Celebrating Janet Jackson’s Commercial Breakthrough Album “Control” 35 Years Later
In February of 1986, Janet Jackson released her third studio album, Control. This album signified a seismic shift for an...
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.
Carole King’s “Tapestry” Album Turns 50
Released in February 1971, Carole King's seminal album "Tapestry" turns 50 years old this month. Carole King was born in...
RECIPE: Warm Up With This Aromatic Sipping Broth
The winter months are long and cold, but there is plenty of culinary enjoyment to be had this time of year....
Celebrating 40 Years of Alicia Keys
Singer, songwriter, producer and philanthropist Alicia Keys celebrated her 40th birthday on January 25, 2021. Her illustrious career started from humble...
Celebrating Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country
Few artists have navigated the music world as adeptly and gracefully as country music icon and philanthropist, Dolly Parton. Coming...
From Prisoner to Restaurateur: How Learning to Cook Changed Dink Dawson’s Life
Dink Dawson owns The GreenMile Grill in Detroit, a dream he nurtured while serving six and a half years at the...
Detroit’s Nordin Brothers Make Art That’s Big, Beautiful and Pretty Darn Heavy
If you live in metro Detroit, you've probably seen the work of the Nordin Brothers. The pair have been creating...
Don Was Remembers Sweet Pea Atkinson, Charismatic Singer of Was (Not Was)
Hillard "Sweet Pea" Atkinson was a larger-than-life musical figure who had style, swagger, charisma and a voice that sounded the way...
Always Tip Your Server, and Other Restaurant Etiquette
The restaurant industry has been hit hard as a result of COVID-19, and though it is still unclear when it...
Why Laurie Anderson Wants to Re-write the Bible, and Other Fabulous Observations
Subscribe to Ann Delisi’s Essential Conversations iTunes — Stitcher — Spotify Very rarely does an artist live up to the term "creative genius." But...
Honoring the Legacy of Little Richard: Architect of Rock and Roll
Richard Wayne Penneiman, famously known as Little Richard, was born on December 5, 1932 in Macon, Georgia. Little Richard, widely...
How to Roast Your Turkey, and Other Thanksgiving Tips for the Home Cook
Thanksgiving is going to be different this year, but don’t let that stop you from going all out in the...