Bill McGlaughlin, Host of Exploring Music, Dies at 82

Bill McGlaughlin, renowned musician, educator, and composer, passed away at the age of 82. His partner, jazz artist Karrin Alyson, shared the news on Facebook, asking for privacy as they mourn. McGlaughlin had been the host of Exploring Music since it began in 2003, a program produced by Chicago's WFMT that delves into classical music through various weekly themes. His broadcasting journey started with St. Paul Sunday, an award-winning show that aired from 1980 to 2007. He co-hosted B&K Cafe on WWFM The Classical Network with Alyson since 2020. A graduate of Temple University, McGlaughlin played trombone with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and held leadership roles in several orchestras. His works include Surveying Lake Wobegon and Remembering Icarus. WFMT announced in December that Peter van de Graaf would take over as host of Exploring Music on August 24.