That was the ticket. There was a time we were doing 190 broadcasts per week on WGN Radio and the television show, This Week in AgriBusiness, so we were busy boys.. In 1954, he moved to WHBY in Appleton, Wis., to be the nighttime announcer, and by 1956, Orion had secured his first position as a farm broadcaster at WBAY in Green Bay, Wis. At WBAY, he crossed paths with a fellow ag communicator named Jim Evans, who would go on to found the agricultural communications program at the University of Illinois. And then you start dreaming. McDonald posted to Twitter on Monday afternoon, her first post since Samuelsen went on the air a week ago and announced his diagnosis and that he'd been battling the disease for 19 months. He is best known for his association with WGN Radio in Chicago, serving as the station's head agriculture broadcaster since 1960. WGN Radio's Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. The Wisconsin farm boy got a lot of surprises in Chicago, including flattened tires for parking in the wrong spot and a missed market report or two, thanks to slow elevators in the Tribune Tower. From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson was the host of U.S. Farm Report, a weekly television news magazine dedicated to agriculture. The family farm includes Johns parents and their three children. "The American Farmer's Best Friend for Over Sixty Years" tells about his humble beginnings on a Wisconsin dairy farm and how his big dreams led to a Hall of Fame career in broadcasting, travels to 43 countries, dinner at the White House and, most importantly, the trust of the hard working men and . After graduation, he moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where he lives with his wife, Heidi. Orion Samuelson has 1 sibling. Cause I didnt think I was very important and then somebody said 60 years. He will retire from WGNs airwaves on Dec. 31. [6], In 2016, Armstrong earned a plaque on the WGN Radio Walk of Fame in Chicago. The engineers, stage hands and people on the air liked Orion, so it was much easier for me being the kid coming on board to slide right in because I was welcomed just by working with Orion.. Orion was bridging the gap between the farm and the city before anyone else in the country thought about it., The first time I heard Max do the Farm Bureau reports, I said to my producer that if we ever need to get an associate at WGN farm department, Im going to call him, Samuelson recalled. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson says it's time to retire from the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station. Max Armstrong joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. Kathryn Samuelson, Judith Samuelson, Gloria Samuelson, James Warren and Lois Long, and many others are family members and associates of Orion. When they went on remote broadcasts, he included them in dinners. [7] The induction ceremony took place on May 27, 2016, where Armstrong was honored along with 6 others. [13], On November 1, 2012, Samuelson published his autobiography "You Cant Dream Big Enough" was published by Bantry Bay Media. "He loved a wicked joke, a good game & a strong gimlet. Sirott: I imagine you still milking cows while youre in broadcasting. The Tigers on Sunday held a moment of silence. In May 1960, one of Mr. Samuelson's first assignments for WGN was to emcee the National Barn Dance, a long running program that WGN had just acquired when WLS radio discontinued its association with Prairie Farmer magazine. U.S. Farm Report continued without Samuelson after his departure. Samuelson was heard on WGN radio in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. Samuelson began his broadcasting career in Wisconsin and will officially sign off from his job at WGN radio in Chicago. Perfect for elementary students, homeschoolers, and libraries! Armstrong was full-time with WGN Radio for 32 years until 2009. The University of Illinois also presented Samuelson with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. Orion is one of agricultures few celebrities, known to millions by his first name only, like Cher. A montage of photos of the life and career of WGN Radio legend Orion Samuelson.For more, visit wgnradio.com/orion. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. At Purdue University, Armstrong received honors as an "Old Master" in 2005 and was recognized as a "Noted Alumnus" in the 2009 'Facts at Your Fingertips.' Orion got plenty of practice thinking on his feet, as WGN took the show on the road for 40 to 50 remote broadcasts a year to county fairs, the Illinois State Fair, the Farm Progress Show and more. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. One time I was at a White House dinner to honor Norman Borlaug. During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster, Samuelson interviewed nine presidents and traveled to 44 countries. He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. I saw agriculture through the eyes of my TV cameraman and I had the opportunity to shake hands with people like Fidel Castro and Mikhail Gorbachev, Samuelson said. [12], Samuelson serves as a Board Member Emeritus for the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) having previously served as chairman of the board. Plant-based product fixes nitrogen for corn, Report provides rangeland carbon market insight, Kansas State University veterinarian shares tips to prepare cattle for summer, Commodity Classic offers look at latest in ag equipment, tech, Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to Chicago, Max on Orion: Champion for the American farmer. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. Whats been your reaction to this outpouring of love for you? WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. Photos: Orion through the years | WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own He is a part-time farmer and has experience as a banker with an emphasis on agriculture and residential lending.. This job changed the direction of my career immensely.. During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster,. Orion C Samuelson, 89 - Huntley, IL - Reputation & Contact Details He also made history by being the first agribusiness broadcaster to be inducted into the National Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. The show moved to Chicago's WGN-AM, with Orion Samuelson as the show's host, until it finally left the air in 1968. I told him Ive done it and you can do it, too., Orion is one of the hardest working people youll every run into he has a tremendous work ethic, Armstrong said. Dairy industry works to build trust with Gen Z, 13 ways to have better conversations about ag, A bill that would kill large-scale livestock farms, Weekly grain movement: Corn exceeds expectations. And he championed the farmers cause. We dont quote the frozen pork belly market any more, but my quick answer to that question is, if you had a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich today, you had a frozen pork belly, Samuelson said. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. That mildly understated assessment launched the phenomenally successful WGN career that Orion is now retiring from, 60 years later. Few partnerships in agriculture are as easily recognized as that of Max and Orion again, by first names only. Through the years Samuelson has remained active in organization dear to his heart including 4-H and FFA. "I couldn't believe it was happening," he says today. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. At the time, Samuelson credited 4-H with igniting his passion for agriculture and his first experiences with public speaking, ultimately leading to his broadcasting career. Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years It was Sept. 26, 1960, and as he headed toward his first day on the job at WGN, a singular thought ran through his head. On New Year's Day 2017, Orion will be alongside the Rose Parade route to co-host with Pam Minick RFD-TV's live coverage of the parade on January 1. Samuelson: Thats probably one of the biggest compliments I get from city listeners in Chicago or suburbs or other cities who say, I didnt know what soybeans were. Orions high standards of reporting, thought leadership, articulate expression and caring spirit continue to help energize and guide me in my professional interests, and in my life, Evans says. In addition to that, Ive interviewed nine presidents, including George H.W. After high school, Orion headed to the University of Wisconsin on a scholarship, determined to learn how to be a radio announcer. Around the same time, the vocational-agriculture teacher from school showed up on the Samuelsons doorstep, offering to bring Orions schoolwork out a couple of times a week and help him stay on pace with classmates. Samuelson hosted a similar show, This Week in Agribusiness, along with his longtime collaborator Max Armstrong, until his retirement, and continues to make occasional commentaries on that show with Armstrong as host. Sirott: You had to be pinching yourself at times along the way? It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. It was a good first day on the job. "How do you say goodbye to a man who made everyone feel like a friend?". TROY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A Lake Orion man hit the pavement this weekend to run a marathon for a great cause to give back to Henry Ford Health. "When I made the drive in my 1949 blue Chrysler New Yorker 60 years ago, I was very uncertain about what I was getting into, because I was a farm kid [thinking], What will I do in the big city?. He drove home every weekend to be a polka music disc jockey. Over the years, Orion originated broadcasts all over the world, including 10 times in China and four in Russia. We would talk about trade with China. Garth. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. Last . I sat at a table with Glen Campbell and Bob Dole and we became good friends., Subscribe to receive top agriculture news, Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters. Moon's first wife, Seon-gil Choi - The Tragedy of the Six Marys [9], In 2015, Armstrong published his first book, titled "Stories from the Heartland. DePue: I must tell you that I've got a military background. Samuelsen's wife: 'Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the Orion Samuelson - Wikipedia I dont ever remember working on a style, he says, but I never took my voice for granted. "The Big O," as he's known, will continue to deliver five or six daily business . In addition to hosting his signature farm reports on radio and TV, and anchoring "The Noon Show" from 1960 to 2003, Samuelson emceed "The National Barn Dance" and read the first bulletin on the air of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. Number 8860726. I think you should do it, Orion recalls. No funeral arrangements have been announced. As host of "The U.S. Farm Report" (now "This Week in AgriBusiness" with longtime partner Max Armstrong), he became the best-known voice of agriculture in America. Max Armstrong's Tractor App received a Best of NAMA award, along with awards from the American Agricultural Editors' Association and American Web Design awards. After all, I am Norwegian. ", Now Samuelson looks back on a splendid career he never could have imagined. He listened to the veterans around him, picking out the good things they did that people liked. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. In fact, it might be what they like about him best. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. And today theyre the biggest producer and the biggest exporter of soybeans. Thats why I tell young people today to learn everything you can about everything and youll always have a job, Samuelson said. (And dont you wonder about the kid who beat him? In addition, Samuelson hosts a three-minute daily "National Farm Report", and a weekly commentary, "Samuelson Sez"; both are syndicated to various stations across the country through Tribune Broadcasting's Tribune Radio Network. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. [14], In 2014 the CME Group and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Foundation announced the inaugural recipient of the Orion Samuelson Scholarship ($5,000) for a senior at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Good health and happiness to you and to Gloria. The Republicans were looking for someone to run against Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama. It was devastating. Yet even tragedy has a silver lining, because what do you do when youre confined to your bed in a Wisconsin farmhouse? [8], On This Week in Agribusiness, Armstrong has a segment "Max's Tractor Shed," which features vintage tractors sent in by viewers. Truman. Check Background Get Contact Info This Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All WGN Radios Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. Serving on a three-member board, he hires and promotes full-time firefighters and paramedics for one of the highest-rated (ISO 1) fire service organizations in the United States, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District.[11]. It wasnt what you would call prime farmland, he says. Youve educated a lot of people though, havent you? The hall of fame broadcaster and Chicago media icon says he'll end his run at the end of the year. In 2001, Samuelson was named a laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and was awarded the Order of Lincoln the highest award bestowed by the State of Illinois. It was Sept. 26, 1960, and as he headed toward his first day on the job at WGN, a singular thought ran through his head. Theres a saying that todays news is tomorrows history, said Perdue. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. You arent alone. Orion and his first wife adopted two children, David and Katheryn. Samuelson held the same position in the broadcasting industry for 60 consecutive years through 2020,[9] second only to Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network announcer Vin Scully. Particularly when I, on a Sunday, went with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Prime Minister of India to see the Taj Mahal. So I should recover very quickly.. The lesson I share with young people is in order to make a living talking you have got to be a good listener, said Orion Samuelson, farm broadcaster at WGN Radio. Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. He has since retired from that position, with John Phipps replacing him. Orion's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. More: Wojo:Jamie Samuelsen brought out all the goodness, in radio and in life. Samuelson retires on December 31 after marking more than 60 years with the . All rights reserved. He traveled with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Prime Minister of India to see the Taj Mahal. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). The first is a short musical number (in thirty-two-bar form) in which Yogi shops for his wife and, considering buying a nightgown for his wife but not knowing her size, opts to buy her a carpet sweeper as his gift to her. Orion Samuelson was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. The manager at WBAY called me in and said, I got a call from WGN, and they want to talk to you. Copyright 2023. I couldnt believe it was happening, he says today. Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years Thats what I did and it took me a couple of weeks to convince Max to make the move from Bloomington to Chicago. And yes, those programs often started and ended with an Ole and Lena joke. [3] He interviewed and or met every US president from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Donald Trump,[5] including John F. Kennedy (when he was still a Senator), Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton,[6][5] and finally, after he was 20 years out of the Oval Office, Harry S. Orion Samuelson - Biography [2], Politically, Samuelson supported the production of ethanol fuel from corn, to help American farmers.[8]. Samuelson was working at WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin, when Norm Kraft, WGN farm director resigned on the air. The Radio Hall of Famer had said he hoped to be back on WGN in time to celebrate his 55th anniversary with the station September 25. He was much better than I would have been, Orion reassures. He also serves on the Farm Foundation Bennett Round Table, and is a former member of the board of the Agriculture Future of America, the Board of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, the board of directors of the Foods Resource Bank, a former trustee of the Cornerstone Foundation of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and a former member of the board of trustees of the National 4-H Council. I dont like conspiracy theories. American agricultural broadcast journalist, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Christmas Eve air check from Radio Hall of Fame, "Robservations: WGN Radio names Steve Alexander to succeed Orion Samuelson - Robert Feder", "Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years", "President Trump makes surprise phone call during Decatur Farm Progress Show", "Radio Hall of Fame - Orion Samuelson, Farm Broadcaster", "WGN's Orion Samuelson to have heart surgery", "Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation Board of Directors", "CME Group and NAFB Foundation to Award First-Ever Orion Samuelson Scholarship for Agricultural Communications", "Orion Samuelson to retire after 60 years at WGN Radio", "Laureates by Year - The Lincoln Academy of Illinois", Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orion_Samuelson&oldid=1105630782, Short description is different from Wikidata, BLP articles lacking sources from May 2008, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Orion Samuelson was inducted as a Laureate of, This page was last edited on 21 August 2022, at 02:59. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. His surgery went well on Monday, he is out of ICU and looking forward to checking out of this luxury hotel (hospital) as soon as he gets a bit more strength back, Samuelsons wife, Gloria, wrote in an email. Since July 2009, Armstrong has been director of broadcasting for Farm Progress. Orion Samuelson - Age, Birthday, Biography & Facts | HowOld.co Celebrating 60 Years of Orion SamuelsonAudio|Video|PhotosEmail|Voicemail|Scholarship. According to the website, the country's best known ag broadcaster had deep roots in Wisconsin, with his first 4-H project being a Guernsey heifer calf. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. "[10], For 22 years, Armstrong contributed his time as an appointed Fire Commissioner in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. "The American Farmer's Best Friend for Over Sixty Years" tells about his humble beginnings on a Wisconsin dairy farm and how his big dreams led to a Hall of Fame career in broadcasting, travels to 43 countries, dinner at the White House and, most importantly, the trust of the h On the lighter side, Samuelson and a studio group dubbed the "Uff da Band" once recorded covers of Yogi Yorgesson's novelty songs I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas and Yingle Bells. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . Why? Orion Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. Orion through his work ethic, knowledge and personality had earned the respect of the people there and that helped me immensely when I came on board, he said. Orion Samuelson, 86, will retire from WGN-AM/Chicago after 60 years with the Nexstar Media Group's News/Talk outlet, reports Chicago media columist Robert Feder. FAIRY TALE? Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. He didnt find what he as looking for there, though, and within a few weeks, he transferred to the American Institute of the Air in Minneapolis, a six-month program that promised a radio broadcasting certificate. Samuelson: The biggest change, besides technology, it would be the fact that agriculture is international because when I started in the business, South America, Brazil, wasnt even in the soybean situation. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. A. Sirott: Orion, judging by all the listeners whove been calling us in the morning, people dont care how old you are. This page was last edited on 20 November 2022, at 09:03. Samuelsen also made regular appearances on Fox 2 and wrote periodically for the Detroit Free Press. The winner of more awards and inductee in more halls of fame than he can count, Samuelson said one of the honors he cherishes most is the honorary doctor of letters degree he received from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2001. The warmth, concern and attention to every need is nothing short of outstanding, she wrote. She currently serves on the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, the U of I Agricultural Communications Advisory committee, and is an advisory board member for the U of I College of ACES Research Station at Monmouth. Report: Orion Samuelson to Retire After 60 Years at WGN-AM - RADIO ONLINE
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