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.

Documentarian Stanley Nelson Tells Miles Davis’ Story in “Birth of the Cool”

Acclaimed documentarian Stanley Nelson has unearthed never-before-seen footage of Miles Davis to tell the story of a musician who was...

Takoi Chef Brad Greenhill Opens His Second Restaurant, Magnet

18 months ago, Takoi Executive Chef Brad Greenhill talked with Essential Music host Ann Delisi about the plans for his...

Imagine Marcus Belgrave, Mike Banks and Matt Michaels Being Your Teachers. Pianist Jon Dixon Learned From the Best

Jon Dixon grew up in one of Detroit's toughest neighborhoods and decided that music would be the focus of his life,...

The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” Turns 50

Abbey Road brought The Beatles together one last time for the creation of "Abbey Road", their eleventh album which was...

The Band That Inspired Chef James Rigato to Name His Restaurant Is Now Inspiring Him to Make a Short Film

Morganeve Swain comes to The Willis Show Bar with her band, The Huntress and the Holder of Hands on October...

When WDET Played New Wave Radio and Detroit Listened

Before the Electrifying Mojo was playing artists like Kraftwerk and New Wave, they had a home on WDET. It was...

Local Musician Ryan Neal Releases EP Produced in Solitude in Nova Scotia

Local musician Ryan Neal took a roundabout path to producing music.  "I was into sports before, was the first thing...

Remembering Jeff Buckley’s Masterpiece “Grace,” Turning 25 This Year

When Columbia Records signed Jeff Buckley to a record deal, he was performing cover songs at a small Irish club in...

Jessica Hernandez Talks Motherhood, Previewing Next Chapter in Career

Jessica Hernandez is a Detroit musician with a long history in the area.  She took time off recently from the...

“At The Heart of Detroit Music” is a New Mini-Documentary About Detroit Musician Luis Resto

Ann Delisi talks with filmmaker Evan Gulock about documenting the creative musical process of this incredibly accomplished Detroit musician and...

Emma Guzman, Teenage Singer-Songwriter, is a Finalist for Tidal’s Million Dollar Grant Program

Emma Guzman is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter that's already made huge strides in her career. Four years ago, I met Guzman...

Mosaic Youth Theater Explores the Early Days of Motown Records and The Marvelettes

After 27 years, the founder and director of The Mosaic Youth Theater, Rick Sperling, directs his last show with this...