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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Listen to the band's four-song set during a recent visit to Philadelphia. -
After forming in the '90s, the New England jam band broke up in 2004. Now, it's back in its original form, with new tunes and old favorites. Hear a live World Cafe performance and interview. -
Since releasing her debut in May, the singer-songwriter has begun to turn heads with a fresh take on the Bakersfield sound and a knack for honest lyrics. Hear an interview and live performance. -
The bluesman and producer-drummer Steve Jordan discuss the record they made at Royal Studios, birthplace of Al Green's hits. Plus, hear a live performance featuring original members of Hi Rhythm. -
Revolution Come...Revolution Go is Gov't Mule's 10th album. Frontman Warren Haynes reflects on more than 20 years of the jam band, plus his relationship with the late Gregg Allman. -
The Canadian rocker has always been known for bringing the party, but his latest album includes more sober reflection on his relationship with his father. -
You can't tell the Delta Spirit frontman what to do in this session, featuring songs from his latest solo album. -
Fifty years ago, the Jimi Hendrix Experience made about as tremendous a first impression as it gets with Are You Experienced? — but here are several more debuts that stack up. -
That's the moniker for the punky vaudeville singing act fronted by actresses Stephanie Hunt and Megan Mullally. Hear an interview and live performance for World Cafe. -
Some coffee and an open mic were all this U.K. singer needed to land a record deal. Hear the conversation and performance.
