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 New Standards are making waves by reinterpreting their favorite songs in a jazz mode. John Munson of Semisonic fame plays bass and sings, Chan Poling of the Suburbs plays piano, and Steve Roehm is on vibraphone as they remake songs by the Replacements and the Clash.
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When Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff started Philadelphia International Records in the early '70s, they followed in the footsteps of great regional soul labels like Detroit's Motown and Stax in Memphis.
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Host David Dye is joined by critic Tom Moon for a special edition of World Cafe. Together, they look back on some of the best performances of 2005.
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Hugh Masekela comes from an extensive jazz background; he is also known as one of the greatest innovators in world fusion. Now Masekela has a new CD, Revival, that draws on pop, jazz and R&B influences.
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The Brian Setzer Orchestra has recorded a new Christmas album: Dig That Crazy Christmas. It's a rocking combination of traditional Christmas carols — and a few other spirited rock, swing and blues tunes.
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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.
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The band Soulive brings a mix of funk, hip-hop and jazz to its exciting live shows. As a result, brothers Alan and Neil Evans, with their friend Eric Krasno, have built a large international following. Their latest efforts can be heard on Break Out.
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Vocalist Lizz Wright debuted in 2003 with Salt, an eclectic mix of traditional jazz, R&B, and folk. Her latest album is Dreaming Wide Awake, featuring originals along with some covers — including a version of Neil Young's "Old Man."