Rachel Reynolds

Music Publicity Director

Like most people, I was intimidated by Ruth. But growing up around a lot of strong-willed Jews and New Yorkers probably prepared me more than most people. 

I’ll never forget being called into her office to interview for the Music PR Director position at KCRW. While the couch across from her was expectedly stylish and beautiful, it was so low to the ground that she towered over me from her desk. She pretty much gave me the job on the spot and I think she saw something in me at that moment. 

While we met at KCRW, we were neighbors most of all and I got to know a different Ruth than most people. 

She moved three houses down from me. I remember driving her over to look at the house for the first time. I was terrified to have her in my car, I was transporting a national treasure. After the walk-through, I took her over to see my tiny beach bungalow and she noticed I didn’t have laundry machines. She said I could do my laundry at her house from now on. 

We had a bit of a code. If the door between her laundry room and the house was open, I knew she wanted to chat. I saw her most weekends for many years. Our conversations were always meaningful, whether it was about current events (the news was ALWAYS on), art, travel—and she never ever asked about KCRW. When I eventually moved, I felt guilty leaving her behind as I enjoyed being right there in case she needed me.  But she was supportive at every turn. Fiercely independent is truly an understatement for Ruth.