Sun-Times editor Chris Fusco leaving for California news startup, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. 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. Please help me find a news bloopers with Orion Samuelson Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. Orion Samuelsons decades of agriculture reporting has helped farmers understand the latest Washington policies and he has also helped all audiences appreciate the importance of agriculture to our communities and to the economy.. The surgeon commented that Orion is further along than patients half his age. The scholarship is presented to a college student seeking a career in agricultural communications. Armstrong was a member of NAFB for 40 years before being elected president. And yes, those programs often started and ended with an Ole and Lena joke. "So many memories," he said, "and theyll be with me as long as Im around.". For 60 years, Orion has commanded a room without even stepping into it. It would also be the last first day Orion Samuelson would ever have. [9], In 2015, Armstrong published his first book, titled "Stories from the Heartland. During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster,. 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. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. He called the manager of the station in Green Bay and said he was going to try to steal his farm director.. Parent PLUS loans offer limited relief options but some borrowers can still access lower monthly payments, loan forgiveness and more. 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. 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. In addition, the farm broadcaster also met several stars including Sophia Loren, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. At age 26, Samuelson got the call to join 50,000-watt powerhouse WGN, where he began as farm director on September 26, 1960. He served as master of ceremonies for thousands of shows and crowned dozens of queens, using his own plane to travel efficiently. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Group Inc. | All Rights Reserved. You arent alone. The money-saving move of starting at a community college rarely works as planned. 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. 'It's been quite a career': Samuelson retires after 60 - AgriNews Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. 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. If someone brought Orion fresh sweet corn or asparagus, he shared it with the engineers. 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. Her quick thinking and determination got him into surgery and saved his life and his voice. It makes sense, he says. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. The disease told my father who probably would have passed the farm on to me, but it told him that I couldnt do the heavy work of farming so I better find something else. She would never subscribe. He was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. Samuelsons travels took him to 44 countries. 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. During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster, Samuelson interviewed nine presidents and traveled to 44 countries. Radio greats like Paul Harvey called on them to explain issues and provide a counterpoint when the latest anti-ag book came out. 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. Samuelson's first day on the air at WGN was on September 26, 1960 at "milking time", 5 a.m., at age 26. 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. Simple country hospitality has always gone a long way, Max says. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . She began her career with. I just wasn't getting what I wanted, which was broadcasting. [4] The show is a weekly agriculture television show, produced by OMAX Communications, LLC in cooperation with 22 Creative Group and Farm Progress. Samuelson began his broadcasting career in Wisconsin and will officially sign off from his job at WGN radio in Chicago. Orion Samuelson Day is March 31st - LinkedIn Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. "[10], For 22 years, Armstrong contributed his time as an appointed Fire Commissioner in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. 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. Like regular Orion, Air Orion will retire soon, too. The Tigers on Sunday held a moment of silence. Orions first marriage ended in divorce, and his second wife died of Lou Gehrigs disease. CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. "They werent teaching me to be a broadcaster, they were teaching me to be a writer. PDF Interview with Orion Samuelson AIS-V-L-2009-002 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. 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. Lake Orion man runs marathon for great cause that saved his wife's life National Barn Dance - Wikipedia Orion's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. Farm Report in 1975 and. From 1975 to 2005, Samuelson was the host of U.S. Farm Report, a weekly television news magazine dedicated to agriculture. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. Not even Earl Butz had this kind of name recognition. It was devastating. Luckily for farmers, Samuelson had once considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before heading off to radio school. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. He was much better than I would have been, Orion reassures. Cause I didnt think I was very important and then somebody said 60 years. 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. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. [3] He considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. At 86, his voice is as strong and deep and rich as its always been. Samuelson has spent over 60 years perfecting this talent, first at radio stations in Wisconsin before starting his job at Chicagos WGN Radio in September 1960. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. But even 60 years later, you can hear awe in his familiar baritone. Ontario, Wis., looked like home. I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. 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. Orion Samuelson was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. Having trouble filling a prescription? Like the farmers hes served all these years, Orion celebrated that last first day on the job long ago. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. The pair were married in 2001. When they went on remote broadcasts, he included them in dinners. I walked into the studio and I thought, Im working with some big names at a big radio station veterans and theyre going to ignore me! But they did just the opposite, he says, laughing. updated October 9, 2020 (Her name, can also be written Sun-kil Choi, Sun Kil Choi or Choi Sun-kil but that is not so accurate.) The University of Illinois also presented Samuelson with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters. Today, Samuelson and his wife live about 50 miles west of Chicago. canceling National Barn Dance outright. Wellman farmer Clint Whetstine stands in front of destroyed pens and barns from tornado. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Youve educated a lot of people though, havent you? While at WGN radio in Chicago, the "Big O"covered agriculture and food production, met with U.S. presidents, travelled to dozens of countries, and encountered many foreign dignitaries, all while reporting on the contributions of American agriculture to the U.S. and world economy. 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. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. He listened to the veterans around him, picking out the good things they did that people liked. She replied that she read them occasionally, and that was enough. WGN Radio Names Reporter Steve Alexander To Take Over for Orion He doesnt disagree. Gloria Samuelson may get the biggest credit of all: saving Orions life. The show moved to Chicago's WGN-AM, with Orion Samuelson as the show's host, until it finally left the air in 1968. [5], In 2001, Armstrong was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the NAFB. McDonald now is a TV reporter and anchor at Detroit's PBS station. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. Samuelson was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2017. After high school, Orion headed to the University of Wisconsin on a scholarship, determined to learn how to be a radio announcer. Feder: Orion Samuelson to retire after 60 years at WGN Radio - Daily Herald The number of Americans seeking mental health treatment isalmost twiceas high as it was two decades ago. ), I dont know what happened to the guy who came in first, Orion says, laughing. Then I realize weve got more work to do., The question Samuelson has been asked the most is, What is a frozen pork belly?. "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 . CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that reporter Steve Alexander will assume responsibilities from agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson beginning in January. "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?. Samuelsen's wife: 'Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the One newscaster spent a week fathering Orion through three floors of studios, until he knew where to go and when to be there. Samuelson: Well, Ive been pleased obviously, but by the same token, Ive been stunned. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. He will retire from WGNs airwaves on Dec. 31. Moon's first wife, Seon-gil Choi - The Tragedy of the Six Marys And then you start dreaming. This page was last edited on 20 November 2022, at 09:03. 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 2005. His career led him to have dinner at the White House and travel to 43 countries [4] including Cuba, where he shook hands with Fidel Castro, Moscow where he met with Mikhail Gorbachev, and England to broadcast live from the Royal Agricultural Show (aka Royal Show). Max Armstrong - Wikipedia Well known ag broadcaster Orion Samuelson will retire this month after 60 years in the field. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. 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. Throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, Prairie Farmer owned WLS, airing farm and rural programming such as the National Barn Dance and more. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . Samuelsen died Saturday night at the age of 48, surroundedby McDonald and their three children. Through the years Samuelson has remained active in organization dear to his heart including 4-H and FFA. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. Dont make a mountain out of this lets wait and see what weve got was his approach to crises large and small. They plan to divide their time between homes in west suburban Huntley and Scottsdale, Arizona. In the clip the announcer says, "Now, here's Orion Samuelson," but Orion seems not to have heard! In those early years at WGN, on both radio and live television, Orion honed his craft and his on-air work, including his signature pronunciation of the word ag-er-a-cul-ture, with a few extra syllables. As a farm boy on a milk stool on a cold January morning in a barn in Wisconsin, I could have never dreamed I would have the opportunity to do what Ive done and meet the people Ive met.. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. You cant respond to someone until you listen to them, and you cant ask the right questions until you learn where theyre coming from. 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. [7] The induction ceremony took place on May 27, 2016, where Armstrong was honored along with 6 others. 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. Shes a beautiful lady and a beautiful partner, he says. But, this is like the time when the conspiracy theory came true. said one researcher. 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. If you eat, youre involved in agriculture is the line hes used thousands of times at such events. Its been quite a career, Samuelson said. announced his diagnosis and that he'd been battling the disease for 19 months, Wojo:Jamie Samuelsen brought out all the goodness, in radio and in life, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. [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. Yet even tragedy has a silver lining, because what do you do when youre confined to your bed in a Wisconsin farmhouse? Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. 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. Monticello, Ind., farmer Brian Scott says his grandpa said the same thing after nearly every lunch: Orion said . Reverence, always. Kathryn Samuelson, Judith Samuelson, Gloria Samuelson, James Warren and Lois Long, and many others are family members and associates of Orion. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. He hopes to give the Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions another go in 2021 working hard to create some magic in the Coliseum for young livestock exhibitors. It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. We would talk about trade with China. Report: Orion Samuelson to Retire After 60 Years at WGN-AM - RADIO ONLINE He drove home every weekend to be a polka music disc jockey. 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. It wasnt what you would call prime farmland, he says. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson . That is unheard of in this industry., Field Editor's Blog @AgNews_Doran: Best wishes to Orion in his retirement https://t.co/abTEj8w1v7. I think you should do it, Orion recalls. As a kid, Orion served as "that voice on the radio" that I became . Luckily, a copycat recipe is easy enough to copy. Orion Samuelson has 1 sibling. So, its one of those what might have been stories but I value my relationship with my wife, Orion says, laughing. Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. The second is a parody of the poem " A Visit from Saint Nicholas ." Celebrating 60 Years of Orion SamuelsonAudio|Video|PhotosEmail|Voicemail|Scholarship. 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. [1] He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Famein 2003. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . We operate in different ways. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. My buddies in the military can never understand why in the world the First Infantry Division They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries. But he remembers the first time he spoke competitively: My knees never stopped shaking!. No funeral arrangements have been announced. WGN Radios Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. 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They had a lot of misconceptions about the role food producers play in our economy and our society, Samuelson said. 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. 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. 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. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. Whats been your reaction to this outpouring of love for you? Max Armstrong (born June 13, 1953, Owensville, Indiana) is an American agriculture broadcaster from Chicago, Illinois. 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. [10][11] In 2014 he was awarded the VERITAS award by American Agri-Women (AAW) Organization. Orion's spirits are high and he is looking forward to returning to the airwaves as soon as he gets the 'go ahead. . His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. It was a good first day on the job. Enjoy the next phase of your life. "He loved a wicked joke, a good game & a strong gimlet. I dont ever remember working on a style, he says, but I never took my voice for granted. And it, I think, became pretty well known to most people that agriculture was indeed a contributor to the nations income. Both shows aired on 190 Midwest stations[7] via first-run syndication. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. You Can't Dream Big Enough: The American Farmer's Best 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. And then Id drive 17 miles to the radio station, Id get home in time to help milk cows at night. 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. Published in La Salle, Illinois, USA, by Shaw Media. 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]. Richard Samuelson Obituary (1927 - 2021) - Moline, IA - The Rock Island 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. He wouldnt walk again for two years. 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. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). 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. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. "I couldn't believe it was happening," he says today. 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. Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. Samuelson retires on December 31 after marking more than 60 years with the . 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. 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. Wind noise is frequently loud on the tape. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. Join Brad Montague for a Fantastic Journey into the Bureau of Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower.
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