evening there were special video moments, narrated by Johnnie, describing the various stages of his colourful career. These were accompanied by tributes and anecdotes from some of the greatest stars including Sir Brian May, Sir Elton John, Alice Cooper, Francis Rossi, Roger Daltrey, Pauline Black, Robert Plant, Suzi Quatro, Nile Rodgers, Paul Rodgers, Johnny Marr, Joan Armatrading, Dr Hook, Michael Ball, Peter Kay, Leo Sayer, Bonnie Raitt, Mick Fleetwood, Sir Rod Stewart, Mark Knopfler, Midge Ure, Joe Elliot and Hugh Bonneville.
Jo was also joined on stage by former radio colleagues and artists including Graham Gouldman of 10CC, Tom Robinson, Tony Blackburn, Ralph Bernard, Sally ‘Traffic’ Boazman, Mark Goodier and Bob Harris, who shared previously unheard memories of Johnnie.
Johnnie's wife, Tiggy, also came on stage to eloquently describe other aspects of Johnnie's life including their brilliant work for Carers UK.
Johnnie only ever hung one Gold Disc on his walls at home and it stayed there right up to his final show - it was for the massive Elton John & Kiki Dee hit "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" - so it was perfect, to have Kiki Dee come and perform a very special version of this track.
Keyboardist extraordinaire, Rick Wakeman, beautifully played a piano piece that he performed at Johnnie's funeral - "Gone But Not Forgotten" - a piece of music that Rick only has played for the most special people in his life.
The evening concluded with a wonderful moving musical crescendo - Johnnie's all time favourite song "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" - Emeli Sande brought her incredible voice for a stunning rendition of this timeless track. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
We were left with Johnnie's closing words from his final show - “May we walk into the future with our heads held high, and happiness in our hearts, God Bless you”.
Presenter: Jo Whiley
Producer: Paul Thomas for Platform Media
Johnnie Walker: A Celebration with Mark Goodier - Part Two
Sunday 28 December, 4-5pm
Following the Johnnie Walker Celebration on Radio 2, join Mark Goodier — long-time friend and former colleague of Johnnie — for a musical journey through some of Johnnie’s all-time favourite tracks. Spanning the decades, the show captures his passion for soul, the Californian sound, folk, blues, and rock, with timeless music from The Eagles, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Blondie, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and The Steve Miller Band. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the sounds that shaped a broadcasting legend.
Presenter: Mark Goodier
Producer: Paul Thomas for Platform Media