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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Frontman Wayne Coyne says he thrives in environments that combine art and chaos. Hear that conversation, plus live performances of songs from Oczy Mlody. -
Last heard in a duo with Sam Beam, the California-born singer-songwriter continues her remarkable solo career. -
The never-reticent Timothy Showalter discusses how his latest album, Hard Love, deals with the pull between domesticity and the call of the wild. -
From Simon & Garfunkel to The Knack, hear a playlist of the songs at the top of the pop charts for each year of the decade. -
Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Sade: Are these classic artists "Yacht" or "Nyacht"? JD Ryznar and David B. Lyons, co-creators of the Yacht Rock web series, weigh in. -
The blues-rock guitarist nicknamed "The Snake" was once almost a member of The Rolling Stones. Hear him perform songs from his latest album, Snake Pit.
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The band, formed after The Black Crowes' breakup, plays in a roots-oriented style it calls "California music." -
The Australian singer and Tame Implala bassist goes out on his own for Ripe Dreams, Pipe Dreams. Hear two songs. -
The French pop artist shows her love of African percussion and rhythms on her debut album, Zanaka. -
We're always on the hunt for the best new music to share with World Cafe listeners. Hear some of our latest picks.
