The Autobiography

by Johnnie Walker

Book by Johnnie Walker

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Francis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Johnnie Walker The Autobiography is.... a reasonable enough read about one of the UK's most famous Radio broadcasters. Yet, after reading it I dont feel I know him very well, nor in fact do I feel that I particularly even like him much.
I very much enjoyed the anecdotes about his days in radio on the sea fairing pirate stations (Caroline, Britain) and his time in San Francisco (a city I love very much too!) and how he 'blagged' his way into various jobs and how he spent a long time driving vans and doing stuff to make ends meet.
However there is a definite 'gloss' to this book, i.e. nothing in this book couldn't be broadcast on the BBC, and when it comes to the chapter near the end where he talks about having a 'rep' for being a bit of a wild man when it came to drink and cocaine (Johnnie Walker says he is a recovered alcoholic and cocaine addict) you will find yourself skimming back through the pages wondering what chapters you missed, as, -like I said, there seems to be a fair bit of 'gloss' when JW is caught by the now defunct News Of The World allegedly offering to supply 'Coke and Hookers' for two fake Saudi Sheiks. He was apparently 'like a lamb to the slaughter' over this. I wish I could be so sure. Even when he talks about when he literally and figuretively 'jumped-ship' leaving one pirate radio station to try to get a job with another stating 'I knew I would miss my radio friends' (-yes Johnnie, but not enough to actually tip your friends off about the fact that they were all about to lose their jobs!) and then the justification for his actions in doing this.
Towards the end of this book, it does mention the fact that he ran off with the partner of his friend around 2001, musician Gordon Haskell, but again, it has a very.... well, a very saccharine take on it in my view. Talking about how Gordon didn't really mind that 'we fell in love...' Hmmmm...

Its this...what I feel is possibly slightly 'contrived' presentation of his anecdotes that I feel suspicious about, (the encounter with a nurse while he was in hospital after breaking his leg reads like sheer adolescent fantasy) and the fact that even fellow broadcaster Chris Evans in his own Biog. 'It's Not What You Think' refers only to Johnnie Walker as 'The Dude' (it was revealed on the internet rumour mill that he was referring to JW after their time working together on Galaxy Radio.) and one wonders why exactly, that someone like Chris Evans would avoid naming him? Even though Chris Evans says that JW is the 'coolest person' he ever met. Maybe Johnnie Walker is not someone to cross? I feel there is also most definitely a slight 'Smashie and Nicey' factor at work here, which is a pity. Maybe, like Paul McCartney some people's bio's should be written for them by others?

Ironically, as I sit here writing this review I am, in fact listening to Johnnie Walker's show as it is broadcast on an overcast Sunday afternoon. I like Johnnie Walkers shows, his presenting style, his interview style but I do feel that after reading this book I am possibly not much closer to knowing him, and how there may be a more complex, hard-edged, 'has-certain-issues-with-authority' person lurking under the surface. I'm sure there is a thicker, more in-depth tome to be written about this no doubt interesting man, probably by a third-party at some time in the future. There are certainly some enjoyable and interesting parts to this book

[PrettyFlamingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say that I like Johnnie Walker and his Sunday show. I appreciate the curated tracks he plays and his interviews with guests which has opened up my views of 1970s music. He even played me the No 1 on the day I was born, on his show for my birthday (Bay City Rollers if you're interested). But I didn't know anything about him as an individual or his prior career until I borrowed this book from a work colleague. I also find an autobiography challenging to review at times; unlike fiction, it's not possible to say that the story would benefit from this character having done that, for example, because it is a person's life and therefore it is what it is.

I learned so much about the operations behind the scenes of a radio station that I would have never known. It was not the glamorous, highly paid job I always thought it was (Chris Evans probably gave us that impression). I also got an insight into him as a person with his own opinions on music, playlists and presentation that often clashed with the producers' wishes who wanted a more "Smashey and Nicey" feel to the station. I can relate to this and the immense frustration it would have caused. I can also see how it got him into a whole load of trouble in the workplace. So what would you do?

I felt he could be very self-centred and pursued his own ambitions at the expense of his family and this was one of the most difficult aspects for me. I think he skimmed over this too quickly and didn't really explore the damage this caused to his family. Whilst I admire his willingness to stick by his opinions, he didn't seem to learn the art of compromise when needed, or learn from his experiences as he continued to make stupid mistakes causing further damage. I also did not appreciate the presentation of drug-taking as being the norm.

All this said, I thoroughly enjoyed the book which was written in a very entertaining style, and what I learned from it. I continue to enjoy listening to his Sunday afternoon shows. Long may they continue.

[Jeffrey k hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top man

Lovely story of a true man,he never gave in on life. An entertainer till the end,and very well written.
Thank you Mr walker

[CE Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unable to grasp why the author felt that he had a book within him. Seems to have been a waster most of his life and I've completely altered my impression of him, liking him a lot less than I did. Some people should just never write an autobiography. Johnny Walker, in my opinion, is one of them!

[Mark Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised that I've not read this until now. The reason I got involved in Internet Radio, back in 2012, was because of Johnnie Walker. He had always been my favourite DJ from the early days, through the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. His style, his choice of tracks, the way he presented his shows, I discovered so much music through listening to his radio shows over the years. And, yes, his penchant for wanting to do it his way, it struck a chord with me. If I was ever going to be a DJ, I'd do it in the style of Johnnie Walker!

Then, in 2011, Firstborn Girl child was a cub reporter on a local paper in Yorkshire. She got the task of interviewing him for an article when he was doing a few live shows, talking about his life and career. She got some tickets for the Bradford show, and I got to meet him. 😀

In 2012, I met a bloke called Keith who was looking to set up a Community Radio Station in Cheshire, and I got my chance to 'be on radio'. I took to it like a duck to water, and I'm still doing it 13 years on. My style is heavily influenced by Johnnie Walker, no doubt about it. Having read this book, I can see other similarities that I'd never even considered and found I could easily understand why he was so uncompromising in how he wanted to do things his way. I get it, I really do but, now, I know why!

Much I didn't know at all, and much that I did know but, now, I know the whole story. Johnnie had an interesting life. He definitely did it his way, and he did it the hard way. He did it a much better way than I have done and, unlike me, his way turned out OK in the end, but he definitely made hard work of it at times.

A great, unputdownable read. If you are old enough to remember the wireless, Pirate Radio, the great days of listening to the radio under the bed covers, FM in the '80s and '90s, aye, and beyond then, this book's for you.

Because of Johnnie Walker, I've done around 3000 radio shows myself over the last 13 years. If you're interested in listening to some of my shows, I've got some 300 or so at: hearthis.at/TheGodofThunder

[Pete daPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great autobiography, and it's not often that I can say that in the 'poptastic' genre.
I'm certainly NOT a fan of most DJ's/Presenters on commercial radio stations, or for that matter, the muzak that is churned out. Johnnie Walker has over many years, bucked that trend. When he presented his BBC Radio 2 'Drivetime' program, I even submitted a selection of John Lennon tracks on the 20th anniversary of his passing in 2000. Two decades later I still have the 'Drivetime' 'T' shirt.
I discovered 'The Autobiography' for free in a local supermarket, which has turned out to be a real find.
Walker, real name Peter Dingley has led a personal and professional life with more ups and downs than the Big Dipper at Blackpool. Most of his exploits, trials and tribulations had been unknown to me. In just over four hundred pages, his life story contains so many unexpected twists and turns. Yet, throughout, his frank, honest and sincere voice comes across loud and clear.

[Paul White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up a charity shop because I had listened to Johnny Walker on Radio 2 for many years, and loved his broadcasts of The Sounds of the 70s. I was not disappointed.

Johnny described how he got into the broadcasting, and was open and candid about how his decisions and how it impacted both him and those he loved. He was 100% focused on music and broadcasting, and in particular playing the music that he enjoyed, rather than playing the playlists and music that he didn't like. In the process he made many sacrifices, and many mistakes. But, his goal was always the same, to broadcast the music he loved. His honesty shines through from cover to cover, and by the time I turned the final page I felt like I had got to know who Johnny Walker really was. And that was An extraordinary DJ and a champion for the music he loved. He will be sadly missed.

[Linda Fallows · Rating 4 out of 5]

I surprised myself by enjoying this book. Although I enjoyed listening to Johnnie Walker for many years, my husband was the real fan and he asked me to read the book for him and tell him details as I read, as he is not a book reader. From the first page I was engaged in the account of the author’s life and career. Well written and in a written form that is accessible and entertaining. I had never realised what a full life JW had. From his very early days as a car salesman, to a pirate radio DJ with Radio England, to radio Caroline, then onto BBC radio. He is very honest about his problems with both alcohol and cocaine, and his health problems which led to him very nearly dying.
If you are looking for an interesting celebrity read, try this one, you may be pleasantly surprised.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving

I worked for the BBC in London around the pirate radio died. A lot of this book is really quite formulaic but the last few chapters make up for that more than make up for it.

[Dawn White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Johnnie Walker before moving to the UK, but quickly learned what a big radio personality he was in this country. This autobiography is legendary and he certainly doesn't hold anything back. I loved it!

[D.J. Eastwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting life!

Jonnie's story kept me enthralled throughout. You think of celebrities as 'rich and famous', it's interesting to see the realities of his life.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of a life, told in a very conversational style. Serious highs and lows for this guy, but incredible to see how he navigates each crisis.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book charting the life of one of our best ever dj's.

[Fred Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Johnnie Walker, Loved this book, his story; Didn't realise how much of an introvert he is!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must admit in the early days was not a fan of Mr Walker, the reason being I was a Bay city Roller fan and after his rudeness about them on his chart show, that was that, he was public enemy number 1, but as you get older and hopefully get more taste you realise, yep you were right all along Mr Walker!!. I love his 70’s show and wanted to know more about the man. This book highlights the staid and boring atmosphere at the BBC at the 70’s and how teenagers were actually treated, only top hits could be played and then only if they were on a single no LPs, no wonder so much great 70’s music passed me by there was just no way to hear it ! It explains why pirate radio was so well loved and received except by the authorities! Jonny Walker obviously lives and loves music and could not abide the constraints of working for stations that didn’t let him have a free hand his disagreements with various stations are recalled. His adventures and struggles in the USA working for radio stations over there, which eventually led to the collapse of his first marriage, the birth of his children and the sometimes difficult steps he had to take in his career not always working out. He does not name drop and use some of the great artists and bands he obviously met during his career which is surprising. He also mentions his spiritually and how it guides his life quite a few times but does not go into it in great detail. I was aware he suffered from cancer but did not know how serious it was and what a fight it was for him and his family it was sad to know how much he suffered but that he came through the other side and was eventually recognised for the work he had done for broadcasting by being awarded an MBE. A compelling and interesting read.

[John M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much but cannot help but feel that Johnnie (not his real name - I'll let you find out for yourself)has held back on several important aspects of his life and some of the people in it: first wife, children, friends, parents and siblings for starters! Johnnie is a good story teller and this is an easy read but I don't feel I've ended up knowing the man at all: for example it would be interesting to know more about where his spiritual interest springs from and how it shapes his life now - I merely got the impression he uses this as a sort of crutch to make up for the less pleasant side of his personality. Maybe the really intersting biography would be written by his first wife!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only really knew Johnnie Walker from his Drivetime show (I used to enjoy listening on my college nights, when the long journey meant I heard most of the show) and was only vaguely aware of his history. This very entertaining and well-written account details his life from birth (Hammond!) right up to starting his Sunday show and doesn’t seem to leave any stone unturned. You get a very good idea of the man and his approach to life, though some of the career info seems a bit scant - he details a lot of Radio Caroline but then stuffs five or six years into one chapter - but I read this and liked the man even more than when I started reading. Well worth a read.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my youth and my formative music appreciation years Johnnie Walker was easily the best DJ on radio for me. Always just that little bit eclectic and miles better than those bloody useless morons Blackburn, Edmonds, DLT etc. Johnnie was always more akin to John Peel for me
I thought I knew a lot about Mr Walker, but I learnt so much more about him from this book. What a great bloke, I'd love to meet him to say how much I enjoyed the book and also how much I enjoyed the dancers he brought along to my school disco when I was just 15! Rock on Johnnie!!!!

[Richard Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle audiobook version...

Always liked Johnnie Walkers style. Whilst there's a lot of humour here, there's also a sad side. Great 'listen' tho'