The hall of fame broadcaster and Chicago media icon says he'll end his run at the end of the year. Through the years Samuelson has remained active in organization dear to his heart including 4-H and FFA. Max Armstrong was named an Honorary Master Farmer in 2018 by Prairie Farmer Magazine. Samuelsen missed significant time over the last month as the diagnosis got worse. He was honored at the 2010 Wisconsin Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. What's behind shortages of Adderall, other meds? They also spend about five weeks a year at their home in Scottsdale, Ariz. Norma Samuelsen was a native of suburban San Francisco and attended college at Northwestern, before arriving in Detroit. Check Background Get Contact Info This Is Me - Edit Reputation & Background View All 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. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. 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. Samuelson: No, I didnt, but, circumstances, leg disease that made it impossible to do heavy work. Thats what I did and it took me a couple of weeks to convince Max to make the move from Bloomington to Chicago. This would turn out to be his trademark generosity, as he mentored dozens of young broadcasters and interns over the coming decades. For 42 years, Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson have partnered together, first on WGN radio, and later on the TV Show U.S. Farm Report, until creating the show This Week in Agribusiness.[1]. Samuelsons travels took him to 44 countries. At WBAY, he crossed paths with a fellow ag communicator named. He was a good guy and a good listener.[3]. "Well go back and forth to Arizona and not have to worry about setting the alarm clock and making sure Im ready for the next report," he said. [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. "How do you say goodbye to a man who made everyone feel like a friend?". I didnt know what cattle dairy and beef were.. ), I dont know what happened to the guy who came in first, Orion says, laughing. Enjoy the next phase of your life. In some ways, Orion Samuelsons life sounds like a fairy tale: Farm boy makes it big in the big city, travels the world and meets presidents. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. 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. And yes, those programs often started and ended with an Ole and Lena joke. Before the program was over, hed scored a job at WKLJ in Sparta, Wis., less than 20 miles from the home farm. 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.. Sirott: When you were growing up in Wisconsin, did you have ambitions to be a broadcaster? 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. As for why his listeners love him so, Max has a few ideas: Orion is reliable, credible and accurate. If a story is worth doing, then check your facts and make sure you do it right, Jim would tell me.. Thats a lesson we should all learn, he adds quietly. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association. Good health and happiness to you and to Gloria. 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. I couldnt believe it was happening, he says today. There are options, 'Stranger than fiction': Tick bite may cause allergy, How to get out of a payday loan nightmare. Few partnerships in agriculture are as easily recognized as that of Max and Orion again, by first names only. Max Armstrong joined Orion at WGN in 1977, and as they spent the next 43 years together on air, they developed a seamless rapport. He was born on March 31, 1934 in . Private burial will be held at Western Township Cemetery. Orion Samuelson, 86, informed his bosses he'll retire at the end of the year. 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.) During his over 60 years as a farm broadcaster,. When Armstrong started at WGN, he was surrounded by announcers and personalities who were significantly older. 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. 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. The University of Illinois presented Samuelson with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters. All rights reserved. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. There are tens of thousands of folks who are really going to miss you. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently honored Samuelson with a proclamation heralding the broadcaster's long career in ag journalism. He currently co-hosts (with associate Max Armstrong) the Morning Show on Saturdays. 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. Dont make a mountain out of this lets wait and see what weve got was his approach to crises large and small. On the eve of his 60th anniversary as the booming voice of agriculture and business at WGN 720-AM, Orion Samuelson . Samuelson considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The second is a parody of the poem " A Visit from Saint Nicholas ." That's because he'd dropped out as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin at Madison after only three months. 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. And I think, what am I doing standing here? At age 26, Samuelson got the call to join 50,000-watt powerhouse WGN, where he began as farm director on September 26, 1960. Join bestselling author Brad Montague in a Flip Live Event that inspires learners worldwide to embrace their creativity. The manager at WBAY called me in and said, I got a call from WGN, and they want to talk to you. National Association of Farm Broadcasting ("NAFB"), "The Morning Show with Orion and Max | WGN Radio - 720 AM", "National President Election Profile: Max Armstrong", "Armstrong Earns Plaque On The WGN Radio Walk Of Fame", "Seven honorees named to WGN Radio Walk of Fame", "Max Armstrong's Tractor App Now Available", "Max Armstrong // Purdue College of Liberal Arts", "Max Armstrong Named Honorary Master Farmer", Chicago Radio Spotlight interview with Max Armstrong, Max Armstrong's Tractor App in the Daily Herald, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Max_Armstrong&oldid=1122875638, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. [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. But mainly, hes told agricultures story from downtown Chicago, where he became a media icon and a beloved hall of fame broadcaster. 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. Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazines coverage. Samuelson retires on December 31 after marking more than 60 years with the . Payday lenders operate in 32 states, and about 12 million Americans use payday loans each year. His early work was based in Wisconsin, at WKLJ in Sparta, WHBY in Appleton, and WBAY-TV/AM in Green Bay. But times and tastes changed, and in early 1960, ABC bought WLS and converted it to a rock-and-roll station. 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. According to his impressive resume, Samuelson is the only broadcaster to receive two Oscars in Agriculture from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. "He loved a wicked joke, a good game & a strong gimlet. Orion spent one Sunday at then-Rep. Denny Hasterts house, running through the possibilities. The money-saving move of starting at a community college rarely works as planned. On September 26, 1960, Orion Samuelson joined WGN Radio. 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. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association. 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. But, this is like the time when the conspiracy theory came true. said one researcher. Hes originated broadcasts from all 50 states and 44 countries. 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. Sirott: Well, Orion congratulations. Chicago radio legend Orion Samuelson is out of intensive care and recovering from heart-valve replacement surgery, his wife said Wednesday. And for all of the listeners and for all of us who have had the great fortune to work with you here, we thank you. Last night, apropos of little to nothing, one of the hosts intoned that The New York Times and The Washington Post were far too left-wing for her to read. In addition to that, Ive interviewed nine presidents, including George H.W. But even 60 years later, you can hear awe in his familiar baritone. Copyright 2022 agrinews-pubs.com. "They werent teaching me to be a broadcaster, they were teaching me to be a writer. Registered in England and Wales. He will be turning 90 in only 335 days from today (01 May, 2023). At 97.1, which he joined in 2012, he first co-hosted with News columnist Bob Wojnowski for four years, and since 2016 he has worked with Mike Stone. Samuelson is a 2003 National Radio Hall of Fame inductee. The Wisconsin farm boy got a lot of surprises in Chicago, including flattened tires for parking in the wrong spot and a missed market report or two, thanks to slow elevators in the Tribune Tower. He will retire from WGNs airwaves on Dec. 31. They still do a one-hour radio show together every Saturday at 5a.m., and they partner on This Week in AgriBusiness, airing on television stations nationwide and on RFD-TV. 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. This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. 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. 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. [2], Politically, Samuelson supported the production of ethanol fuel from corn, to help American farmers.[8]. Wind noise is frequently loud on the tape. 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. "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. [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. CHICAGO (December 17, 2020) - WGN Radio announced that reporter Steve Alexander will assume responsibilities from agribusiness broadcaster Orion Samuelson beginning in January. (10 years younger) if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'howold_co-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-howold_co-medrectangle-3-0'); Orion Samuelson was born on the 31th of March 1934, which was a Saturday. 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. FAIRY TALE? Samuelson: Well, Ive been pleased obviously, but by the same token, Ive been stunned. It makes sense, he says. It wasnt what you would call prime farmland, he says. He is a part-time farmer and has experience as a banker with an emphasis on agriculture and residential lending.. An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. Cause I didnt think I was very important and then somebody said 60 years. He served as master of ceremonies for thousands of shows and crowned dozens of queens, using his own plane to travel efficiently. Orion Samuelson started his career at WGN Radio in September 1960, when the presidential election involved Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. It would also be the last first day Orion Samuelson would ever have. 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. 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. 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. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. And Im looking at that building, this monument that the man built for his wife. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. They had a lot of misconceptions about the role food producers play in our economy and our society, Samuelson said. Televised "Hometown Heroes" featuring Orion Samuelson to air on NewsNation on Dec. 18. He gave an emotional update last Monday on the air, saying he wasn't saying his goodbyes, but colleagues feared otherwise. 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. Samuelson: Yeah, without a doubt. 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. He was cut from the same cloth as Paul Harvey. Orion Samuelson and his wife, Gloria, were kind enough to allow me to introduce myself and even pose for a quick picture. 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. WGN Radios Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. canceling National Barn Dance outright. [1] He produces and hosts the Farm Progress America and Max Armstrongs Midwest Digest daily radio programs. Orion Samuelson was just 27 years old when he made his way up North Michigan Avenue, striding toward the Tribune Tower. When I started, Orion was so highly regarded by everyone at WGN. Plant-based product fixes nitrogen for corn, Report provides rangeland carbon market insight, Kansas State University veterinarian shares tips to prepare cattle for summer, Commodity Classic offers look at latest in ag equipment, tech, Orion Samuelson: Explaining agriculture to Chicago, Max on Orion: Champion for the American farmer. He wouldnt walk again for two years. Samuelson: And I did! I love being in the countryside and on farms. Sirott: Orion, judging by all the listeners whove been calling us in the morning, people dont care how old you are. [3] He considered becoming a Lutheran pastor before deciding on six months of radio school. I was the youngest at the radio station by nine years, he recalled. 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. ORION-Richard Duane Samuelson, 93, of Orion, passed away Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at his home. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. The Tigers on Sunday held a moment of silence. Autobiography of Orion "Big O" Samuelson, radio broadcaster on WGN in Chicago for over 50 years. A. If you eat, youre involved in agriculture is the line hes used thousands of times at such events. It is the dying refrain of a completed song, the final verse of a finished poem.Andr Maurois (18851967). "Thank you for loving Jamie and celebrating the goodness in him," McDonald wrote on Twitter. I tend to wait until tomorrow, but she said, Look at this now, because we dont wait, Orion recalls. Sirott: You had to be pinching yourself at times along the way? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Thats why I titled my book, You Cant Dream Big Enough, Samuelson said about his book published in 2012. Whats been your reaction to this outpouring of love for you? 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. 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. Samuelson was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2017. 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]. Radio greats like Paul Harvey called on them to explain issues and provide a counterpoint when the latest anti-ag book came out. Gloria took the sensible route, thinking it too taxing to campaign following a recent throat surgery. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Sirott: Anyone living in the Midwest over the past six decades knows that great, big, booming voice of yours. (And dont you wonder about the kid who beat him? That is unheard of in this industry., Field Editor's Blog @AgNews_Doran: Best wishes to Orion in his retirement https://t.co/abTEj8w1v7. The bronze plaque is in the sidewalk outside the Tribune Tower studios at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago. December 31st will be my last time on the air at WGN, Samuelson told me Tuesday. "I couldn't believe it was happening," he says today. Copyright 2023. Shes a beautiful lady and a beautiful partner, he says. Youve educated a lot of people though, havent you? From meeting with government officials and dignitaries around the world to serving as a mentor to young men and women preparing for careers in agriculture. 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. If someone brought Orion fresh sweet corn or asparagus, he shared it with the engineers. Samuelson began his broadcasting career in Wisconsin and will officially sign off from his job at WGN radio in Chicago. Orions realm is in the city with the movers and shakers.. Orion's net worth hovers over $250,000 - $499,999 with a yearly income that's about $175 - 199,999. 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. A montage of photos of the life and career of WGN Radio legend Orion Samuelson.For more, visit wgnradio.com/orion. "So I think Ill find things to do.". 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. His voice is synonymous with agriculture news and after January Orion Samuelson will be stepping away from the microphone. Monticello, Ind., farmer Brian Scott says his grandpa said the same thing after nearly every lunch: Orion said . Madonna. Orion Samuelson is a 89 years old American broadcaster from . Samuelson received a custom-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. At 86, his voice is as strong and deep and rich as its always been. I think Ive made some progress and then Ill get a call or letter from a listener who wants to know how to tell if a watermelon is ripe just by looking at it, he said. So I should recover very quickly.. And thats OK. It used to be in a compilation of news bloopers from the 70s and/or 80s, but I can't find it anymore. The first is a short musical number (in thirty-two-bar form) in which Yogi shops for his wife and, considering buying a nightgown for his wife but not knowing her size, opts to buy her a carpet sweeper as his gift to her. Lions head coach Matt Patricia, on his own, called into 97.1 on Monday morning to share his sympathies. The family farm includes Johns parents and their three children. Memorials may be made to Heartland. 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. Later, Orion would earn an honorary doctor of letters from the U of I. 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. He traveled with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Prime Minister of India to see the Taj Mahal. In fact, it might be what they like about him best. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Manage Settings CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. [5], In 2001, Armstrong was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the NAFB. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It feels like a fairy tale! Thank you. 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. Over the years, Orion originated broadcasts all over the world, including 10 times in China and four in Russia. I dont like conspiracy theories. 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. 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.. 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.

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