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NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 25, 2026Los Angeles County

Noah Adams, longtime host of NPR's 'All Things Considered,' dies at 84

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Noah Adams, a longtime host of NPR's "All Things Considered" known for his gentle voice and conversational interviewing style, has died at the age of 84. He passed away on Oct. 16 at his home in Yellow Springs, Ohio, from complications of a benign brain tumor.

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Why It Matters

The broadcasting industry loses a defining voice of public radio who spent nearly two decades anchoring national news and chronicling everyday American life.

Key Facts

  • Noah Adams died on Oct. 16 at his home in Yellow Springs, Ohio, at the age of 84.
  • His cause of death was complications from a benign brain tumor removed eight years ago.
  • He hosted NPR's weekday edition of "All Things Considered" for 18 years.
  • He was born on Sept. 15, 1942, in Ashland, Kentucky.
  • Adams joined NPR in the mid-1970s after working as a DJ and in construction, starting as a production assistant in 1975.
  • He became a weekend co-host in 1978 and moved to the weekday show in 1982.
  • His notable audio work includes the 1981 radio documentary "Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown."
  • He authored books including "Piano Lessons: Music, Love, and True Adventures" and "The Flyers: In Search of Wilbur and Orville Wright."

Who's Mentioned

PersonNoah Adams“Longtime host of NPR's 'All Things Considered' who has died at 84.”PersonSusan Stamberg“Former 'All Things Considered' co-host.”OrganizationNPR“National public radio network that broadcast 'All Things Considered'.”PersonMelissa Block“Former 'All Things Considered' host and producer.”PersonRobert Siegel“Former 'All Things Considered' co-host.”PersonOrville Wright“Subject of Noah Adams' book 'The Flyers'.”PersonTom DeBaggio“Subject of an interview series living with Alzheimer's disease.”PersonNeenah Ellis“Wife and longtime NPR news producer.”PersonWilbur Wright“Subject of Noah Adams' book 'The Flyers'.”locationAshland“Kentucky birthplace of Noah Adams.”PersonBetsy Walter“An 8-year-old girl interviewed by Noah Adams.”OrganizationNew York Times“Newspaper where Neenah Ellis and Noah Adams spoke.”locationYellow Springs“Ohio home where Noah Adams died.”OrganizationCurrent“Publication that quoted Susan Stamberg's foreword.”OrganizationUniversity of Kentucky“Public radio station where Adams previously worked.”