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.
Funk Brother Dennis Coffey Releases “One Night at Morey’s: 1968”
Ann Delisi talks with Funk Brother Dennis Coffey about performing with drummer Melvin Davis and organist Lyman Woodward 50 years ago,...
Detroit Singer/Songwriter Lauren Deming Returns Home
Ann Delisi talks with singer/pianist/songwriter, Lauren Deming about leaving town, her trip across the U.S and landing back in Detroit...
Detroit’s Historic Willis Show Bar Reopens
Ann Delisi talks with Willis Show Bar Owner, Sean Patrick, who left Los Angeles to settle in the Motor City...
Detroit Artist Mayaeni Goes Full Circle
Mayaeni subscribed to the DIY method of managing her career, then got signed to Jay-Z's label, Roc Nation. After writing...
Detroit Power Popsters Chris Richards & The Subtractions Release “Peaks and Valleys”
Chris Richards talks with Ann Delisi about writing a hook, splitting his time between two bands and finding the perfect album...
Submit Your Pick for Detroit’s Best Rock Song
The 2018 Concert of Colors is coming up this July and the theme for the Don Was All-Star Revue is...
Official White House Photographer Pete Souza Took 1.9 Million Photos in 8 Years
Ann Delisi speaks with Pete Souza, the official photographer of the Obama White House. Souza shares stories about traveling on...
Eminem’s Song “Lose Yourself” Turns 15 Years Old
Ann Delisi talks with Detroit composer, arranger and keyboard player, Luis Resto, about working with Eminem, the history of "Lose...
Aretha Franklin Headlines Detroit Music Weekend
Find out about Detroit Music Weekend. Ann Delisi talks to founding Director Vince Paul about the free concerts happening in...
Ann Delisi talks with Detroit Songstress Mayaeni
Ann Delisi sat down with Detroit artist Mayaeni who talked about getting signed to Jay-Z's label, working with Macy Gray...
Ann Delisi talks with Flint Eastwood lead singer Jax Anderson
Days before their performance in the lobby of Detroit's Historic Fisher Building, Flint Eastwood lead singer Jax Anderson talked with Ann Delisi...