#BTEditorial – Rest easy, Jon Deesy 

Here we are again paying tribute to one of our own in the media fraternity. Just a week after the news that veteran broadcaster Dennis Johnson had died, we got the tragic news of the sudden death of his media housemate Warren Forte, more commonly known as Jon Doe and Jon Deesy.

Jon Doe warmed his way into the hearts and homes of listeners of Starcom Network’s Hott 95.3 FM for over 20 years. He served as a radio announcer from 1999, two years after the station’s inception.

There was something very mysterious about his persona in the beginning, hence the name Jon Doe. Back then, there was a popular promo by Queen of Soca Alison Hinds.

“DJ Jon Doe, no one knows who he is but that boy can play”, the promo said. There were no pictures of him circulating at the time since the heavy use of cellphones and social media wasn’t that prevalent. So there remained curiosity as to who this DJ was, a DJ who burst on the scenes and rocked morning radio with his show Morning Mayhem.

Generations grew up listening to him play music that uplifted, inspired and motivated. He entered our homes, our offices, our cars and our lives. Many confessed while paying tribute that they did not know him personally but he was a part of their daily lives and inspiration. Some said they would sit in their cars as he entertained with music that touched the soul.

For several years, he was voted No.1 DJ on radio in Barbados whenever surveys were conducted among listening audiences. He took the party from the studio to live fetes where he would often lead the HOTT FM Bomb Squad of DJs.

Businesses demanded slots in the morning session to advertise in order to get the highest listenership but to also have their interviews and promos done by a highly skilled and knowledgeable radio announcer.

The 47-year-old who was a former student of Harrison College worked in accounting management before shifting to media and entertainment.

Jon Doe was also the chief executive officer of Renegade Sound which has a branch in Canada, his country of birth. He produced many hit songs. He also served as a director of the Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Incorporated (COSCAP).

During his Morning Mayhem radio session from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays, he provided a platform for local artistes so they could keep their fans and supporters in the know. His interviews spanned generations of artistes from veterans to contemporaries to the up-and-coming.

Cultural icon Most Honourable Anthony Gabby Carter wrote a poem in his honour it read in part: “For 22 beautiful years he kept us in the mix; there wasn’t a sad moment in our lives that Jon Doe could not fix.”

Alison Hinds wrote on social media: “We have lost another bright light Warren@jondeesy, my friend, touched so many people with his positive energy and some sense of humour. So many people will miss your presence and rightly so, you were one of the great ones.”

Edwin Yearwood posted: “Words cannot express the lash. Big brother thank you for always having my back and loving music. You were one of the lucky ones who did exactly what you loved playing and feeling music.”

Jon Doe was loved and embraced by international artistes as well.

He was one of the lead radio personalities who would interview the likes of Buju, Beres, Sizzla, Luciano, Bounty Killa, Beenie Man and a slew of other top artistes during the April-held Barbados Reggae Festival. He also commanded the respect of the older more vintage artistes as well.

Maxi Priest wrote on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: “Shocked does not begin to describe how I feel about the sad news of Warren Forte “Jon Doe’s” passing. Over the years, I’ve done many radio interviews with Jon Doe when I was in Barbados for the Barbados Reggae Festival and other shows. He was a talented DJ, brilliant host and full of humour and wit. Barbados lost a giant!”

The renowned Jamaican reggae band Third World also paid tribute: “Walk Good Jon Doe. . . The great Jon Doe transitioned very unexpectedly over the weekend. Jah Bless his soul. Jon Deesy a legend in his field. We love you Barbados.”

Freddie McGregor remembered a friend: “I lost a friend DJ Jon Doe a top radio DJ of Voice of Barbados. He’s one of the many DJs who have been supporting my career over the years. Gone too soon my friend you will be dearly missed.”

Tributes continue as listeners pour their hearts out and tell of a man who left them with endless memories. The tributes are evidence that the gentle giant touched the lives of many. A big man with a big heart; large in size and stature.

Those who want to hear his voice on the radio again will get the chance to do so Friday morning when Hott 95.3 FM repeats his last Morning Mayhem show from the previous Friday.

We at Barbados TODAY join our colleagues in honouring Jon Doe for his sterling contribution to contemporary Barbadian radio, the entertainment industry and Bajan life in general. To have brought joy to the hearts of so many for so long is an amazing feat.

On behalf of our chairman, the management and staff of Barbados TODAY Inc. we extend heartfelt condolences to Warren Forte’s family, friends, loved ones and the media and entertainment fraternities. May Jon Doe, Jon Deesy rest in eternal peace.