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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Britain's Guillemots are a young band that fuses unique sonic textures with catchy, uplifting music. The end result is completely modern-sounding pop: The band challenges the listener while also paying homage to a rich songwriting history. -
As an artist, Michael Franti has run the gamut from politically conscious hip-hop to a passionate blend of soul, hip-hop and R&B. But what his music has lost in harsh intensity, it has gained in emotional compassion. -
It has been nearly 40 years since Richie Havens kicked off Woodstock with a three-hour set. With one of the most recognizable voices in popular music, Havens' fiery and soulful singing style has inspired and electrified audiences for decades.
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At 22, Kate Earl is writing and singing songs about love and tragedy. If that seems a young age for such subjects, consider that Earl honed her musical talents in isolation, as she grew up in Chugiak, Alaska. -
The year 2005 saw World Music grow in two directions: by exploring its most basic roots, and by exploring new areas, through technology and collaboration. Marco Werman give us a glimpse of his top picks of the year.
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From its beginnings some 30 years ago, hip-hop has come to influence a wide swath of music, from Jamaica to France and beyond. To investigate the origins of the art form that made rapping and breakbeats a regular part of music, David Dye talks with Kurtis Blow, DJ Grand Wizard Theodore and Jim Fricke.
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Unlike many classic-rock veterans, Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant has continued to push his musical boundaries. With his band the Strange Sensation, it all comes together on The Mighty Rearranger, featuring the World Café favorite "Shine It All Around." -
Singer-songwriter Abigail Washburn's debut album, Song of the Traveling Daughter, shows off her considerable talents playing the banjo. The record also features Bela Fleck, Ryan Hoyle of Collective Soul and Jordan McConnell of the Duhks.
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Singer, songwriter Jamie Cullum has become a star by putting his mark on jazz piano. The Brit's new album, Catching Tales, is a collection of original compositions, jazz standards, and savvy covers of rock and pop classics. -
Bonnie Raitt's new record, Souls Alike, is her eighteenth album — and the first on which she is credited as a producer. The intensely personal songs reflect recent events in the nine-time Grammy winner's life.
