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.
-
The young Atlanta-based artist has an old soul — key word, "soul." Hear a performance of songs from his new album, Face Your Fear. -
David Dye, who steps down as full-time host of World Cafe this week, lists his favorite records that have come out during the program's 25 years on air. -
The foot-stomping, folk-rock hit-makers behind "Ho Hey" premiere their first new music since 2012. -
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. -
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.
-
Beth Orton has been making her own brand of emotional, clean and poignant music for 10 years now. Her reputation has grown tremendously since her debut album, Trailer Park, was released. Her latest album is called Comfort of Strangers.
-
The Flaming Lips have become the flagship band for modern psychedelic pop, pushing the boundaries of sound while steadily growing a fanatic audience over the last 20 years. Not too bad for a group of "fearless freaks" from Oklahoma City.
-
Billy Bragg has been one of England's most politically active singer songwriters since the early 1980s. He now celebrates his long career with a comprehensive box set, Billy Bragg Volume 1. -
When the Subdudes got back together in 2002, fans of their musical gumbo rejoiced. Four years later, the band is running strong with a style of roots-rock that is made to be played live. Their latest CD was produced by Keb Mo. -
He's the world's first Hasidic Jewish reggae star. His rap and beat-box skills can be heard on his truly unique album, Live At Stubb's.
