[5], In 2001, Armstrong was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the NAFB. Armstrong was full-time with WGN Radio for 32 years until 2009. But he remembers the first time he spoke competitively: My knees never stopped shaking!. Samuelson out, Pearson steps in - Times Gazette Moon's first wife, Seon-gil Choi - The Tragedy of the Six Marys [10][11] In 2014 he was awarded the VERITAS award by American Agri-Women (AAW) Organization. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. WGN Radio Names Reporter Steve Alexander To Take Over for Orion I love being in the countryside and on farms. Samuelsen died Saturday night at the age of 48, surroundedby McDonald and their three children. There are options, 'Stranger than fiction': Tick bite may cause allergy, How to get out of a payday loan nightmare. Politically, Samuelson is a significant supporter of the use of ethanol fuel as derived from corn, as he feels its use will help American farmers. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). Even farmers dont work that long in a lot of cases and here you are still getting up early and doing what youve done for the last well, since 1952. One time I was at a White House dinner to honor Norman Borlaug. Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. She replied that she read them occasionally, and that was enough. Samuelson has held the same job in the broadcasting industry for 50 consecutive years, second only to Los Angeles Dodgers Radio Network announcer Vin Scully. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. Orion is now single. When Armstrong started at WGN, he was surrounded by announcers and personalities who were significantly older. Sirott: Why have agriculture news and farm reports survived on WGN Radio in Chicago here long after that kind of broadcasting ended on other stations? 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Samuelson: Well, Ive been pleased obviously, but by the same token, Ive been stunned. Get an exclusive peek behind the scenes of The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. Samuelson, 81, veteran agriculture-business. "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 . Her guest asked her, if she didn't read them, how did she know how left-wing they were? Obviously the highlight of my career is the opportunity to work with farmers, ranchers and food producers because theyre my favorite people, he said. Happy Birthday to radio legend Orion Samuelson | WGN-TV Orion Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. 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. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. He currently co-hosts (with associate Max Armstrong) the Morning Show on Saturdays. 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. Thank you. But times and tastes changed, and in early 1960, ABC bought WLS and converted it to a rock-and-roll station. Three years into his tenure at WGN, Samuelson was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. Jamie Samuelsen's wife, local TV personality Christy McDonald, thanked friends and fans for the significant outpouring of support in the days since Samuelson died from colon cancer. And we accepted ideas from other people because if you stop learning, you stop living., Orion worked with the Illinois Farm Bureau to put together a farm-city exchange in the early 70s and it was still going in 1977 when I started at WGN, Armstrong said. 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 agribusinessand food production in an understandable way. Orion Samuelson - Wikipedia It would also be the last first day Orion Samuelson would ever have. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The University of Illinois presented Samuelson with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. [9], In 2015, Armstrong published his first book, titled "Stories from the Heartland. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. 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. And I think, what am I doing standing here? Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. 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. The show moved to Chicago's WGN-AM, with Orion Samuelson as the show's host, until it finally left the air in 1968. "The Big O," as he's known around the station, will continue to deliver five or six daily business reports for WGN until he hangs up the mic and rides off into the sunset with his wife Gloria. Samuelson was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2017. , who would go on to found the agricultural communications program at the University of Illinois. Thats why I tell young people today to learn everything you can about everything and youll always have a job, Samuelson said. And then I shook hands with Mikhail Gorbachev, you know, two of the world leaders and went to England to broadcast live from their Royal Agriculture Show and when you say, who are the most important people: the farmers, the ranchers and the food producers are, and then all the others came after that. Orion and his first wife adopted two children, David and Katheryn. So I should recover very quickly.. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. 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. "So many memories," he said, "and theyll be with me as long as Im around.". Few partnerships in agriculture are as easily recognized as that of Max and Orion again, by first names only. Right away, he suggested bringing the National Barn Dance talent over to WGN, and in doing so, saved a few jobs and found himself working alongside the radio stars he listened to back on the dairy farm. Farm Report in 1975 andThis Week in AgriBusinessin 2005. And thats OK. [2] Career[edit] Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, Prairie Farmer owned WLS, airing farm and rural programming such as the National Barn Dance and more. Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. Samuelson: And I did! And Im looking at that building, this monument that the man built for his wife. It makes sense, he says. Samuelsen's wife: 'Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the I dont ever remember working on a style, he says, but I never took my voice for granted. 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 wouldnt walk again for two years. And I cant write. Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years 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. December 31st will be my last time on the air at WGN, Samuelson told me Tuesday. 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. Thats why I titled my book, You Cant Dream Big Enough, Samuelson said about his book published in 2012. All rights reserved. Growing up on the farm Samuelson was expected to take over the family business, but a leg disease made it impossible to do heavy work. Over the years, Orion originated broadcasts all over the world, including 10 times in China and four in Russia. Whats been your reaction to this outpouring of love for you? 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. Not even Earl Butz had this kind of name recognition. And yes, those programs often started and ended with an Ole and Lena joke. 'It's been quite a career': Samuelson retires after 60 - AgriNews 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. In 2015, she became only the 10th U.S. agricultural journalist to earn the Writer of Merit designation and is a five-time winner of the top writing award for editorial opinion in U.S. agriculture. The second is a parody of the poem " A Visit from Saint Nicholas ." Published in La Salle, Illinois, USA, by Shaw Media. 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. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . Samuelson now hosts a similar show, This Week in Agribusiness, on RFD-TV, along with Armstrong. Like the farmers hes served all these years, Orion celebrated that last first day on the job long ago. Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. He called the manager of the station in Green Bay and said he was going to try to steal his farm director.. 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. 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 inside WGN, his new colleagues welcomed him into the family. Her quick thinking and determination got him into surgery and saved his life and his voice. Dont make a mountain out of this lets wait and see what weve got was his approach to crises large and small. [8], On This Week in Agribusiness, Armstrong has a segment "Max's Tractor Shed," which features vintage tractors sent in by viewers. They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries. He drove home every weekend to be a polka music disc jockey. It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. And it, I think, became pretty well known to most people that agriculture was indeed a contributor to the nations income. Its been quite a career, Samuelson said. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. After all, I am Norwegian. From 1977 to 2009, Armstrong was the agri-business broadcaster for WGN Radio[2] before the program transitioned to a weekly Saturday morning show and accompanying podcast entitled The Morning Show with Orion and Max. ), I dont know what happened to the guy who came in first, Orion says, laughing. The manager at WBAY called me in and said, I got a call from WGN, and they want to talk to you. [3] He considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. [4] The show is a weekly agriculture television show, produced by OMAX Communications, LLC in cooperation with 22 Creative Group and Farm Progress. We would talk about the European Community and the blocks that were put up against our products. All rights reserved. U.S. Farm Report continued without Samuelson after his departure. Samuelsons travels took him to 44 countries. I was the youngest at the radio station by nine years, he recalled. 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. [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. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. 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. Through the years Samuelson has remained active in organization dear to his heart including 4-H and FFA. Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazines coverage. [13], On November 1, 2012, Samuelson published his autobiography "You Cant Dream Big Enough" was published by Bantry Bay Media. For over 60 years, Orion Samuelson has been the voice on the radio and a trusted member of the farm family. He was also on President Ronald Reagans short list for secretary of agriculture, which ultimately ended in John Blocks selection. 'The Voice of Agriculture' retires - Farm Progress 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. I dont like conspiracy theories. Thats a lesson we should all learn, he adds quietly. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Samuelson was heard on WGN radio in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020. McDonald now is a TV reporter and anchor at Detroit's PBS station. I think whats worked so well for us is that were different enough to really complement each other, Max says. Ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will sign off after 60-year career Orion Samuelson, 86, informed his bosses he'll retire at the end of the year. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The bronze plaque is in the sidewalk outside the Tribune Tower studios at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. He went one further when he got Orion into public speaking contests. 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. Orion Samuelson has 1 sibling. Samuelson: Well, because we were able to talk more than planting corn or soybeans. One newscaster spent a week fathering Orion through three floors of studios, until he knew where to go and when to be there. PDF Interview with Orion Samuelson AIS-V-L-2009-002 The hall of fame broadcaster and Chicago media icon says he'll end his run at the end of the year. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Samuelson retires on December 31 after marking more than 60 years with the . Thats what I did and it took me a couple of weeks to convince Max to make the move from Bloomington to Chicago. So Id get up in the morning and Id help dad milk cows. Sirott: You had to be pinching yourself at times along the way? Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . [12], Samuelson serves as a Board Member Emeritus for the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) having previously served as chairman of the board. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. Sirott: Anyone living in the Midwest over the past six decades knows that great, big, booming voice of yours. In 2010, the City of Chicago named the corner of Illinois Street and Cityfront Plaza Drive Orion Samuelson Way.. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. 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. All rights reserved. A montage of photos of the life and career of WGN Radio legend Orion Samuelson.For more, visit wgnradio.com/orion. But, this is like the time when the conspiracy theory came true. said one researcher. Samuelsen was a native of suburban San Francisco and attended college at Northwestern, before arriving in Detroit. Read full biography, Yes, Orion Samuelson is still alive 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. At 86, his voice is as strong and deep and rich as its always been. Today, Samuelson and his wife live about 50 miles west of Chicago. Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson on 60 years 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. In addition to working with farmers and ranchers, Orion Samuelson has also been involved with activities outside of the agricultural industry, including emceeing at the Tournament of Roses Parade with co-host Pam Minick. He traveled with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Prime Minister of India to see the Taj Mahal. Orion Samuelson to retire after 60 years at WGN Radio You Can't Dream Big Enough - Goodreads Their operation includes 125 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation. Moon's first wife, Seon-gil Choi, and Pastor Deok-jin Kim interviewed. The pair were married in 2001. Jim was very professional, and I learned several things from him that I still use, Orion says. [6], In 2016, Armstrong earned a plaque on the WGN Radio Walk of Fame in Chicago. Tornado flips cars, damages homes in coastal Florida city, What to know about tick, Lyme disease season, Rolling Fork on long road to recovery after tornado devastation, Floodwaters threaten to drown small California town, Experimental water release to continue Lake Mead rise, Bizarre weather becoming more common, according to NASA research, Legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson to retire in December, Some could see northern lights again: Here's where, Expert Q&A: Where Bryan Kohberger, Lori Vallow cases stand, No Mow May: Why experts say to delay mowing your lawn, Sending National Guard to SF is 'politicking:' former officer, Set of quadruplets set to graduate togehter, Texas gunman still at large, authorities have zero leads, FAA launches faster, more direct flight paths on East Coast, In debt from your kid's education? Orion Samuelson and his wife, Gloria, were kind enough to allow me to introduce myself and even pose for a quick picture. [1] He produces and hosts the Farm Progress America and Max Armstrongs Midwest Digest daily radio programs. Orion Samuelson, American broadcaster Country: United States Birthday: March 31, 1934 Age : 89 years old Birth Sign : Aries About Biography Orion Samuelson is an American broadcaster most widely known for hosting U. S. Farm Report. The Republicans were looking for someone to run against Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama. COVID-19 has complicated traditional funerals. "So I think Ill find things to do.". Orion's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. ORION-Richard Duane Samuelson, 93, of Orion, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home. WGN Radio's Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. He is a part-time farmer and has experience as a banker with an emphasis on agriculture and residential lending.. Monticello, Ind., farmer Brian Scott says his grandpa said the same thing after nearly every lunch: Orion said . Heres how the Chicago media icon has told agricultures story. 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.
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