Product Description

Young Johnnie Walker was obsessed with music and loved to share that passion. So it wasn't long after he'd started DJing in dance halls and pubs around his Solihull home that he got his big break: he talked his way into a slot with newly founded pirate station Radio England - and launched his incredible career. Here, he tells of forty years at the heart of British broadcasting, stints that involved working on the legendary Radio Caroline, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2; of the stars and musicians he's met and worked with; of how he won the hearts of his listeners and of his devotion to pioneering new music. Johnnie also speaks candidly about the personal challenges he's faced: divorce, exile and his very public struggles with drug addiction and cancer. His life has been inspiring and - above all - entertaining. His autobiography is no different.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15648 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

The Times
'Walker writes beautifully'

Daily Mirror
'Heart-rending'

Daily Mail
'Very good on what it was like working on the pirate radio ships and how Walker built up a rapport with his listeners'

Customer Reviews

Much more than you realise
Having known him only as the voice of Radio 2's Drivetime and in short a bloody good DJ I was amazed at reading the 'real' life of Johnnie Walker. I am a 60s and 70s music and entertainment nut and bought this book on a whim principally to get a new first hand account of that era.

I was pleasently surprised by Johnnie's amazing history. The passages concerning his attempts to gain work in the states are probably the best written. Reading of his treks from state to state with his small son reminded me of a classic Hollywood tearjerker just waiting to be filmed.

Candid, in depth and no holds barred, Johnnie isnt afraid to put his hands up to being a prat at times, unlike some authors who take the autobiog route; and his recollections of drug abuse and his inability to be happy are all honest. Likewise his honesty regarding his beliefs and faiths are also refreshing. His fight with cancer is covered well, largely by his wife Tiggy, I sense for the man himself, this is still to raw to fully confront.

If I have one complaint its that a little more may have been covered regarding his showbiz circles, there are several pictures of him hobnobbing with rock stars throughout his varied career yet little tidbits regarding them. But that is all.

In short, an engrossing read, bought on holiday and read in one day.

The Legend That Is Johnnie Walker.
Like other reviewers, I too have been a fan since the Radio England/Caroline days, and have followed Johnnie through his long and varied career, and throughout the book, he comes across as the mate you always wanted to have - I consider him a friend after all these years. I was a member of his fan club in the Caroline days, so successfully run by his mother from their home. It comes over from Johnnie that his family was so important to him, there were times I had to stop reading the book, tears in the eyes and a lump in the throat. Many highlights in the book, the pirate days were my favourites, and he speaks with passion about those days too. Highly recommended to anybody with the slightest interest in the music business, perhaps we may get further books from Johnnie, some of the stories of the artistes he met and toured with would be most welcomed. 'Legend' is often a word that gets over used these days, this is the only way to describe the one and only Johnnie Walker, long may he grace our radio waves.

Probably one of the best books you will ever read
Johnnie Walker has been around the radio business for over 4 decades, starting as a "Boss Jock" on Swinging Radio England off the Essex coast of Britain, his famous broadcasts on Radio Caroline, working on Radio 1, the United States and much more.

This is not just a book about a radio DJ, but a survivor, and the endurance of the human spirit.

He has given pleasure to millions as a broadcaster over the years, this is a wonderful warm funny and touching book, which deserves to be read by everyone!

Certainly one of the books of 2007!

Steve Marshall
Editor-In-Chief
European Radio Features