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.

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: Terri Lyne Carrington and Esperanza Spalding

Michelle Andonian WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative spirit...

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: Barrett Strong

  Joan Isabella WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative...

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: Denaun Porter

Joan Isabella WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative spirit...

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: Allee Willis

Joan Isabella WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative spirit...

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: Don Was

Joan Isabella    ​WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative...

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: Pete Souza

Joan Isabella WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative spirit...

Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations: MC5 Guitarist Wayne Kramer

Joan Isabella WDET presents Ann Delisi's Essential Conversations podcast.  Hosted by Detroit storyteller Ann Delisi, this interview series recognizes the creative...

Echopark Guitars Owner Gabriel Currie Shares the Most Important Thing About Making the Perfect Guitar – Part 2

Essential Music host, Ann Delisi, continues her conversation with Echopark Guitars owner, Gabriel Currie, who moved his company to Detroit...

Echopark Guitars Owner Gabriel Currie Learned the Art of Making Guitars from Leo Fender – Part 1

Essential Music host, Ann Delisi, talks with Gabriel Currie about his company, his thoughts about Detroit and why he moved...

Echopark Guitars Owner Gabriel Currie is Right At Home in Detroit – Full Interview

This is the extended interview Ann Delisi conducted with Echopark Guitars owner and guitar maker, Gabriel Currie. During this interview...

Detroit Free Press 2019 Restaurant of the Year: IMA

Mark Kurlyandchik serves up a mouth-watering recounting of the food he ate at IMA and why he picked it as...

Detroit Free Press Top 10 Best New Restaurants – Part Two – Restaurants 1-5

Ann Delisi talks with Mark Kurlyandchik about the Metro Detroit restaurants that left the biggest impression on him as he...