Ann Delisi has been a part of the Detroit media landscape for more than 35 years. A Wayne State Music School grad and former WDET Music Host and Music Director (1983-1995), Ann returned to WDET in 2009 to host Essential Music, a program dedicated to exploring the history of music, creating a platform for Detroit musicians, discovering new music and listening to what is next on the musical horizon. As a broadcaster, music host and storyteller, Ann creates features that highlight iconic artists, landmark albums and has curated hundreds of shows. As an interviewer, she's talked with everyone from David Bowie to White House Photographer Pete Souza to Iggy Pop and her curiosity about the creative spirit led to the podcast series, Essential Conversations. Her passion for food and those who make it led to another podcast/broadcast, Essential Cooking, with her co-host, award-winning chef, James Rigato.

She is an accomplished voiceover talent and for 5 years, Ann hosted the Detroit Public Television program, Backstage Pass, a weekly arts and culture program highlighting Detroit's artistic community. She has donated her time to working with The Greening of Detroit, Karmanos Cancer Institute and other Detroit non-profits.

Listen to Ann Delisi celebrate 15 years of ‘Essential Music’ on WDET

This past weekend I celebrated my 15th anniversary as the host of Ann Delisi's Essential Music on 101.9 WDET. I...

Ann Delisi: Alpino named Detroit Free Press’ 2024 Restaurant of the Year

The Detroit Free Press and the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers on Thursday named Alpino in Detroit its 2024 Restaurant of...

Ann Delisi: Detroit Free Press reveals its top 10 new restaurants of 2024

The Detroit Free Press and the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers have unveiled their list of the Top 10 New Restaurants...

Ann Delisi: Free Press food critic Lyndsay Green unveils Restaurant of the Year Classic

Every year, in addition to highlighting Detroit's best new restaurants and Restaurant of the Year, the Detroit Free Press and...

Live on WDET: Strange Heart

Metro Detroit band Strange Heart stopped by WDET as part of the revived Essential Music Tour, performing a stripped down...

Ann Delisi: Celebrating 65 years of Motown Records

Sixty-five years ago, on Jan. 12, 1959, Motown Records was born. No one could have predicted the parade of supremely...

Ann Delisi: BLKBOK talks Juneteenth, latest album and more at Willis Show Bar

Neoclassical pianist and Detroiter BLKBOK had a big year in 2023. A former touring musician with major artists like John...

Ann Delisi: Nabil Ayers reflects on music career during interview at Third Man Records

Rock drummer, music entrepreneur and author Nabil Ayers joined me in front of a live audience at Detroit's Third Man...

Ann Delisi: BLKBOK shares inspiration behind his new album ‘9’

BLKBOK is a neoclassical pianist from right here in Detroit, whose career has taken him out on the road —...

Former Police drummer Stewart Copeland reflects on his hall of fame career

Stewart Copeland — the composer, arranger and drummer for The Police — joined forces with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to...

Don Was Reflects on 40th anniversary of the Was (Not Was) album ‘Born to Laugh at Tornadoes’

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Born to Laugh at Tornadoes, the second studio album from legendary Detroit band Was...

Avalon’s Jackie Victor reminisces on the bakery’s profound history in the Cass Corridor

One of my favorite places in the city of Detroit has been Avalon International Breads. Their Cass Corridor bakery has...