Johnnie Walker tributes: Robert Plant, Ken Bruce and Joan Armatrading honour BBC DJ after death at 79

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. BBC director general Tim Davie described Walker as a “pop radio pioneer and champion of great music”, adding: “No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back.” On social media, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant wrote: “so long Johnnie Walker, all across the years.a defender and gatekeeper of great musical taste. a cool, kind man who kept the bar high for all of us who loved him ….” Johnnie Walker, who has died at 79, remembered as a ‘lovely man and great DJ’ Walker’s fellow BBC presenter Ken Bruce wrote: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Radio Heaven just got a lot better.” Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross recalled: “The first great interview we ever got on radio was from Johnnie Walker and I’m still grateful. R.I.P.” DJ and journalist Mike Read also praised Walker’s taste in music, writing: “The great Johnnie Walker.Once a pirate always a pirate!