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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Pianist and vocalist Norah Jones' latest album, Not Too Late, strips her music to the core. She forgoes jazz and pop standards for original compositions and a much subtler approach. Hear Jones give an interview and in-studio performance. -
Born in the Soviet Union only 20 years ago, jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov has captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent. Re-Imagination focuses on his compositions and musicianship while incorporating his re-interpretation of two jazz standards. -
Ranking with John Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins as one of the all-time great tenor sax players, jazz legend Sonny Rollins has been recording fiery, passionate and intelligent music for nearly 60 years. Hear Rollins give an interview and in-studio performance. -
Two of the most renowned and prolific players in jazz, banjo great Bela Fleck and fusion pianist Chick Corea combine their talents on a new disc called The Enchantment. The two musicians recently sat down for an interview and in-studio performance. -
Nearly four years have passed since Warren Zevon's death, and lifelong friend (and ex-wife) Crystal Zevon celebrates his life in her new biography. Both Crystal and musician son Jordan Zevon appear in the studio to talk about Warren Zevon's legacy. -
As the producer (and sometimes manager) of many of the 1960s' most influential folk and psychedelic artists, Boyd has left an indelible mark on popular music during his four-decade career. Boyd has produced records by Pink Floyd, Nick Drake and The Incredible String Band. -
Any history of rock 'n' roll is sure to acknowledge the influence of piano master Jerry Lee Lewis, who popularized his own brand of rock. -
The nine-time Grammy winner and innovative music producer has been behind some of the most successful records of the last 40 years. Ramone's short list of artists includes Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Madonna and Rufus Wainwright. Hear an interview about his new book.
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World Cafe features daily interviews and live in-studio performances from seasoned music veterans and new sensations, in genres ranging from rock to blues to folk to alternative country and beyond. From NPR station WXPN, host David Dye chooses his favorite albums of 2006.
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Sasha Dobson has spent the last ten years crafting a unique fusion of Brazilian and American jazz. Her sultry voice and extensive performance experience foretells success, especially with Modern Romance, which includes genre-bending covers of Duke Ellington and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
