David Dye
David Dye is a longtime Philadelphia radio personality whose music enthusiasm has captivated listeners of World Cafe® since 1991. World Cafe is produced by WXPN, the public radio service of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dye launched his distinguished broadcasting career as host of a progressive music show on WMMR 93.3 FM, a pioneering progressive rock station in Philadelphia. During his four-year tenure, Dye won accolades for his taste and laid back presentation. After a five-year stint programming radio stations in Maine, he returned to Philadelphia where he gained public radio experience at WHYY before being recruited in 1981 by alternative rock station WIOQ 102.1 FM where he made his mark on the music scene for nearly a decade.
In 1989, Dye took his musical quest to WXPN where he hosted the station's Sleepy Hollow radio program. Two years later, Dye was asked to spearhead research on the viability of a new public radio program. The research revealed an audience need for a new kind of musical format - one that was intelligent, diverse and would give musical guests a showcase for their artistic expression. Based on the findings, Dye went to work to create a unique program of musical discovery where listeners would be introduced to an eclectic blend of contemporary sounds from legendary and up-and-coming artists. World Cafe was born.
Dye is the founding host of World Cafe, which launched in 1991. During his tenure as host, Dye brought out the best in interviews with internationally known artists such as Yo-Yo Ma and Joni Mitchell. He conducted nearly 4,500 interviews during his over 20 years with the program. In 2017 Dye took on a new role as contributing host with the program.
World Cafe and Dye have received numerous awards including: two NFCB Gold Reel Awards, Album Network's "Best Triple A Air Talent," five Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly Awards," the Philadelphia Chapter of NARAS "Hero Award," the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award and numerous radio industry trade magazine citations. In 2006, Dye was named the "Triple A Air Personality of the Year" by Radio & Records.
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Hear the Floridian blues musician perform music from his latest record, Pick Your Poison, live with his band in the World Cafe studio. -
Irma devastated the islands of St. Thomas and St. John. David Greene talks to General Deborah Howell, who leads the Virgin Islands National Guard and visited the devastated islands over the weekend.
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The legendary guitarist and voice of Pink Floyd joins World Cafe to discuss David Gilmour Live At Pompeii, recorded in the same ancient Roman amphitheater as Pink Floyd's 1971 concert film. -
The New Orleans band, who won NPR Music's 2017 Tiny Desk Contest, brings its big sound and huge heart to this interview and performance. -
The singer and songwriter plays blues- and roots-drenched music that reflects his time spent playing on the streets, in clubs and even in tattoo parlors. -
The multi-faceted musician, who played bass in Cocteau Twins, talks to World Cafe about his record label, Bella Union, and his current band, Lost Horizons. -
Katie Crutchfield visited World Cafe in Philadelphia to perform four songs from her new album, Out In The Storm, and speak with guest host David Dye.
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Stream an intimate live performance by the British singer-songwriter.
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Hear five World Cafe sessions from the last few months that are worth a second listen. -
Tight, angular, surprising melodies leap from this band of Minnesota 20-somethings on its debut full-length. Hear the World Cafe session.
