Johnnie Walker began her career as a country music radio personality. She later segued to Black radio holding numerous positions, and in 1989 she joined Def Jam Recordings as a regional marketing rep. Within one year Walker was promoted to National Director of Promotion. The Sr. National Director position soon followed and positioned Walker to be instrumental in launching the careers of Redman, Method Man, Onyx, Montell Jordan, Ashanti, Sisqo, and Foxy Brown! Making the move to New York City in 1997, Walker was named Vice President of Promotion for Def Jam. A year later, after restructuring the company’s promotions department and its field staff, Walker was named Sr. Vice President. During her tenure, her team successfully marketed Def Comedy Jam, Phat Farm clothing, Russell Simmons' co-produced movies, "The Nutty Professor,” Jackie Chan’s “Rush Hour 1 and 2” plus several #1 Gold and Platinum albums from Jay-Z, Sisqo, Kelly Price, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DMX, LL Cool J, Musiq, Dru Hill, and others.