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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David Dye reports from the annual one-night, three-stage, 12-band global music showcase. -
Members of the award-winning Cape Town band speak on the power of collaboration. -
Mrubata speaks on how jazz was impacted by apartheid and where he sees the genre going now.
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Bringing together her Afrikaans, Portuguese and Welsh heritage, all combined into the unique perspective of someone who moved to South Africa as a child.
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A live psychedelic performance recorded live in the economic hub of the country, Johannesburg.
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Dolores visited the World Cafe in the summer of 2007, just after releasing her first solo album that May. Hear the Session. -
Hear a live performance of songs from Laura and Lydia Rogers' new album, You Don't Own Me Anymore. -
From making music in his spare bedroom to a No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts, the Philadelphia-born, LA-based musician performs live.
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Listen back to some of the best World Cafe interviews and performances of the past year, including Robert Plant, John Mayer, Hurray For The Riff Raff and many more. -
The young Atlanta-based artist has an old soul — key word, "soul." Hear a performance of songs from his new album, Face Your Fear.
