IL SR0388

Illinois Senate resolution mourning the death of William A. "Bill" Hickerson of Springfield, who passed away on July 7, 2025 at age 84

Hickerson, known as "Dr. Swing," hosted jazz and swing music radio programs for over 40 years on stations including WSSR FM, WVEM FM, WTAX AM, and WQNA FM

Born in Burlington, Iowa on November 6, 1940, he attended the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Sangamon State University

Interviewed notable musicians throughout his career including Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme, and Dave Brubeck, and was involved with the Central Illinois Jazz Society

Resolution extends condolences to his family, including daughters Becky Jane Schlouch and Pauline Miller, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and siblings