Bill McGlaughlin
Bill McGlaughlin, the Peabody Award-winning musician, educator, composer, conductor, and founding host of WFMT’s internationally syndicated radio series Exploring Music, has died, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that transformed how generations of listeners discover and appreciate classical music.
For more than two decades, McGlaughlin’s voice was synonymous with curiosity, storytelling, and musical discovery through Exploring Music. Since its debut on 98.7 WFMT in 2003, the weekday series guided audiences through the world of classical music one theme at a time, weaving together composers, history, literature, cultures, and great works into engaging weekly journeys that welcomed seasoned enthusiasts and first-time listeners alike.
McGlaughlin’s career extended far beyond broadcasting. A Temple University alumnus, he performed as a trombonist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Symphony before serving as music director of the Kansas City Symphony, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and the Tucson Symphony. He also conducted the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and appeared regularly as a guest conductor with orchestras across the country.
As longtime host of Saint Paul Sunday, McGlaughlin received both the Peabody Award and the Deems Taylor Award, and he became a familiar presence on numerous radio and television programs dedicated to making classical music accessible to broad audiences.
As a composer, McGlaughlin created works that reflected both his musical imagination and his deep personal connections. His compositions include Three Dreams and a Question: Choral Songs on E. E. Cummings, written in memory of composer and pianist Kevin Oldham; Aaron’s Horizons, honoring Aaron Copland; Walt Whitman’s Dream for chorus and orchestra; and Surveying Lake Wobegon, created in collaboration with Garrison Keillor.
Throughout his career, McGlaughlin was celebrated not only for his musicianship but also for his gift as a teacher. His ability to illuminate the stories behind the music made classical repertoire approachable, inspiring countless listeners to hear familiar works – and discover new ones – with fresh ears.
“Bill McGlaughlin’s artistry, curiosity, and generosity touched countless people throughout the classical music community,” said Roger Wight, WFMT’s Head of Programming & Operations. “We are profoundly grateful for his decades of partnership with WFMT and for the lasting impact he made on listeners, colleagues, and radio stations across the country.”
WFMT President and CEO Sandra Cordova Micek said McGlaughlin’s influence will continue to resonate for years to come. “Bill McGlaughlin’s extraordinary gifts as a broadcaster, musician, and teacher transformed the way generations of listeners experienced classical music,” Micek said. “His passion, warmth, and deep knowledge made Exploring Music a defining presence in WFMT’s programming, and his legacy will continue to inspire audiences for years to come.”
Bill McGlaughlin’s enduring gift was helping others listen more deeply. Through concerts, compositions, broadcasts, and above all through Exploring Music, he opened the door to classical music for millions – ensuring that his passion for discovery will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.
