David Dye
Contributing Producer, World CafeDavid 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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Want to see the 21-year-old Aussie sensation when she comes to the U.S. next month? Maybe next time — she's already sold out this tour. Hear two songs. -
The mandolin virtuoso and renowned pianist have connected over a shared love of improvisation and disregard of genre. -
The beloved Australian rocker plays a hometown session at Bakehouse Studios. Watch "Nobody Really Cares If You Don't Go To The Party." -
The Melbourne singer-songwriter is at the heart of the city's independent music scene. -
This fun trio has Courtney Barnett's stamp of approval. Hear it perform as part of our Milk! Records Showcase at Bakehouse Studios. -
Hear psychedelic music from the mind of Stu Mackenzie in a session recorded at Melbourne's Bakehouse Studios. -
Olivia Hally and Pepita Emmerichs say Melbourne has been the perfect place to start a band. -
The Australian star performs acoustic in this hometown session for World Cafe. -
Sarah Smith of Melbourne community radio station Triple R introduces a few new bands from Australia's unofficial live music capital. -
The Melbourne singer-songwriter has heard the Dylan comparisons before. He'd prefer you judge him on his own merits.
