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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The not-so-thin Duke chatted about Berlin, glam rock and how a boring suburban childhood pushed him to seek out new ideas. -
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 North Carolina songwriter says she was "very anxious and careful" about how being a new mom would affect her work — but Stitch Of The World may be her best album yet. -
We recorded over 200 live sessions this year, but we've narrowed it down to seven of our favorites. Listen back to Darlingside, Ray LaMontagne, Xenia Rubinos and more. -
Today's World Cafe guest, Frightened Rabbit, inspires this weekend's list of fellow Glasgow bands. -
The California band lets the world become its studio for its shiny new album Sunlit Youth. In an anthemic track, it embraces reinvention. -
Join World Cafe for a countdown of the 10 most-played songs on public radio's rock stations this year. -
Hear in-studio performances from "Best New Artist" contender Courtney Barnett and nine other World Cafe guests who are up for Grammys this Monday. -
The foot-stomping, folk-rock hit-makers behind "Ho Hey" premiere their first new music since 2012. -
This year, the World Cafe host fell for an eclectic mix of albums, including gems by Courtney Barnett, Kamasi Washington and Tame Impala.
