by S. Rotan Hale
A host of friends and supporters gathered Friday, Feb. 6 at Thelma’s in downtown Roanoke as members of The Vibe (100.1 FM) held a bittersweet celebration saluting the life of Christopher Blair Thorne, better known as DJ Dose. While vacationing in Panama Dose was 1 of 2 passengers who perished January 16 on a bus that crashed carrying 17 others.
Everyone has some special trait that sets them apart from others. With DJ Dose, it was his love of music that was part of his DNA as he began spinning records at a very early age. Over the years he developed an unusual knack for music programming and an extremely seamless on-air flow that was nothing short of remarkable. He was a big guy with a deep, velvet voice that was perfect for radio and was one of The ViBE’s most vibrant on and off-air personalities.Most everyone at Friday’s affair had a story of how he touched their lives. Station manager Leonard Wheeler affectionately said, “Dose connected with everybody, whether it was people in the billing office, sales people on our Country station or other DJ’s. He was definitely someone who always wore a smile and just elevated people…you just liked being around him.”
Dose had a level of depth and compassion that served as a calling card as he genuinely embraced everyone he encountered. “You think you have it all together here on earth and then you meet someone who has the ability to take it to another level,” Wheeler added. “In the 2 years and 3 months he was at The ViBE he was more connected with everybody on our staff than many who have been there 10 or 20 years… I feel blessed to have known him.”
Kianna Price Wade, program director at The ViBE, spoke at length about how impressive Dose was during the hiring process because of his resume and an incredible video presentation he submitted. “Dose was a very talented and well-versed guy, you could talk to him about politics, current events or anything,” she recalled.
She described Dose as a “humble person that really valued life and was always so gracious. He taught me particularly how to appreciate the efforts and contributions of others… how to say thank you from the heart.”
Kianna spoke highly of Dose’s mother Texia Thorne who “has been an amazing source of strength” to her through the passing of her dear friend and colleague who she affectionately claimed was her “right hand man.” Mrs. Thorne, showing great stamina through it all, even spoke at her beloved son’s funeral in South Carolina.
Dose launched his career as a DJ in 1984 while attending college in Atlanta, GA where he earned a business degree at Devry University. He moved to Norfolk, VA where he received his master’s degree at Norfolk State University. He worked at several stations in that area hosting programs and served in various positions that contributed to his craft. His last position was afternoon host and promotions director at The ViBE.
One acquaintance Donna Davis, who met and knew him in Norfolk, spoke on how Dose “got all philosophical” while expressing his desire to get involved with Roanoke area communities and his hopes of making a difference concerning the “division” he saw regarding local attitudes. “He was so conscientious and just such a nice guy, a big ole teddy bear,” she added.
The 45 year-old Brooklyn, NY native chose the on-air name “Dose” because it referred to serving a dose of his flair and talents to “the mix.” In addition to his career as a DJ he also played keyboard and produced 2 albums: “The “Road Less Traveled” and “The Nigel Christopher Project,” both released early in 2014.
Jeff May, a close friend and co-worker who also hosts a show daily on The ViBE said, “Dose was one of those guys that whenever he saw you he would greet you with love and when he left you he would leave you with love.” As ¬a motivator himself, May is a student mentor with Roanoke City Public Schools who admitted to Dose being “like a big brother” that encouraged him at various points. “He was very serious in the understanding that every day was a gift and he lived his life that way.”
May recalls he had just finished the show filling in for Dose, who was on vacation, when he received news of the unfortunate accident that claimed his friend’s life. Now comforted by the memories of their relationship through which May was empowered, he said, “There will never be another Dose, ever… the connection continues.”
Throughout the evening a slide show featured a collage of photos of the honoree in various settings that highlighted his life and travels. Some images showed those classic Dose dimples that were even more pronounced and adorable in his childhood. As an adult, those dimples boosted his appeal and perfectly emphasized that lovable charm that everyone knew him for. The well-crafted video was accompanied by soft music from Dose’s own collective mixes.
Dose traveled extensively abroad to several countries in Africa as well as to Italy, France and Egypt and others. News of his passing continues to ripple throughout a world of souls connected by a common thread as those who will always lovingly remember the dynamic DJ known as Big Dose.
