Naomi Reynolds; Broadcaster, Arts Supporter

Naomi Reynolds, who began broadcasting at about the time broadcasting began, has died.

Mrs. Reynolds, a former chairman of The Women’s Committee, one of the first support groups for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was 96 when she died Monday in Los Angeles.

Familiar to local listeners for her “Let’s Talk Music” series, broadcast alternately for many years on radio stations KNX, KFI, KFWB and KMPC, she first went on the air in the early 1920s in Colorado Springs and later Denver, using an experimental license issued to her dentist husband, whose hobby was radio.

From their home she began what today would be considered a talk show, playing piano and discussing matters of local interest but without guests to interview.

After her husband’s death in 1931, she came to Los Angeles and was put on the air to promote the Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl, interviewing musicians, conductors and guest artists. Over the years, her guests included Amelita Galli-Curci, Helen Traubel, Rise Stevens, John Browning, Jan Peerce, William Steinberg, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore.

Mrs. Reynolds was a life member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and served on several local organizations that assisted young artists.

Survivors include her son, George, and two grandchildren.