But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. [The 90's raw: Orion Samuelson] - Media Burn Archive Like regular Orion, Air Orion will retire soon, too. Samuelson, 81, veteran agriculture-business. 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. He will retire from WGNs airwaves on Dec. 31. [9], In 2015, Armstrong published his first book, titled "Stories from the Heartland. Check Background Get Contact Info This Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All Ontario, Wis., looked like home. He was also on President Ronald Reagans short list for secretary of agriculture, which ultimately ended in John Blocks selection. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Manage Settings Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. Number 8860726. Norma National Barn Dance - Wikipedia If you eat, youre involved in agriculture is the line hes used thousands of times at such events. 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. 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.' From hosting the WGN Radio Barn Dance to breaking the news to Chicagoans of the JFK assassination. 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. [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. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. It feels like a fairy tale! 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. I would, I would like that a lot. 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. "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. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. And I cant write. I think you should do it, Orion recalls. They also spend about five weeks a year at their home in Scottsdale, Ariz. Samuelson was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2017. More: Wojo:Jamie Samuelsen brought out all the goodness, in radio and in life. It wasnt what you would call prime farmland, he says. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. Samuelsen died Saturday night at the age of 48, surroundedby McDonald and their three children. 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. Last . Orion C Samuelson, 89 - Huntley, IL - Reputation & Contact Details Continue with Recommended Cookies. She also had high praise for his care at University of Chicago. When they went on remote broadcasts, he included them in dinners. 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. 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. It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. U.S. Farm Report continued without Samuelson after his departure. Parent PLUS loans offer limited relief options but some borrowers can still access lower monthly payments, loan forgiveness and more. 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 inside WGN, his new colleagues welcomed him into the family. 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. Shes a beautiful lady and a beautiful partner, he says. Samuelson was born on a dairy farm in Ontario, Wisconsin, near LaCrosse. 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. CHICAGO (September 24, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that legendary agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire on December 31, shortly after celebrating his 60th anniversary with the station. Please help me find a news bloopers with Orion Samuelson. Dont make a mountain out of this lets wait and see what weve got was his approach to crises large and small. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. Thats why I titled my book, You Cant Dream Big Enough, Samuelson said about his book published in 2012. Before the program was over, hed scored a job at WKLJ in Sparta, Wis., less than 20 miles from the home farm. "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 . 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. 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. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. WLS had converted to "The Station With Personality" and started playing rock 'n' roll. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. 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. Feder: Orion Samuelson to retire after 60 years at WGN Radio - Daily Herald His early work was based in Wisconsin and he was working in Green Bay when his big break came and he headed south to Chicago in 1960 to work at WGN Radio where he served as head agriculture broadcaster, presenting16 agricultural reports daily. There are tens of thousands of folks who are really going to miss you. 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. The Republicans were looking for someone to run against Democratic Senate candidate Barack Obama. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. We operate in different ways. "He loved a wicked joke, a good game & a strong gimlet. I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. 'It's been quite a career': Samuelson retires after 60 - AgriNews A beloved hall of fame broadcaster and Chicago media icon if there ever was one, Samuelson, 86, informed his bosses hell bow out at the end of the year. Through the years Samuelson has remained active in organization dear to his heart including 4-H and FFA. Sirott: Well, Orion congratulations. He called the manager of the station in Green Bay and said he was going to try to steal his farm director.. He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. Orion Samuelson - Age, Birthday, Biography & Facts | HowOld.co 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. Samuelson was working at WBAY in Green Bay, Wisconsin, when Norm Kraft, WGN farm director resigned on the air. It was devastating. Fox says disease is getting tougher, These were the deadliest national parks of 2022, List of most expensive ZIP codes released, These are the cheapest days of the week to buy gas, Correspondents Dinner requires balance: Comics, Oklahoma students attend star-studded Christian revival, Expert: Some bright spots in spring housing market, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Orion tuned in for Bert Wilson calling Cubs games, and he listened to the National Barn Dance every Saturday night on WLS what was then the Prairie Farmer station to hear stars like Gene Autry. 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. 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. Three years into his tenure at WGN, he was the staffer that read the news of the John F. Kennedy assassination. It took me about two weeks to decide to accept the WGN job and it scares me to think it took that long to join a station like WGN, said Samuelson, who retired from WGN on Dec. 31. There were host farms in northern Illinois that opened on Sundays for consumers to visit, Armstrong said. Good health and happiness to you and to Gloria. I was the youngest at the radio station by nine years, he recalled. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson . Farm Progress is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC. They had a lot of misconceptions about the role food producers play in our economy and our society, Samuelson said. Both shows aired on 190 Midwest stations[7] via first-run syndication. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Few partnerships in agriculture are as easily recognized as that of Max and Orion again, by first names only. 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. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). Farm Progress Show annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services. All rights reserved. Youve educated a lot of people though, havent you? So, its one of those what might have been stories but I value my relationship with my wife, Orion says, laughing. Related:Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to ChicagoHow Orion became beloved in agricultureWhat Orion means on the farmMax on Orion: Champion for the American farmer. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. His voice is synonymous with agriculture news and after January Orion Samuelson will be stepping away from the microphone. Orions first marriage ended in divorce, and his second wife died of Lou Gehrigs disease. [3] He considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. He is best known for his association with WGN Radio in Chicago, serving as the station's head agriculture broadcaster since 1960. After high school, Orion headed to the University of Wisconsin on a scholarship, determined to learn how to be a radio announcer. Orion Samuelson AIS-V-L-2009-002 3 those sermons, never thinking that I'd someday be working (laughs) in the same studios that the Colonel was in. In addition to its syndication run, the show is broadcast on RFD-TV. Thats a lesson we should all learn, he adds quietly. In fact, it might be what they like about him best. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. What's behind shortages of Adderall, other meds? Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. 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. The money-saving move of starting at a community college rarely works as planned. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . Orion Samuelson is an American broadcaster most widely known for hosting U. S. Farm Report. 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. "Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the goodness in him," McDonald wrote on Twitter. Truman. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. Samuelson was heard on WGN radio in Chicago for sixty years as the station's head agriculture broadcaster from 1960 through 2020. [15], On September 23, 2020, Samuelson announced his retirement from WGN Radio. It makes sense, he says. From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson was the host of U.S. Farm Report, a weekly television news magazine dedicated to agriculture. Orion Samuelson Day is March 31st - LinkedIn A montage of photos of the life and career of WGN Radio legend Orion Samuelson.For more, visit wgnradio.com/orion. 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. All rights reserved. Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. 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. Yet even tragedy has a silver lining, because what do you do when youre confined to your bed in a Wisconsin farmhouse? These stories were also translated into Max Armstrong's Tractor App, launched in 2013. Why? "The Big O," as he's known, will continue to deliver five or six daily business . She began her career with. But he remembers the first time he spoke competitively: My knees never stopped shaking!. 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. Bush, who invited me to join him at the White House studio for the interview.. I just wasn't getting what I wanted, which was broadcasting. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. "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 Armstrong was full-time with WGN Radio for 32 years until 2009. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. Sirott: Orion, judging by all the listeners whove been calling us in the morning, people dont care how old you are. Since July 2009, Armstrong has been director of broadcasting for Farm Progress. During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster,. Read more:Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to ChicagoHow Orion became beloved in agricultureWhat Orion means on the farmMax on Orion: Champion for the American farmer, Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer, Farm Progress. I read about this in the encyclopedia, but now Im standing here looking at it. His grandparents were Norwegian immigrants, and the first time Orion made his way to Norway, the spot his grandparents chose to homestead made more sense: steep hills with buildings carved into them. 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.. 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. December 31st will be my last time on the air at WGN, Samuelson told me Tuesday. Orion is now single. You arent alone. Orion Samuelson | WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own [7] The induction ceremony took place on May 27, 2016, where Armstrong was honored along with 6 others. Samuelsen was a native of suburban San Francisco and attended college at Northwestern, before arriving in Detroit. He was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. He is a part-time farmer and has experience as a banker with an emphasis on agriculture and residential lending.. 00:00 Aerial shots of farmland, taken from a . A new coronavirus subvariant is starting to spread in the U.S. and, according to health experts, it could be causing an annoying symptom to return. 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. Photos: Orion through the years | WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own And thats OK. If you dont listen to your interview guests response, you wont be able to respond with something that is knowledgeable.. "[10], For 22 years, Armstrong contributed his time as an appointed Fire Commissioner in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. Its not for nothing that Orion is known as The Voice of Agriculture. Together, these two farm boys sat down every day in a studio in Chicago and talked about agriculture with a 50,000-watt transmitter and hundreds of networked stations, explaining pork bellies and beef demand to suburban housewives. 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. 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. 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 bronze plaque is in the sidewalk outside the Tribune Tower studios at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. DePue: I must tell you that I've got a military background. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Get an exclusive peek behind the scenes of The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Published in La Salle, Illinois, USA, by Shaw Media. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. Its been quite a career, Samuelson said. Ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will sign off after 60-year career