He has two children. On 97.1 on Monday, the station's programming was one long, emotional tribute to Samuelsen, starting with Stone and Heather Park in the morning, and carrying over to Doug Karsch and Scott Anderson in middays. "But I had a lot of help, thanks to Ward Quaal, [the WGN president and general manager] who hired me, and a lot of the other great names Ive worked with and learned from." DePue: I must tell you that I've got a military background. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I think what has been missed by many is that Orion was an agvocate at least 40 years before most farmers knew they should be, said Max Armstrong, who has worked with Samuelson for the past 43 years. I would, I would like that a lot. Samuelsen missed significant time over the last month as the diagnosis got worse. That I could explain the strange business of agriculture and food production in a way that was understandable, and that I was a good guy and a good listener. In addition to its syndication run, the show is broadcast on RFD-TV. Samuelson began his broadcasting career in Wisconsin and will officially sign off from his job at WGN radio in Chicago. Tuesdays comment of the day: Irv Leavitt: I have recently developed the lazy habit of leaving WGN Radio on after a White Sox game, and I've been treated to product that varies from relatively intelligent to downright maddening. Sirott: Well, Orion congratulations. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. I can recall the volume going up and our little voices being muted in my grandpas truck when Orion came on. In 2017, Max Armstrong was elected President of the NAFB. On December 9th 2010 the southwest corner of E. Illinois Street & N. Cityfront Plaza Drive was named 'Orion Samuelson Way' by the city of Chicago. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. "So I think Ill find things to do.". That, I thought, explained a lot. WGN Radios Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. Its been quite a career, Samuelson said. April 24, 2023 / 10:16 AM / CBS Detroit. 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. Sirott: You had to be pinching yourself at times along the way? Samuelsons travels took him to 44 countries. And I think, what am I doing standing here? She would never subscribe. Orion Samuelson, 86, informed his bosses he'll retire at the end of the year. He went one further when he got Orion into public speaking contests. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. Over the past six decades, Samuelson said, he has worked with some of the greatest broadcast people, including Wally Phillips, Bob Collins and Spike ODell. He called the manager of the station in Green Bay and said he was going to try to steal his farm director.. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. Armstrong also was awarded an Alum Certificate of Distinction from the College of Agriculture and a Sagamore of the Wabash, given by the Governor of Indiana. 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. Good health and happiness to you and to Gloria. In the world of agriculture, Orion Samuelson is a rock star, and to Orion tonight we say, "Happy Birthday!" Orion has been on WGN Radio for more than 53 of his 80 years, so WGN's Steve. 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. CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that reporter Steve Alexander will assume responsibilities from agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson beginning in January. Orion's spirits are high and he is looking forward to returning to the airwaves as soon as he gets the 'go ahead. . Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazines coverage. The new routes will shave off 40,000 miles and 6,000 minutes of travel time annually, according to the FAA. Orion Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. I read about this in the encyclopedia, but now Im standing here looking at it. Copyright 2022 agrinews-pubs.com. "I dont know how many broadcasters have been around for 60 or more years, so I dont know if its that much of a milestone.". Armstrong was a member of NAFB for 40 years before being elected president. 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. Working with Armstrong was a success, Samuelson said, because both of them are good listeners. These days, Orion is dialing back obligations and busy recovering from back surgery. I think that a lot of people recognize that without agricultural trade, we would be in far worse condition because our farmers produce so much more than we can consume. From hosting the WGN Radio Barn Dance to breaking the news to Chicagoans of the JFK assassination. The pair were married in 2001. The rest of the tape follows Orion Samuelson (who created and hosted U.S. Farm Report for WGN Radio AM-720), at the 1991 Farm Progress Show in Dalton City, IL. He spoke with the president of the United States just as easily as he spoke with a Chinese farmer in a rice paddy or with the kid whod just won champion steer at the state fair. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. Luckily for farmers, Samuelson had once considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before heading off to radio school. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at six magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt. "Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the goodness in him," McDonald wrote on Twitter. And so even-tempered. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. In 2010, the City of Chicago named the corner of Illinois Street and Cityfront Plaza Drive Orion Samuelson Way.. That was the ticket. But, this is like the time when the conspiracy theory came true. said one researcher. That is unheard of in this industry., Field Editor's Blog @AgNews_Doran: Best wishes to Orion in his retirement https://t.co/abTEj8w1v7. A. Max and Orion spent 31 years together on WGN, until Max left in 2009 to join Farm Progress. And while Orion has covered 19 different secretaries of agriculture and eight presidents, and even dined at the White House, he nearly became a candidate himself for about four days back in 2007. Check Background Get Contact Info This Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All Samuelsen worked in the Detroit sports-media landscape since 1994, at a variety of radio stations, but most notable WDFN 1130The Fan and WXYT 97.1 The Ticket. We would talk about the European Community and the blocks that were put up against our products. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Group Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Their operation includes 125 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation. I think you should do it, Orion recalls. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). He listened to the veterans around him, picking out the good things they did that people liked. As a kid, Orion served as "that voice on the radio" that I became . The Republicans were looking for someone to run against Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama. 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. Samuelson received a specially engraved Norwegian horse plaque to commemorate the occasion from presidents of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, the Wisconsin Soybean Association, the Wisconsin Agri-Services Association and the Wisconsin Pork Association. Samuelson: Well, Ive been pleased obviously, but by the same token, Ive been stunned. There were many tears shed, including from listeners who called in, many of whom never met Samuelsen. , who would go on to found the agricultural communications program at the University of Illinois. One time I was at a White House dinner to honor Norman Borlaug. Samuelson: No, I didnt, but, circumstances, leg disease that made it impossible to do heavy work. The testimonies of Moon's first wife, Mrs. Seon-gil Choi, and Pastor Deok-jin Kim [who wrote 19 of the church 'Holy Songs']. After graduation, he moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where he lives with his wife, Heidi. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. Hell retire from WGN Radio at the end of this month, recording a landmark 60 years on WGN and creating original television programs such as U.S. Orion says he tried to pass along two pieces of advice to his children: Always be honest in what you do, and speak your thoughts, but dont let politics or religion destroy relationships. Im still amazed at how many people say, I love that voice., They also appreciate his interviews, likely because hes a self-proclaimed better listener than a speaker.. Moon's first wife, Seon-gil Choi, and Pastor Deok-jin Kim interviewed. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. We collect into a small bunch the flowers, the few flowers, which brought sweetness into a life, and present it as an offering to an accomplished destiny. FAIRY TALE? He wouldnt walk again for two years. First, Orion won the section, and then he went to state, and then he placed second in all of Wisconsin. As that door closed in Chicago, another opened at WGN when the station picked up the farm programming torch and Orion was invited to walk in. If someone brought Orion fresh sweet corn or asparagus, he shared it with the engineers. [13], On November 1, 2012, Samuelson published his autobiography "You Cant Dream Big Enough" was published by Bantry Bay Media. At 86, his voice is as strong and deep and rich as its always been. At age 26, Samuelson got the call to join 50,000-watt powerhouse WGN, where he began as farm director on September 26, 1960. Her quick thinking and determination got him into surgery and saved his life and his voice. These stories were also translated into Max Armstrong's Tractor App, launched in 2013. 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. She also had high praise for his care at University of Chicago. He drove home every weekend to be a polka music disc jockey. Luckily, a copycat recipe is easy enough to copy. David is retired from a career as a trader on the Chicago Board of Trade and has two children of his own, and Katheryn is in the restaurant business. Orion immediately set to work shaping WGNs farm programming after he aired up his tires and mastered the elevators, of course. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. 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. I think I should be able to, he quipped last week. He transcends generations, says Cerro Gordo, Ill., farmer Jared Gregg. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. [8], On This Week in Agribusiness, Armstrong has a segment "Max's Tractor Shed," which features vintage tractors sent in by viewers. Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. Samuelson is a 2003 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee. What's behind shortages of Adderall, other meds? Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Wind noise is frequently loud on the tape. I love being in the countryside and on farms. Sirott: What would you like the first sentence in your Wikipedia entry to say about you? 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.. Orions stories of growing up on the family dairy in Ontario, Wis., are familiar to listeners: 30 milk cows, six sows, 200 chickens, 200 acres but only 90 tillable. Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazines coverage. 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. But he remembers the first time he spoke competitively: My knees never stopped shaking!. All rights reserved. And then Id drive 17 miles to the radio station, Id get home in time to help milk cows at night. You arent alone. He doesnt disagree. "The Big O," as he's known, will continue to deliver five or six daily business . Samuelson: And I did! 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.. Related:Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to ChicagoHow Orion became beloved in agricultureWhat Orion means on the farmMax on Orion: Champion for the American farmer. It would also be the last first day Orion Samuelson would ever have. Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. The self-described "unknown cow milker from western Wisconsin" was born on a dairy farm near LaCrosse, and got his start on radio stations in Sparta, Appleton and Green Bay. He currently co-hosts (with associate Max Armstrong) the Morning Show on Saturdays. Copyright 2023. We would talk about trade with China. 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. Sirott: Anyone living in the Midwest over the past six decades knows that great, big, booming voice of yours. The number of Americans seeking mental health treatment isalmost twiceas high as it was two decades ago. You listen to the radio. They plan to divide their time between homes in west suburban Huntley and Scottsdale, Arizona. Cause I didnt think I was very important and then somebody said 60 years. Like regular Orion, Air Orion will retire soon, too. [1] Broadcast History [ edit] Armstrong's first job out of college was for the Illinois Farm Bureau as a Broadcast Editor, which was where he met Orion Samuelson. Orion at approximately age 7.Orion at approximately age 14.Orion's high school graduation photo.Orion in the mid-1960s.Sixty years ago.Orion in the mid-1970s.Orion SamuelsonOrion in his office.Orion Samuelson with the chair given to him by the FFA.Orion on the front page.Orion Samuelson at the podium after receiving the Order of Lincoln Medallion on May 5, 2001.Orion at WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. The first was the cancellation of the network broadcast in 1952. 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. Orion Samuelson (/rin/ OR-ee-n; born March 31, 1934) is a retired American broadcaster, known for his agriculture broadcasts and his ability to explain agribusiness and food production in an understandable way. Why? Celebrating 60 Years of Orion SamuelsonAudio|Video|PhotosEmail|Voicemail|Scholarship. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . When Armstrong started at WGN, he was surrounded by announcers and personalities who were significantly older. Truman. Orion is currently the host, along with Max Armstrong, of This Week in AgriBusiness - www.agbizweek.com, Read more about this topic: Orion Samuelson, Just how difficult it is to write biography can be reckoned by anybody who sits down and considers just how many people know the real truth about his or her love affairs.Rebecca West [Cicily Isabel Fairfield] (18921983), Had Dr. Johnson written his own life, in conformity with the opinion which he has given, that every mans life may be best written by himself; had he employed in the preservation of his own history, that clearness of narration and elegance of language in which he has embalmed so many eminent persons, the world would probably have had the most perfect example of biography that was ever exhibited.James Boswell (174095), A great biography should, like the close of a great drama, leave behind it a feeling of serenity. So, its one of those what might have been stories but I value my relationship with my wife, Orion says, laughing. Orion Samuelson and his wife, Gloria, rode in the local parade as Grand Marshal on the final day of the festival. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. Sid and Mona Samuelson made a good life for Orion and his younger sister, Norma. My buddies in the military can never understand why in the world the First Infantry Division Chronology 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. In the clip the announcer says, "Now, here's Orion Samuelson," but Orion seems not to have heard! So Id get up in the morning and Id help dad milk cows. He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. In addition, the farm broadcaster also met several stars including Sophia Loren, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. He has since retired from that position, with John Phipps replacing him. Young Orion was a tall kid headed for the basketball team the summer before high school when he was afflicted with a rare disease known as Legg-Perthes disease. It was a good first day on the job. Published in La Salle, Illinois, USA, by Shaw Media. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. "I couldn't believe it was happening," he says today. It feels like a fairy tale! That's because he'd dropped out as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin at Madison after only three months. In 2001, Samuelson was named a Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois and received the Lincoln Medal the highest award bestowed by the State of Illinois. That was the latest tribute to Samuelsen, whose death made news outlets across the country, and drew sympathies from many dignitaries in the sports community, including all four Detroit major sports teams. She spotted early signs of a serious illness one day in 2004, during a television broadcast. Shes a beautiful lady and a beautiful partner, he says. The family farm includes Johns parents and their three children. Like the farmers hes served all these years, Orion celebrated that last first day on the job long ago. Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, Prairie Farmer owned WLS, airing farm and rural programming such as the National Barn Dance and more. 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Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. Samuelson, 81, veteran agriculture-business reporter for Tribune Media news/talk WGN AM 720, underwent the procedure Monday at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Samuelsen died Saturday night at the age of 48, surroundedby McDonald and their three children. Since July 2009, Armstrong has been director of broadcasting for Farm Progress. "[10], For 22 years, Armstrong contributed his time as an appointed Fire Commissioner in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. They had a lot of misconceptions about the role food producers play in our economy and our society, Samuelson said. Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. He served as master of ceremonies for thousands of shows and crowned dozens of queens, using his own plane to travel efficiently. That teacher, Robert Gehring, went far out of his way to help a kid who really needed to catch a break. The surgeon commented that Orion is further along than patients half his age. Read full biography, Yes, Orion Samuelson is still alive It turns out he had a flesh-eating bacteria working on his throat. Reverence, always. ORION-Richard Duane Samuelson, 93, of Orion, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. Samuelson, 81, veteran agriculture-business. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [2] Career[edit] Reliable and true., And quotable. in 2005. Orions first marriage ended in divorce, and his second wife died of Lou Gehrigs disease. Three years into his tenure at WGN, he was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. 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. The bronze plaque is in the sidewalk outside the Tribune Tower studios at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. That mildly understated assessment launched the phenomenally successful WGN career that Orion is now retiring from, 60 years later. It makes sense, he says. He was also on President Ronald Reagans short list for secretary of agriculture, which ultimately ended in John Blocks selection. Sirott: I imagine you still milking cows while youre in broadcasting. Farm Progress is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. Armstrong also hosts a three-minute feature, "Farming America", on the Tribune Radio Network. But inside WGN, his new colleagues welcomed him into the family. 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. 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]. He met McDonald when she worked at Fox 2 and was producing for Bill Bonds, and the couple had three children,Caroline, 16, Josh, 14, and Catherine, 11. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. Samuelson: It took me and I still cant believe this, but it took me two weeks to make the decision that I would leave Green Bay and go to Chicago, because Im a country boy. Madonna. [2], Many of those living in the Midwest over the past six decades remember the big, booming voice of Orion Samuelson that explained the business of agriculture and food production in an understandable way. Orion and I played a significant role in helping publicize that which happened 45 or 50 years ago., Its a remarkable thing that Orion has been on the air at the same station in a major market in the U.S. for 60 years, Armstrong stressed. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. [6], During the 1960s, Samuelson hosted an early-morning show on WGN-TV, Top 'O' the Morning, first with organist Harold Turner, then with Max Armstrong.
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